What’s Happening?
Brisbane Catholic Education students are learning climate literacy through faith, science, and daily school action.
At Star of the Sea Primary School in Cleveland, the lessons begin as early as Prep.
The learning is also tied to Laudato Si’ Week, held from 17 to 24 May.
In Brisbane Catholic Education communities, climate literacy connects with the call to care for creation.
It also reflects the late Pope Francis’ message to “Care for Our Common Home” in Laudato Si’.
Year 4 teacher Alli May said the school builds this learning from the early years.
“From the Foundation years, students are introduced to the idea that the world is God’s creation and that caring for our world is part of their responsibility as people of faith,” she said.
“Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and the call of Laudato Si’, this learning empowers students to realise that everyday choices, both big and small, can help protect and sustain our planet.
“As students grow, they gain a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems, the impact of human actions, and their shared responsibility to sustain our common home.
“This approach nurtures not only knowledge, but instils a lifelong commitment to stewardship in students, forming them into global citizens who give back to their community and environment.”
Why It Matters?
Climate literacy is becoming a larger part of modern education across the world.
For Brisbane Catholic Education, it is also linked to faith, service, and responsibility.
Students are being taught that care for the environment is not only a classroom topic.
It is something they can practise through school routines, family involvement, and community action.
Alli said the learning moves beyond theory.
“Students are supported to apply their understanding in practical, meaningful ways within our school and broader community,” she said.
“At Star of the Sea, we have a dedicated EcoWarriors team of students from Year 3 to Year 6 who meet each week,” Alli said.
“Each Friday, these students work together to keep our school environment beautiful.”
By The Numbers
- More than four decades of Catholic education in the Redland region gives this learning a strong local foundation.
- Three major school actions are led through EcoWarriors, including Containers for Change, paper and cardboard recycling, and waste sorting.
- Almost 50 per cent growth in EcoWarriors interest shows more students want to take part in environmental care.
Local Impact
In Cleveland, Star of the Sea students are turning climate lessons into simple, regular action.
The EcoWarriors team leads hands-on sustainability work across the school.
This includes Containers for Change, paper and cardboard recycling, and correct bin use for waste and food wrappers.
“Through these regular routines, students develop a strong sense of responsibility and ownership over sustainable practices,” Alli said.
“Our EcoWarriors program also sees students engage school families in important environmental initiatives that support local wildlife.”
Catholic education has also been part of the Redland region for more than four decades.
That gives the local story a wider community link, beyond one classroom or one school project.
Zoom In
Alli said hands-on learning is a key part of climate literacy at Star of the Sea.
“Students apply environmental learning through making and designing,” Alli said.
One example is the school’s Design a Bee Hotel competition, held for World Bee Day.
The activity gives students a way to test ideas, work with classmates, and see local impact.
It also shows how small school-based actions can connect to bigger environmental care.
Zoom Out
Across Brisbane Catholic Education, climate literacy is also reflected through wider student programs.
One example is the STEM Make a Difference competition.
Through the program, students design and share inventions that aim to make a difference.
Many student projects focus on environmental sustainability, conservation, and climate action.
The approach brings together STEM learning, ethical choices, and creativity.
It also helps students see themselves as active changemakers in their school and wider community.
What To Look For Next?
Laudato Si’ Week 2026 carries the message of moving from hope to action.
The theme reminds school communities that hope is lived through daily choices, prayer, community life, and care.
At Star of the Sea, that message is already being seen through growing student interest.
“Hope is visible in the level of student participation we have with our EcoWarriors program,” Alli said.
“Each year we are gaining more interest from our students who wish to join, with almost a 50 per cent increase this year compared to last.”
That growing interest could help more students take part in practical sustainability work across the school year.
