Brigidine College, Indooroopilly

Year of Justice: Living Our Values Through Action

Our Year of Justice has brought the community together in thoughtful, meaningful, and often inspiring ways. Guided by the Kildare Ministries Living Justice Living Peace Charter, we have challenged ourselves not only to speak about justice, but to live it through our actions, connected relationships, and service to others. 

A significant focus this year has been the power of dialogue. The opportunity for students and community to use their voice not only enhances connections, but it has also primarily enabled the marginalised to be heard. The introduction of our Brigidine College Comhrá Council has provided students with new opportunities to have their voices heard, fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared responsibility. The Irish word comhrá, meaning conversation, reflects our belief that authentic listening is at the heart of creating a just community. 

Our students and staff have embraced opportunities to gain experience about justice in action. Recently, Year 10 and Year 6 students participated in the Courage to Care program, hearing powerful stories that challenged them to stand against prejudice and discrimination. Their reflections demonstrated the depth of compassion, courage, and understanding that exists within our College community.

One of the key learnings for students and staff, is how the invitation to connect, involves an understanding of how we live together in a just way. We need to live in ways where the stranger is invited into a place where we go out of our way to know and ‘walk with others.’ This is in the playground, the classroom, the staffrooms and where we meet each day. 

Justice is identified and celebrated through diversity and belonging. Our Cultural Diversity Day highlighted the rich cultures that make up and enhance our community, with students proudly sharing traditions, food, music, language, and stories. The enthusiasm, leadership, and collaboration displayed by students highlighted the importance of respecting and celebrating the dignity of every person. 

Service continues to be a cornerstone of a Brigidine education. Through our Social Justice Service Program, participation in St Vincent de Paul, Justice and Democracy, Environment Club, Rosie's outreach, fundraising initiatives, and preparations for Mission Day, students have continued to place the needs of others at the centre of their actions. These experiences remind us that justice begins with small acts of kindness and grows through a commitment to the common good. 

I am immensely proud of our students and staff, for it where we meet the stranger and invite them in. Throughout 2026 the community demonstrates that justice is not simply an idea or a theme. It is a way of living. Through courage, compassion, service, and dialogue, our community continues to give voice to those most in need and to build a more just and hopeful future for all.

Brendan Cahill

Principal

Brigidine College Indooroopilly