House System

Carlo Acutis (Born: 3 May 1991 in London, England – Died: 12 October 2006 in Monza, Italy ) was born into an Italian family and moved to Milan, where he was raised. From a young age, Carlo exhibited a strong faith and a love for the Eucharist, attending daily Mass. He was deeply involved in his parish community and was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. Carlo had a passion for technology and video games, which he utilised to foster his faith. He developed a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world, aimed at helping people deepen their understanding of the Eucharist. Diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15, Carlo offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church, demonstrating a mature faith beyond his years. He is regarded as a patron of the Internet and young people.

CANONISED: 7 September 2025 by Pope Leo XIV in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. FEAST DAY: 12 October.

So that everyone in Acutis House cultivates mentorship, leadership, and a caring culture rooted in mutual respect and inclusion, they promote the Values of Companionship, Loyalty and Joy.

DESIGN CONCEPT – Phoebe Castillo (Yr 11 – 2025). The Eucharist is shown through the central Chalice and Host. They symbolise St Carlo Acutis’ devotion to the Eucharist as well as his Eucharistic Miracle documentation, which could be found on the website he created. The Internet globe surrounds the Eucharist, which references the use of his computer programming skills to create online resources. It also represents his digital connections to highlight his global audience. The interlinked lines between The Eucharist and the Internet globe symbolises Acutis’ creative blend of tech and deep religious faith. The values of Companionship, Loyalty and Joy are represented in these symbols through St Carlo’s keen understanding of the goodness of being connected online and a faithful belief of Jesus being truly present in our lives, especially through the Eucharist.

Josephine Bakhita (Born: c. 1869 in Olgossa, Sudan (South Sudan) – Died: 8 February 1947 in Schio, Italy) was born in a small Sudanese village. At the age of seven, she was kidnapped by slave traders and sold multiple times, enduring horrific conditions. She was renamed “Bakhita,” meaning “fortunate” in Arabic. Eventually, she was purchased by an Italian consul who took her to Italy. There, she encountered the Canossian Sisters and learned about Christianity. After being freed legally from slavery, she embraced the faith and entered the convent in 1896. Sister Josephine devoted her life to serving others, especially the sick and needy. Her legacy emphasises forgiveness and the importance of faith amid suffering. She became a symbol of hope and grace, particularly for those who have faced oppression.

Canonised: 1 October 2000 by Pope St John Paul II in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. Feast Day: 8 February.

So that everyone in Bakhita House cultivates mentorship, leadership, and a caring culture rooted in mutual respect and inclusion, they promote the Values of Service, Justice and Hope.

DESIGN CONCEPT – Valentina Bustos (Yr 11 – 2025). The circular frame is a symbol of wholeness, eternity and community. The central Cross represents Christ’s sacrifice and the redemption he won for us. For Bakhita, the cross signifies her journey through immense suffering, escaping slavery and ultimately forgiving her captors turning to spiritual freedom found within God. It is the cross of the Canossian Sisters. The Cross is suspended by a chain representing St Josephine’s time in slavery from which she was released through human kindness. Olive branches signify peace, reconciliation, and hope. The values of Service, Justice and Hope are represented in the Cross, the image of Mary and the Olive branches.

Caroline Chisholm (Born: 30 May 1808 in Northampton, England – Died: 25 March 1877 in London, England ) was an English social reformer and humanitarian who immigrated to Australia with her husband. Concerned about the plight of immigrants and the lack of support they received in Australia, Caroline established programs to help them find work, housing, and education. She opened a home for young immigrant women, organised welfare services, and advocated for the rights of families. Known for her compassion and tireless work, Caroline played a crucial role in advocating for social reforms to improve the conditions for immigrants and families in Australia. Though she has not been Canonised yet, she is widely recognised for her dedication to service and humanitarian efforts.

Declared Servant of God on 13 June 1992 by Pope St John Paul II. Feast Day: 17 March (at SJRC).

So that everyone in Chisholm House cultivates mentorship, leadership, and a caring culture rooted in mutual respect and inclusion, they promote the Values of Perseverance, Compassion and Service.

DESIGN CONCEPT – Milla Obradovic (Yr 11 – 2025). The key is symbolic of the way Chisholm offered protection, access and opportunity, as well as her role in opening doors to independence and stability for the vulnerable. Feathers represent the writing quills that Chisholm used for communication and advocacy. The compass, which forms the Cross, is symbolic of guidance and direction, as well as representing her moral compass. At the centre of the compass cross is the heart representing the compassion of Chisholm and the source of the core values of Perseverance, Compassion and Service which are central for the students and staff who make up Chisholm House. All of this sits in the ocean which represents Chisholm’s constant travel to ensure justice was gained for those who were voiceless.

