Catholic Identity

St Pat’s Gets a Caritas Shout-Out!

We were pretty excited to spot St Patrick’s Tongala featured in the latest Caritas newsletter, celebrating our Project Compassion fundraising efforts earlier this year!

From pancakes and Zooper Doopers to our bucket walk, staff lunches and raffle, it was certainly a whole-school effort. Most importantly, these activities helped our students understand that even from our little school in Tongala, we can make a real difference for others.

And the result? Our fundraising was up an incredible 60% from last year! 🙌

A huge thank you again to our students, staff, families and local businesses who supported our efforts. This was Strength and Kindliness very much in action. 💚

Scripture Reflection

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Luke 6:31

Jesus teaches us to think about how our actions affect others. Before we speak, act or make a decision, we can ask ourselves: "How would I want to be treated?"

This simple teaching can help create a community where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued.

Reflection Question:

How can I show kindness and respect to someone today?

Mary MacKillop – Australia’s Saint

This week we celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop on 8 August. Mary holds a very special place in our history as Australia’s first and only canonised saint.

Mary dedicated her life to ensuring children, particularly those living in rural and disadvantaged communities, had access to education. Her story also has connections very close to home. The Sisters of St Joseph (Josephites), the order co-founded by Mary,established schools in Rushworth, Numurkah and Nagambie, bringing education to children in rural communities just like ours.

One of Mary’s most well-known sayings was:

“Never see a need without doing something about it.”

It’s a simple message that remains just as relevant today. At St Patrick’s, we encourage our students to follow Mary’s example — to notice others, show kindness, lend a hand and have the courage to act when they see someone in need.

Mary reminds us that we don’t need to do extraordinary things to make a difference. Sometimes it starts with simply noticing what is happening around us and choosing to help.