The Spirit of 'The Cross'

Castle House is named after Castle Hill, the iconic pink-granite landmark overlooking Townsville, the Coral Sea, and Magnetic Island.

In 1864, pioneer Andrew Ball named the hill for its resemblance to the hills of the British Isles. Over time, Castle Hill became a symbol of strength and vigilance, serving as a strategic lookout during World War II and continuing today as a site for key communication towers.

One of Castle Hill’s most recognisable features is the Castle Hill Saint, an iconic image painted in 1962 by students from James Cook University, inspired by the television series The Saint. Now heritage-listed, the Saint is deeply woven into Townsville’s identity and inspired the Castle Saints name and mascot.

The Castle House motto, Courage in the Conquest, reflects both this history and the values expected of every Castle Saint. It reminds students that true success is not measured by comparison with others, but by the courage shown when facing challenge, uncertainty, and self-doubt. 

Just as Castle Hill stands firm above the city, Castle Saints are encouraged to rise to challenges with bravery, perseverance, and belief in their own potential.

To be a Castle Saint is to step toward difficulty rather than avoid it, to learn from setbacks, and to grow through effort and resilience. The motto calls students to act with integrity, strive for mastery, and approach all areas of learning, relationships, and personal growth with determination and hope. 

Courage in the Conquest is a call to live boldly, seeing obstacles not as barriers, but as opportunities to become stronger, wiser, and more capable.

Elliot House is named after Mount Elliot, a commanding peak rising 1,211 metres within Bowling Green Bay National Park, just south of Townsville.

 Known for its steep, rainforest-covered slopes and proximity to Alligator Creek, the mountain represents challenge, endurance, and aspiration.

Mount Elliot was likely named around 1815–1816 by Thomas Stewart, captain of the Lady Elliot, in honour of the wife of Hugh Elliot. While Alligator Creek’s name comes not from reptiles but from the vessel Alligator that ran aground at its mouth, the creek remains a distinctive local landmark and inspired the Elliot House mascot: the Alligators.

The Elliot House motto, Excellence in All, reflects both the strength of its namesake and the values expected of every Elliot Alligator. It is a call to pursue the highest standards - not only in academic or sporting pursuits, but in character, effort, and the way students treat others. Excellence is understood not as a single achievement, but as a daily choice and a consistent way of living.

For Elliot Alligators, “Excellence in All” carries a dual meaning: striving for excellence across all areas of life, academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual, recognising that excellence belongs to all people. 

Every member of the House is encouraged, supported, and challenged to grow, contribute, and reach their potential.

To be an Elliot Alligator is to take pride in every task, to act with integrity, and to pursue growth holistically. It means uplifting others, building a positive and inclusive culture, and recognising the unique strengths each person brings.

Through teamwork, humility, and consistency, Excellence in All becomes more than a motto, it becomes a shared pursuit that unites and strengthens the entire House.

Hervey House is named after the Hervey Range, a striking mountain range and rural locality approximately 39 kilometres north of Townsville. Known for its sweeping views, rugged landscapes, and strong connection to exploration and the land, the range stands as a symbol of elevation, endurance, and perspective. The locality spans both the Townsville and Charters Towers regions, with Mount Cataract as its highest point.

Hervey Range was named in 1861 by Phillip Somers, after his pastoral partner and co-owner of Dotswood Station, Matthew Hervey. Somers was also a member of Allan Cunningham’s expedition, further linking the area to exploration, ambition, and discovery. The Hervey House mascot, the Rangers, reflects the distinctive landform of the range and its connection to strength, guardianship, and resilience.

The Hervey House motto, Rise Above the Rest, draws directly from this landscape and history. It challenges students to elevate themselves - not in comparison with others, but in character, effort, and mindset. Rising above is about pushing beyond what is comfortable or expected, setting high personal standards, and striving to become the best version of oneself.

To be a Hervey Ranger is to refuse to settle for “good enough.” It means showing resilience in the face of challenge, learning from setbacks, and continuing forward with courage and determination.

Hervey Rangers lead by example, act with integrity, and uplift those around them, helping to create a culture where everyone is encouraged to aim higher.

Ultimately, Rise Above the Rest is a call to continual growth. It invites students to stretch themselves, to strive with purpose, and to rise again and again, becoming people of strength, integrity, and excellence as they climb toward their full potential.

Louisa House is named after Mount Louisa, a prominent hill located about 10 kilometres west of Townsville. 

Rising 193 metres above sea level, Mount Louisa features walking tracks to the summit with panoramic views of the city, Magnetic Island, and the Coral Sea. The area has a rich history: it served as a military depot and airstrip during World War II, with residential development beginning in the 1970s. 

The mountain was named in April 1864 by pioneer Andrew Ball while exploring Cleveland Bay. The Louisa Jets mascot reflects this aviation and military heritage, symbolising speed, precision, and teamwork.

The Louisa House motto, Together We Soar, embodies the values of collaboration, support, and shared achievement. It reminds students that true success is not a solo journey: by combining strengths, supporting one another, and working toward common goals, the House can rise higher than any individual alone. 

The motto encourages aiming high, striving for personal and collective excellence, and recognising that growth comes through effort, connection, and unity.

Being a Louisa Jet means valuing collaboration, inspiring others through action, and moving forward together. It is about setting high personal standards while helping peers lift theirs, supporting one another through challenges, and creating a sense of belonging where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential. 

Together We Soar invites students to embrace teamwork as a way of life - celebrating relationships, shared success, and the idea that the House, the school, and the community shine brightest when everyone rises together.

Stuart House is named after Mount Stuart, a landmark rising 584 metres above Townsville, offering panoramic city views. The area includes the Lavarack Barracks military base and is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Its namesake, Clarendon Stuart, reflects a legacy of service and leadership, and the Soldiers mascot honours the strong military connections of the area.

The Stuart House motto, Leading the Charge, captures the essence of initiative, leadership, and positive influence. It reminds students that leadership is not about personal recognition, but about stepping forward with purpose, integrity, and a desire to make a difference. Leading the charge means setting a standard that inspires others, taking responsibility for action, and helping peers reach their potential. 

Leadership may be loud or quiet, visible or behind-the-scenes, but it always carries the responsibility to influence others for good.

Being a Stuart Soldier means taking initiative, setting high standards in everyday choices, and showing resilience when challenges arise.

Leading the Charge calls students to be proactive leaders, bringing energy, direction, and hope to their House, school, and community, and rising to the moment when leadership is needed most.