Students at St Ignatius School in Toowong have proven that hope is a “doing word” this Easter, marking the season with a vibrant Easter Hat Parade and a major charitable drive for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.
The school community gathered on Wednesday 1 April to celebrate the season of renewal, while simultaneously answering a call to support those living on the margins. Families donated a mountain of Easter eggs, soft toys, activities, and stickers to create gift baskets for those experiencing poverty, turning a traditional school celebration into a hands-on lesson in global generosity.
The effort is part of a massive coordinated response from Brisbane Catholic Education, with students across its 146 schools uniting to support the 2026 Project Compassion theme: Unite Against Poverty.
Hope as a Practical Choice
For St Ignatius Principal Benedict Campbell, these activities go beyond simple fundraising; they reflect a core conviction that Catholic education must look outward.
“Hope is not about ignoring the challenges people face,” Mr Campbell said. “Rather, hope invites students to walk alongside others with compassion, trusting that love and faith can bring light even in difficult times.”
He noted that the Easter story provides the clearest blueprint for the school’s commitment to service. “At Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’ example,” he said. “He did not turn away from the suffering of the world but responded with care, generosity and self-giving love. That is the kind of hope we aim to nurture in our students.”
A Tradition of Service
This practical approach to faith sits naturally within the school’s identity. With a history in the Toowong parish stretching back over a century, the school continues to model its outreach on the Ignatian tradition of “faith in action.”
By participating in Project Compassion, which supports long-term development programs in over 100 countries, St Ignatius students joined a national movement of approximately 1,700 schools and 1,200 parishes.
For the students parading in their handmade hats, the message was clear: belonging extends far beyond the school gate. Through these small, shared acts of generosity, the Toowong community is helping to place the dignity of the “global family” at the centre of their Easter celebrations.
Get Involved
Families interested in St Ignatius School can learn more by visiting the school’s website or calling (07) 3371 1094, while those who want to support Caritas Australia’s 2026 Project Compassion appeal can head to caritas.org.au/project-compassion to make a contribution.
Published 6-April-2026.
