©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Nundah (2024).
In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit, teachers and staff from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Nundah, have been recognised for their outstanding volunteering efforts at the 2024 Lilley Volunteer Awards.
Run annually within the Lilley Electoral Division on Brisbane’s northside and presented by the Member for Lilley Anika Wells, the awards celebrate volunteers who give their time, skills, and effort for the betterment of the local community.
On Friday, May 24, the school staff at St Joseph’s were awarded the Lilley Volunteer Group Award for enhancing their student experiences through volunteer-run school programs.
Principal Renae Collier said it was heartwarming to see the hard work of the teachers, school officers, and staff at St Joey’s recognised within the wider community.
“St Joey’s staff go above and beyond in volunteering their time to run lunchtime and before school clubs for the children”, said Renae.
“The purpose of the clubs is to allow some structured play opportunities for children who may need social scaffolding support, want to learn or develop new skills, and just want to have fun.”
From French knitting, eSports, dance, Lego, loose parts construction, gardening, choir and drawing club, the opportunities for students at St Joey’s to connect with their peers and explore their interests are endless.
Year 3/4 Teacher Dominique Bourke currently volunteers and plans the school’s gardening club, that runs every Tuesday at lunchtime.
“The program offers every student an opportunity to share their skills, grow things, and be engaged at lunch time in a positive endeavour.
“It’s heartwarming to see students discover new things, and the club supports their learning by linking to our everyday life as well as the curriculum, such as the Year 3 & 4 food and fibre unit,” said Dominique.
In response to winning the Lilley Volunteer Group Award, Dominque shares “All teachers are ultimately volunteers. We give without thinking about giving.”
“It’s all in our days calling – we run programs such as these because not only do we love our job, but it’s to better the lives of our students.”