Catholic Identity

“St Brendan’s is a Catholic School embracing our diverse Community with faith and courage in the spirit of the Mercy Tradition.” 

Supporting  Caritas Australia during LENT

St Brendan’s Primary school supports 

CARITAS Australia through Project Compassion

‘Unite Against Poverty’ with Caritas Australia's Project Compassion in 2026

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising appeal - one of the largest in the country. For over 60 years, it brings together schools, parishes, communities and individuals to reflect, pray and take action, helping to create a more just world for all.

This Lent, our students and families are invited to join thousands across the country to stand together in hope and take action for a more just world.  Our support through Project Compassion helps transform lives - bringing clean water, education, healthcare and opportunities to communities facing poverty and injustice.

Ash Wednesday, the start of LENT, students took home a Project Compassion donation box to donate money for Caritas, our major Catholic fundraising appeal for the year.   We ask that all Project Compassion boxes be returned to school by the end of this term. The boxes do not need to be completely full, any donation, big or small will be appreciated.  

We encourage all our families to support Project Compassion as it helps transform lives - bringing clean water, education, healthcare and opportunities to communities facing poverty and injustice.

Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday

On Tuesday, 17th February, we recognised Shrove Tuesday, traditionally known as Pancake Tuesday. A wonderful team of Year 6 students were on their feet shaking mixes and delivering pancakes across the school from 8.45am till around 11am.  Parent helpers flipped and made over 1,000 pancakes as our students all enjoyed two pancakes each.

A BIG Thank you to the many families who donated ingredients and a gold coin to help start our school’s Project Compassion campaign and also a big thank you to the wonderful parent helpers who came along to assist in making the delicious pancakes. THANK YOU!

We were able to raise just over $300 for Caritas' Project Compassion Appeal from our pancake day. Thank you to everyone who was able to support us with a gold coin donation.  This is greatly appreciated.

Through this annual tradition, we aim to raise awareness and funds for Caritas Australia. 

It’s also a timely reminder of the importance of solidarity and how each single act of kindness.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Liturgical season of Lent. It’s a solemn time of renewal and prayer. The season reflects Jesus’ time of 40 days spent in the desert.  During this Lenten Season, the students are reminded to:

PRAY- making prayer a part of our daily lives.

GIVE ALMS - taking up something that will help us to live life to the fullest and be our best selves. This could include giving to others through CARITAS.FAST-Give up something- food, sweets, devices

We are all encouraged to commit to prayer, fasting & almsgiving throughout Lent. This could be a simple act of kindness, saying a special prayer for someone every day, spending some time in quiet meditation, prayer journaling, asking someone to join in a game, giving someone an extra big smile, not having a treat and donating the money saved to Caritas' Project Compassion Appeal. 

Lent is more than saying no and giving things up. Lent is a time for us to change our lives and grow in holiness. Through the three pillars of Lent - FASTING (giving up), ALMSGIVING (giving to others) and PRAYER, we endeavour to develop a closer relationship to God. Our 40 days should be filled with reflection, service and prayer. 

Solidarity Walk next Friday, 27th February

Opening School Mass 

Friday, 6th March at 9.30am

A reminder to all families,  our WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY will come together in prayer to celebrate our Opening School WELCOME Mass on Friday, 6th at 9.30am.

Family members are invited to come along and join our students at the Mass with Father Ronald.  

We look forward to seeing friendly family members at our Mass.

Project Compassion 

DONATION BOXES for every family

Each student will receive a Project Compassion Box in week 4, to begin our Lenten journey.

Families are encouraged to fill their boxes with 'small change' at home and return them back to school by the end of term.

Lent marks the beginning of our 'OUTREACH' initiatives to support those in need around the world.

As we 'live out' our Mercy Charism, following in the footsteps of the founding sister, Catherine McAuley, we embrace this opportunity to help those in need.

Thank you in advance to all our school community families.

Catholic Identity and Assembly Prayer Dates

With Faith and Courage in the spirit of our Mercy founders,

Leanne Pellegrino (Catholic Identity Leader)