Welcome

Welcome to St Raphael's College which is the Womens'-only College within The Combined Catholic Colleges of St Raphael & St Paul. 

The College has a proud tradition which extends back over a period of almost 40 years.  For the first thirty-five years of its existence, St Raphael's was run by members of The Grail, a world-wide Catholic Women's movement which is especially dedicated to the education of women throughout the world.  At the commencement of 2006, St Raphael's College joined with St Paul's Catholic co-educational College to become The Combined Catholic Colleges of St Raphael & St Paul.  Both Colleges operate under the auspices of The Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Townsville.

In mid-2007, Mr Tom Tarttelin was appointed Principal of The Combined Catholic Colleges and Ms Mary Rowan was appointed Assistant Principal and Head of College, St Raphael's.  The Principal and Assistant Principal are required to report to a College Council on a regular basis throughout the year.  The Council is comprised of 12 members who meet to discuss College business and operations with The Principal and Assistant Principal.  The Principal and Assistant Principal are responsible for the day-to-day management of the College and are also responsible for policy-making decisions which directly affect the College.

The capacity of St Raphael's is for 78 students.  The rooms are mainly single, domitory-style rooms, however, there are a number of ensuite rooms and flats available from time to time.    Resident Assistants assist the Head of College (Assistant Principal) with student management.  The Head of College (Assistant Principal) lives on-site within the College in very close proximity to the students and is readily contactable at all times.   A Student Executive operates within the College and is responsible for promoting student participation in the many social, cultural and sporting events in the College.  There is a very strong emphasis on community in the College and each Resident is expected to make a contribution to promote and strengthen the College spirit and ethos. Spiritual aspects of the College include a weekly Mass (held in St Paul’s Chapel on Sunday evenings at 7pm throughout semesters,) together with various prayer meetings, scripture readings and liturgies held on a regular basis.  A social justice group aligned to the St Vincent de Paul Society also operates within St Raphael's.

The College has a long tradition of outstanding academic achievement, and one of its main emphases is on promoting an academic atmosphere and environment.  Students within the College are engaged in courses ranging from Medicine, Law, Education, Science, Sports Science, New Media Arts, Veterinary Science, Journalism, Pharmacy, Engineering, Nursing Science, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Chemical Engineering, Archeology, Anthropology and many other disciplines.  The emphasis on academic achievement does not, though, negate a vibrant social atmosphere which exists in the College and to which all residents are invited to participate.  Monthly Birthday Bashes, regular Movie Nights and many other community-related activities add to the congenial atmosphere for all residents. 

The College welcomes students from a diverse range of faiths, cultures and countries and you are welcome to browse through our remaining web-pages to familiarize yourself with the facilities and the "special environment and atmosphere" which pervades St Raphael’s.