Catholic Identity

Catholic Identity Leader

Miss Katie Rasmussen is our 2025 Catholic Identity Leader.

Celebrating St Brigid 

– A Special Connection to Our School – 

On February 1st, we celebrate the Feast of St Brigid, one of Ireland’s most beloved saints and a woman of deep faith, kindness, and leadership. This date marks the day of her death, and as with all saints, we honour her on this day, remembering the incredible legacy she left behind.

St Brigid holds a special place in the history of St Patrick’s, Tongala, as our school was founded by the Brigidine Sisters, who carried her legacy of education, service, and compassion into our community.

St Brigid is often symbolised by her cross, woven from rushes, which represents peace and protection. Legend tells us that she first created the cross while comforting a dying chieftain, using the simple rushes from the floor to explain her faith. Today, the Brigid’s Cross remains a powerful sign of her presence, and it is proudly displayed in our foyer and classrooms, reminding us of the values we strive to live by—kindness, faith, and service.

Another important link to St Brigid in our school is our shared learning space, Cill Dara. The name means "Church of the Oak" in Irish and refers to the monastery and school that St Brigid founded in Kildare, Ireland, in the 5th century. This place became a centre of faith, learning, and hospitality, where people came not only to deepen their knowledge but also to find support and belonging. At St Patrick’s, our Cill Dara learning space reflects these same values—a place where students come together to learn, grow, and support one another.

As we honour St Brigid’s legacy, may we follow her example by showing compassion to those in need, embracing lifelong learning, and being a light for others in our community.

"I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy." – St Brigid

Upcoming Mass:

St Patrick's Graduate Outcomes:

The following documents unpack and explain our school Graduate Outcomes:

Seven Catholic Social Teaching Principles

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

The CST principles which inspire our work are:

• Human Dignity
• Common Good
• Solidarity
• Subsidiarity
• Preferred Option for the Poor
• Care for Creation
• Participation

Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God.