St Joseph’s Kangaroo Point showcased at the BCE Origin Story exhibit

The school cross from St Joseph’s Kangaroo Point will be part of Brisbane Catholic Education’s Origin Story exhibit to celebrate this year’s Catholic Education Week launch. 

Designed and created in collaboration with fellow Carmel College Thornlands Principal, Stephen Adair, it stands as a powerful expression of St Joseph’s dual charism- heritage and Catholic identity - carefully shaped through timber, symbol and story. 

While in her role as Assistant Principal Religious Education at St Joseph’s School, the now Principal at St Ignatius Primary School Toowong, Leree Mazzer was instrumental in developing the new school cross. 

She said every element had been intentionally chosen, drawing together the Mercy and Josephite traditions that continued to shape the life of the school. 

“From the design of the cross to the type of wood chosen, every element of the cross reflects our school’s dual charism held at its centre by Christ,” Leree said. 

“It is a story of Australian soil and Catholic faith, made visible in timber, inviting all who pass it to pause, reflect, and remember who and whose we are.” 

At first glance, the design suggests a smaller inner cross held within a larger outer form. 

“It is the inner, empty cross of the risen Christ that supports the outer form,” Leree said. 

“The larger cross represents the school community – students, staff, families, and all who belong, reminding us that the community does not carry Christ; rather, it is Christ who holds and sustains the community.” 

Leree said it was important that the school cross authentically reflected St Joseph’s identity.  

“We wanted a cross that truly spoke of our Mercy and Josephite heritage, our Australian context and our Catholic faith,” she said. 

“It holds our dual charism at its centre, anchored by Christ.” 

The result is a sacred symbol that invites pause, reflection and remembrance. A story made visible in timber, the cross stands as a daily reminder of who St Joseph’s Kangaroo Point is, and whose it is, now and into the future. 

The choice of materials 

Stephen’s deep understanding of Catholic identity and sacred symbolism was central to the design process.  

“The Mercy Sisters, whose charism continues to shape the life of the school, originated in Ireland and Irish Oak, or Sessile Oak, is a highly prized timber in Irish furniture making, valued for its strength and longevity,” Stephen said. 

“This Irish Oak forms part of the cross, connecting the school to its Mercy roots, while Australian native Grevillea robusta, commonly known as Silky Oak, forms the body of the cross and reflects the living expression of that charism on Australian soil today. 

“The solid and slightly rustic base of the cross is formed from Camphor Laurel, chosen in recognition of the school’s Josephite foundations. Camphor Laurel holds a special place in Australian Catholic heritage, including its use in the statue of Mary MacKillop in St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane. 

“It also reflects the connection of the Sisters of St Joseph to Brisbane. When living at All Hallows, the sisters used to row across the Brisbane River, whose banks at the time were dotted with Camphor Laurel saplings.” 

The BCE Origin Story exhibit