Why the Parish connection might be the most important link in a thriving school community

When Archbishop Robert Dunne laid the foundation stone for a Catholic school at Toowong on 2 November 1902, he offered words that continue to resonate more than a century later.

“Cherish the school as your own. Cuddle it to your hearts, make it the apple of your eye. There is nothing in the world that will reward you so well,” he said.

Now 124 years on, the connection between St Ignatius School, Toowong, and St Ignatius Parish continues to flourish, with the partnership between the two remaining a defining feature of everyday life.

St Ignatius School Principal Benedict Campbell said that established together, the Parish and school were never meant to exist in isolation, and that this enduring partnership continues to shape the community today.

“This connection was strengthened again this year through our shared International Women’s Day ‘Fill Your Cup Breakfast: Conversations and Community’ event,” he said.

“Drawing together women from the school, Parish and wider Toowong and Auchenflower communities, the morning celebrated the powerful relationships that form when faith and community meet.
 
“Through shared conversations, wisdom and reflection, participants explored what sustains them physically, emotionally, and spiritually amid busy family lives.

“The result was something deeply meaningful, women experiencing connection, joy and a profound sense of deep belonging to both our school and Parish.”

Benedict adds the connection continues to grow, be cherished, nurtured and shared, just as it was always intended.

“From Welcome Mass that brings families and parishioners together, to the celebrations of student leadership and service, to shared moments of prayer and reflection and learning and connection, the partnership between our school and Parish is lived every day,” he said.

“Moments such as this reflect the enduring legacy Archbishop Dunne spoke of more than a century ago.

“A Parish and school united by faith do more than educate, they build community, nurture hearts, and create spaces where people are known, valued and supported across generations.”

St Ignatius School is also blessed by our strong links with neighbouring Parish communities, including Holy Spirit Church, Auchenflower.

For more information about St Ignatius School, Toowong or to enrol click here.

Want to know more about what makes a BCE school special? Explore Catholic schools in Brisbane today, click here. 

About Catholic Education Week (CEW) 2026

CEW (26 July to 1 August) celebrations will centre around a new theme, ‘Share your light, inspire others.’ Calling for students, staff and school communities to recognise their gifts and share them generously.
 
It captures both the personal and communal dimension of Catholic education: nurturing individual talents and faith, and inspiring others through service, compassion and example.

Image caption: St Ignatius School, Toowong students at Holy Spirit Church, Auchenflower. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ignatius School, Toowong (2025).