Mary MacKillop (Born: 15 January 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia – Died: 8 August 1909 in North Sydney, Australia ) was the eldest of eight children in a struggling family. She began working at a young age to support her family, and her experiences inspired her to address social injustices. In 1866, she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, an order focused on providing education to poor children, especially in rural areas of Australia. Mary’s commitment to education, despite opposition from Church authorities, made her a pioneer in the field. She faced various challenges, including excommunication, which was later revoked. Mary was known for her strong leadership and compassionate heart, and she is acknowledged for her contributions to education and the welfare of the disadvantaged in Australia.

Canonised: 17 October 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Feast Day: 8 August.

So that everyone in MacKillop House cultivates mentorship, leadership, and a caring culture rooted in mutual respect and inclusion, they promote the Values of Providence, Courage and Faith.

DESIGN CONCEPT – Mr Mark Alexander and house staff (2025). The Southern Cross is representative of Australia and God’s protection over us – especially because Mary MacKillop is Australia’s first recognised Saint. Within it sits the Cross of Christ and the AM (Ave Maria – Hail Mary) used by the Sisters of St Joseph. This is representative of the fact that MacKillop understood that all her work was for Jesus and that with the help of Mary, the Mother of God, great things could be done in this land. A key element of MacKillop’s charism was that of “providence” represented by the Holy Spirit (Dove) – the Spirit of God works in and through us – therefore, God will provide. The values of Providence (Holy Spirit), Courage (Southern Cross) and Faith (Cross of Christ and AM) are represented.

Oscar Romero (Born: 15 August 1917 in Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador – Died: 24 March 1980 in San Salvador, El Salvador ) was ordained a priest in 1942 and became known for his pastoral work and commitment to social justice. He was appointed Bishop of Santiago de Maria and later became Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977. At that time, El Salvador was experiencing extreme social upheaval, with widespread violence and human rights abuses. Romero used his voice to advocate for the poor and to denounce the injustices of the military government. His famous sermons emphasised love, peace, and solidarity with the marginalised. On March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass, he was assassinated, a martyrdom that sparked international outrage. Romero is remembered as a defender of human rights and social justice, and his legacy has inspired countless activists worldwide.

Canonised: 14 October 2018 by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Feast Day: 24 March.

So that everyone in Romero House cultivates mentorship, leadership, and a caring culture rooted in mutual respect and inclusion, they promote the Values of Grace and Service.

DESIGN CONCEPT – Zachary Lwin (Yr 9 – 2025). Grace and Service are the key values of Romero House. The hands of service hold the Scriptures represented by the Alpha and Omega (The beginning and end). Christ, through the Scriptures sends us out to be good and virtuous people and our hands are the instruments of that goodness. The Cross of Christ is the great gift (Grace) God gives us to ensure that all people are cared for with sincerity and love. Romero’s cry for justice is also the cry of the members of Romero House.

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (Born: c. 1181 in Assisi, Italy – Died: 3 October 1226 in Assisi, Italy) Francis lived a life of privilege and wealth in his youth. After a series of experiences, including a vision while imprisoned during a war, he felt called to a life of poverty and service. He renounced his wealth and founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans), emphasising a life of simplicity, humility, and love for creation. Francis is known for his care for nature and animals, often depicted preaching to birds and other creatures. He also played a critical role in the Church’s direction towards reform, emphasising the importance of loving God and our neighbors. His life inspires many to live in harmony with nature and pursue peace and simplicity.

CANONISED: 16 July 1228 by Pope Gregory IX. FEAST DAY: 4 October.

So that everyone in Assisi House cultivates mentorship, leadership, and a caring culture rooted in mutual respect and inclusion, they promote the Values of Goodness and Peace.

DESIGN CONCEPT – Maria Castillo (Yr 11 – 2025). Green represents life, growth, and connection to nature and is a nod to St Francis’ Canticle of Creation. Brown symbolises the earth, grounding, and stability. The Tau is the Cross used by the Franciscans to honour Christ in the world. The emerging plant symbolises the students in Assisi House; a young plant sprouting from the ground signifies growth, hope, and nurturing the environment. The emblem integrates elements from the Canticle of Creation, reminding us of our responsibility to care for the earth and its creatures. The plant emerging from the Tau symbolises new beginnings and the potential for growth within the community, inspired by nature’s cycles. All of this is surrounded by our values of Goodness and Peace, which calls all of us to continually care for creation, each other and ourselves.