Students Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom

IMPACT Group members at the Social Justice event. Photos supplied

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Education is about far more than academic achievement. At Holy Spirit College, students are learning the importance of compassion, service and community responsibility by putting their faith into action and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Holy Spirit College students are provided with opportunities to place catholic values into action while deepening their understanding of their role as responsible community members.  

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The College’s Catholic Identity is reflected in opportunities for students to put the teachings and example of Jesus into practice through community initiatives.

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This is reflected in the College’s Inspiring, Motivating, Promoting About Christian Teachings (IMPACT) Group and Z Club students, who have dedicated their time to causes that support and encourage others.

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IMPACT Group students first explored the challenges faced by people experiencing housing insecurity, gaining a deeper perspective on the circumstances surrounding homelessness and the importance of responding with compassion.

The recent Social Justice event provided students with the opportunity to walk in faith and respond to the issues of homelessness. Students spent months fundraising and preparing to pack Backpacks with essential items before donating them to the St Vincent de PaulSociety.

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As the year continues, the IMPACT Group is preparing for its Christmas Appeal, with students soon to support St Vincent de Paul in providing Christmas gifts and essential items to members of the Mackay community experiencing hardship.

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The same commitment to supporting others was reflected through the College’s Z Club and its involvement in the Cancer Council Ponytail Project, where students and staff came together to support the initiative, creating a strong sense of encouragement and solidarity within the College community.

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Students continue to support the Mackay region through other initiatives including Peer Support programs, Book Buddies, Environment Group, Justice Action Group, the Respect in Every Step march and Music Ministry.  

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These opportunities reflect an approach to education that values all aspects, encouraging students to recognise their strengths and use them in service of others.

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Holy Spirit College’s Catholic identity provides a foundation throughout Years 7–12, with quality learning, supportive pastoral care and a holistic approach that supports students’ character development.

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For more information about Holy Spirit College and the opportunities available for students to learn, contribute and grow within its community, contact enrolments@hsc.qld.edu.au.  

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"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in"- Matthew 25:35.

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St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School:

Inspiring Excellence, Connection and Growth

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St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School Mackay continues to provide students with a vibrant, engaging and inclusive learning environment where every child is encouraged to thrive academically, culturally, spiritually and socially.

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Throughout the year, students embrace a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that enrich their learning beyond the classroom. From sporting competitions and cultural celebrations to academic challenges and artistic achievements, St Brendan’s students have proudly represented their school and community.

Among the highlights are student participation in the Rock Pop Mime Show, the Readers Challenge Cup, Challenge Cup Netball and Rugby League, Cumberland Sports and the highly regarded Mackay Maths Competition, where one St Brendan’s team achieved an outstanding second-place finish.

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The school’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural learning was showcased through several significant events, including NAIDOC Cultural Day, which welcomed more than 30 Elders to spend time with students and staff. Students also participated in the Mackay Central Queensland University Reconciliation Week Artist Workshop, “Ochre Lens for Juniors,” led by Venita Mooney. Further success followed at the Mackay Central Queensland University Reconciliation Art Exhibition, where both St Brendan’s First Nations student entries were awarded first place.

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Students also benefit from a range of experiential learning opportunities, including the Year 4 Day Camp and extended Year 5 and Year 6 camps, fostering resilience, independence and teamwork. Looking ahead, excitement is building for the upcoming Mulga Art Experience, a whole-school immersive arts initiative designed to inspire creativity and imagination.

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St Brendan’s commitment to future-focused learning is strengthened through a STEM partnership with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, providing valuable opportunities for students to engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics in authentic and engaging ways.

Supporting this innovative learning approach are the school’s modern facilities, featuring contemporary technology, purposefully designed open-plan learning spaces, flexible educational environments and expansive green spaces and playing areas that encourage active lifestyles and outdoor play.

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Principal and staff recognise that strong partnerships between home, school and parish are central to student success. Throughout the year, the school hosts family breakfast mornings, picnic lunches, prayer celebrations, class and whole-school Masses, book fairs, book swaps, Book Week activities and mini fairs. St Brendan’s also enjoys a strong relationship with Holy Spirit College through initiatives such as STEM Day.

Parent engagement remains a cornerstone of the school community, with regular Parent Community Engagement Meetings helping to plan and deliver much-loved events including Grandparents Morning, school discos and the annual Colour Run. Parents also generously volunteer within classrooms, supporting student learning and strengthening community connections.

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Student wellbeing remains a priority at St Brendan’s. Dedicated Health and Wellbeing lessons are delivered from Prep to Year 6, supported by a Student Wellbeing Officer and School Counsellor. The school also provides sacramental program support and a range of lunchtime clubs including Chess Club, Just Dance, Chalk Art and Uno Club, ensuring students have opportunities to connect, develop new skills and build friendships.

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A strong commitment to inclusion is reflected through the presence of First Nations staff, the unique Pastoral Groups program where siblings learn together under the leadership of Year 6 students, and targeted learning support programs. Students across Prep to Year 6 benefit from comprehensive literacy and numeracy intervention programs, supported by a dedicated Learning Support Team comprising teachers and teacher assistants.

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At St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, every student is encouraged to discover their gifts, embrace challenges and develop confidence in a caring, faith-filled environment. Through excellence in education, community partnerships and a strong focus on wellbeing, St Brendan’s continues to nurture young people who are ready to make a positive difference in their world.

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