St Dympna’s Catholic Primary School in Aspley was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and endeavours to honour the spirit and charism of Saint Mary MacKillop. The school community is made up of around 400 dedicated families, who participate in annual fundraisers to support the the Annual Catholic Campaign.
St Dympna’s takes a real interest in supporting the Annual Catholic Campaign as a way to foster relations with the local community, and support some of the very worthy groups whose work improves the lives of parish members and local residents alike. Tanya McNeill, St Dympna’s APRE believes that the Catholic Campaign is well supported at St Dympna’s because of the strong connection that exists between her school and her parish adding that, “our school leadership feels the Catholic Campaign is a very worthy cause to support.”
Fundraising at St Dympna’s school is led by Year 6 children who belong to various committee groups that enhance the school and its religious life as well as the school’s active P&F association. To raise funds for the Church students enjoyed a family-friendly night out at the disco with all the latest hits of high rotation. Proceeds totalled over $2,000 and were donated to the 2015 Annual Catholic Campaign. Ms McNeill says, “our families appreciate these safe, friendly activities that build community spirit and the children have a great deal of fun while helping out with some good causes or major projects within our community.“
St Dympna’s supports many other Catholic events throughout the calendar year, including CARITAS Project Compassion in Term 1, Children’s Mission Month held every October and the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.
With their admirable commitment to fundraising and bringing the wider community together, St Dympna’s is just one of the many vibrant Catholic schools within our Archdiocese dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of others.
Special thanks to Tanya McNeill for contributing photographs and comments.
Banner image: St Dympna’s staff on pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney
Feature image: St Dympna’s senior students take a hands-on approach to fundraising for local causes
In 2015, 21 Brisbane Catholic Education schools helped to raise funds for the Annual Catholic Campaign. Many more of the primary schools used Annual Catholic Campaign Caring for Hearts curriculum resources to teach primary school students about the work of the local Church in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.