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  • Formation and community engagement
26 Sep 2025

St Stephen’s School, Algester students have heard the call of the universal Church. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Stephen’s School, Algester (2024).

The St Stephen’s School, Algester community has heard the call of the universal Church in 2025, joining in on the Jubilee celebrations as ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’


From song and prayer to a new Environmental STEM Program, the St Stephen’s School community is busy spreading hope wherever they go. 

Hope in harmony with creation 

St Stephen’s School Acting Principal Luke Thomsen said, “students are ready to reap what they’ve sewn in their new Environmental STEM Program this Season of Creation”.

 

“Our new STEM teacher Tracey Smith, has led the development of garden beds, now known as the Garden of Hope,” he said. 

“This garden isn’t just about growing plants; it’s about growing hope for the future. 

“The garden is a living symbol of our school’s commitment to the late Pope Francis’ call to ‘Care for Common Home.’ 

“As students learn to nurture the garden as part of their learning, they are also cultivating the values of stewardship, patience, and hope. 

“The Environmental STEM program reminds our school community that hope is not only something we receive, but it’s something we plant, tend and share with others.” 

Planting seeds of hope 

It’s not just literal seeds the school is planting, but also those of the spiritual kind, this Season of Creation with the creation of a school song.  

“At the start of each year, our school community comes together to create a school song and a prayer that reflects our school’s vision and mission for that year,” Luke said. 

“It’s my sincere hope that our song brings you the hope that lives within us all. 

“This year, our students have also been busy painting pebbles in vibrant colours for our school’s Shalom Welcome Garden. 

“Acting as a living prayer, the coloured pathway acts to spark hope in all who walk through it. 

“It’s a way for our students to share hope with others, and to walk together in peace.” ​
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Prophets of Hope 

Adding to their community values, Luke said, “we looked at how we can all be Prophets of Hope within our school community”.

“Our senior students have been learning about how school values of courage, wisdom and faith, and how they can model these values to their younger buddies,” he said. 

“Beyond this, our students and staff have also raised much needed funds for both St Vincent De Paul’s Winter Appeal, Project Compassion and Emmanuel City Mission.

“Our parent community has also jumped on board The Year of Hope by providing support to those in need. 

“The app, Meal Train, allows our parent community to make and donate meals discreetly to other families within our community at times of hardship.” 

For more information about St Stephen’s School, Algester or to enrol click here. ​