An innovative city-country partnership with students and teachers will form part of the STEM program at some Brisbane Catholic Education schools.
Students and staff from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Waiben (Thursday Island), St Finbarr’s Catholic Primary School (Ashgrove) and St Thomas More College (Sunnybank) will connect in person and online throughout 2025.
The Brisbane students will embark on a special journey to Thursday Island, where they’ll connect with local peers, learn from Elders, engage in local STEM knowledge and immerse themselves in the vibrant Waiben community.
BCE senior manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Mayrah Dreise said the unique experiences would give city-based students a deeper understanding of First Nations perspectives, while working together on student-led STEM projects that bridge knowledge and culture.
St Thomas More students will also mentor primary students from both schools, offering insights and practical tips for a smooth transition to secondary school. Secondary students will provide regular presentations about career options, inspiring students to pursue STEM careers and make an impact in their communities.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Cairns Diocese) Principal David Graham said the partnership offered unique opportunities to connect beyond the classroom and share the rich cultural knowledge of the students at Waiben with their city peers.
“There is great excitement in our community about the potential to support our students in being change agents and using STEM as a way to make a meaningful impact in the Torres Strait,” Mr Graham said.
The innovative solutions developed will be showcased at Brisbane Catholic Education’s STEM MAD Showcase in Brisbane later this year.
St Finbarr’s School Principal Catherine Connors said the partnership allowed students to develop authentic relationships with peers who could share knowledge about Country and culture in a meaningful way.
“It will help city students develop a ‘heart’ understanding of the importance of this learning, rather than just a ‘head’ understanding,” Ms Connors said.
St Thomas More College Principal Leslie Conroy said education was more than just knowledge – it is about empowering students to use what they have learned to make a meaningful impact in the world.
“For our students, the opportunity to learn from Elders and take part in community cultural celebrations is truly invaluable,” Mr Conroy said.
The partnership is supported by the Yadha Muru Foundation and aligns with the Mpartnwe (Alice Springs) Education Declaration, which envisions a world-class education system that supports every student, regardless of their location or learning challenges.
For more information about St Finbarr’s School, Ashgrove or to enrol click here.
For more information about St Thomas More College, Sunnybank or to enrol click here.
For more information about Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Waiben or to enrol click here.
