Religious Education News 

Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Church’s year, inviting us to walk closely with Jesus through the final days of his life — from the joy of Palm Sunday, through the humility of Holy Thursday, the sorrow of Good Friday, and ultimately the hope of Easter Sunday. It is a time for reflection, prayer and renewal, as we are reminded of the depth of God’s love and the promise of new life.

For our students, Holy Week provides a meaningful opportunity to connect our faith with our daily actions. The example of Jesus calls us to live with Respect, recognising the dignity of others; to act with Integrity, choosing what is right even when it is difficult; to show Compassion, especially to those in need; and to seek Justice, standing up for fairness and kindness in our community. These values are not just words, but ways of living that reflect the message of the Gospel.

As we journey through Holy Week, we are encouraged to take time as families to pause, reflect and be present to one another. Whether through prayer, small acts of kindness, or simply slowing down together, this season reminds us that even in moments of challenge, there is always hope. May this Holy Week be a time of peace and renewal for all in our St Mary’s community.

This Lent, our school community is invited to be a part of something incredible. Once again, we are called to stand hand in hand with thousands of others across the country and Unite Against Poverty by supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. 

Last year, our school was a part of a nationwide movement that raised over $10 million to bring opportunity and change to vulnerable communities across the world. This year, with your support, we hope to have an even greater impact. 

By donating to Project Compassion through our school's donation boxes this year, you’ll be answering the Gospels’ call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most vulnerable. Your generosity will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education and water shortages, while building resilience against future challenges.

Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need. In our classrooms, we’ll be sharing four inspiring stories of resilience and strength, showing the kind of transformative change that we can play a part in achieving.

We will first be introduced to Sisilia, a young student from Tanzania, who often missed classes at school because she had to walk long distances to collect water every day. Thanks to Project Compassion and the support of schools just like ours, her community now has safe, clean water nearby – giving Sisilia more time to learn and chase her dreams of one day becoming a pilot.   

We’ll also get to know Monoranjon from Bangladesh, who is using climate-smart farming to feed his family and build a safer, more sustainable future for his children. We’ll meet Manaini, a mother of six and a grandmother of two from remote Fiji, who is learning food processing skills to create new income opportunities. And we’ll shine a light on Caritas Jerusalem staff in Gaza, who have endured displacement, personal loss and danger, yet remain committed to providing life-saving support to those in need.

Watch Caritas Australia’s Introduction to Project Compassion film HERE to be inspired by these stories and learn about the impact your support can have on vulnerable communities around the world.

Our school has the opportunity to be a part of a nationwide movement for change and to pave the way to a brighter future for people and families across the world. We can’t do it without you - will you stand with us?

Please donate today.

You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes 

You can also donate: 

Online at: projectcompassion.org.au

By phone at: 1800 024 413

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.