The Cathedral School

The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James, an Anglican co-educational school nestled within a beautiful leafy campus in Townsville, North Queensland, continues its commitment to providing a well-rounded education for over 107 years. With approximately 1200 students from Prep to Year 12, including 105 boarding students from Year 7 to Year 12, along with an Early Learning Centre (ELC) that serves 180 children from six weeks old to school age, our school prides itself on its nurturing environment and strong pastoral care system. We focus on the social, emotional, and spiritual development of every child, ensuring they are valued, safe, and supported in their pursuit of academic excellence.

Our 2024 NAIDOC Celebration Week, held in Term 3, was an outstanding success. The theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning. Blak, Loud and Proud,’ inspired many meaningful activities and deep reflections on the contributions of our First Nations Students and Local Elders. The week began with whole-school assemblies, featuring a flag procession and vibrant cultural performances. Junior, Middle, and Senior School students gathered to witness these celebrations, creating a sense of unity and shared respect. A major highlight of the week was the inaugural VI Principal vs VI Jonathan Thurston Touch Football game, which saw Team Thurston claim victory in a closely contested match, 5-3. The excitement carried over to our first-ever NAIDOC Colour Run, which was embraced by our boarding community with energy and enthusiasm. Throughout the week, students engaged in traditional activities such as boomerang etching, traditional games, facepainting, coconut husking, and cultural storytelling. Our First Nations Students took an active role in leading these activities, which were met with great enthusiasm from students across the school. The week culminated in a special cultural feast where students shared traditional foods like Sop Sop, Island Pancakes, Semur Chicken and damper celebrating the rich culture of our First Nations people.

One of the proudest moments for The Cathedral School in 2024 was witnessing Yanche deliver a powerful Acknowledgement to Country at The Bush Summit. Yanche represented our school and community with grace and confidence, addressing national leaders and community representatives. Her words conveyed the deep connection between Indigenous culture and the Australian landscape, emphasising the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and sustainability. This occasion was not only a reflection of Yanche’s capabilities but also a testament to the strength of leadership nurtured at our school.

The 2024 AIEF Year 12 Graduation Ceremony, held at the picturesque Taronga Zoo in Sydney, was another highlight of our school year. It was a joyous and emotional event as we celebrated the achievements of our graduating Indigenous students, who have been a source of inspiration to their peers and teachers alike. The four graduating AIEF scholarship students from our school (Grace, Keira, Vernon, and Luca), along with Sharon and myself, gathered to mark this significant milestone. The event provided an opportunity for our Year 12 students to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and share their aspirations for the future. Our graduates have shown resilience and dedication, and they leave The Cathedral School with bright futures ahead in areas such as health, education, the arts, and trades.