Ten years ago, His Holiness Pope Francis (1936–2025) penned Laudato Si’, a heartfelt encyclical calling people around the world to care deeply for our planet and one another.
This year’s Laudato Si’ Week (24 to 31 May) carries profound weight for Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) 78,000 students as they reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis and embrace this year’s theme, Raising Hope.
Across BCE’s 146 schools, the spirit of Laudato Si’ will continue to grow—in the gardens, the students tend to, the sustainable practices embedded into classrooms, and the way students care for creation and one another.
St Brendan’s Primary School Principal Cathryn Caldwell said, “As we mark a decade of inspiration and action, our school commits to walking gently on this Earth, guided by Pope Francis’s vision for a more just and sustainable world”.
“Pope Francis’ vision comes to life through initiatives like our Garden Club,” she said.
“The Garden Club offers students the opportunity to work together to plan a garden, prepare garden beds, plant seedlings, nurture them, and witness their full life cycle.
“Along the way, students experience the joy of harvesting herbs, pumpkins, cucumbers, lemons, and tomatoes.
“Through the gardening process, our students learn to care for young plants and animals, becoming true stewards of creation.”
Cathryn adds, “More than just a garden, this space offers students a place for respite and joy”.
“Throughout the day, our students explore the garden's pathways, investigating the living creatures they find—experiencing the awe and wonder in God’s creation.”
St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket is living out the Laudato Si’ Week’s theme—Raising Hope.
St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket Principal John Hinton said, “As we reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, our students are honouring His Holinesses’ vision through hands-on sustainability projects that build knowledge, connection, and social responsibility.
“Our Environment Leadership Ministry, Garden, and Environmental Warriors Club is more than just gardening or recycling–it’s about fostering a deep respect for creation and empowering students to make a meaningful difference in their world,” he said.
“Through the initiative, students learn to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs without using chemicals.
“We also show our students how to recycle properly to reduce waste across the school—building habits that last a lifetime.
“Together we are building a greener, more sustainable school community—one step at a time.”
Brisbane Catholic Education is committed to enacting the Brisbane Archdiocese Laudato Si’ Action Plan 2024-2026.
For more information about St Brendan’s Primary School, Moorooka or to enrol click here.
For more information about St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket or to enrol click here. 
©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket (2025).