EDUCATION MATTERS: Catholic schools around Tasmania embrace Project Compassion
By Dr Terry McCarthy, Interim Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal.
Before sharing the activities of some of our schools, here are some interesting facts about Project Compassion:
- Started in 1965
- Decades of Impact: raising more than $290 million to help those in need over 60 years
- Part of a Global Network: Caritas Australia is part of Caritas Internationalis, operating in over 200 countries and territories.
- Theme “For All Future Generations”: highlighting the lasting impact of development projects on future generations.
Project Compassion has been recognised by our Catholic schools across the state, with three official launches held.
These included the Northern launch on 17 February at the Church of the Apostles in Launceston; the North-West launch at Marist Regional College in Burnie; and the Southern launch on 19 February, at Corpus Christi Church in Bellerive.
The 2026 theme focused on challenges surrounding global water security—supporting people who have to walk long distances to collect clean water every day.
Key school events have been held. For example, St Mary’s College in Hobart enjoyed a pancake day fundraiser and Ash Wednesday liturgies. Students were reminded that small, collective actions can create meaningful and lasting change.
At Stella Maris Catholic School in Burnie, students and staff celebrated Project Compassion, St Patrick’s Day and Harmony Week in a dynamic day-long event! One of the highlights included a whole school photo in the shape of a love-heart. Occasions such as these highlight the strength of a school community.
Sacred Heart College in New Town supported Caritas Australia with a week of activities from 27 March to 2 April. A variety of fun activities included: the Monster Easter Raffle, scavenger hunts, dance sessions and a futsal competition! Supporting Project Compassion has allowed students to practically contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
Finally, we mustn’t forget the Lenten Donkey! Whilst visiting Larmenier Catholic School in St Leonards, I ran into former TCEO colleague, Anita Cunningham. She told me about the Lenten Donkey, representing the humble animal Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
As a ‘beast of burden’, the donkey highlights Jesus’ choice to enter in peace rather than as a conquering king on a horse.
Principal Niccola Pearce then escorted me to the school farm where I was greeted by the school’s own Lenten Donkey! Often in stories or fables, it is noted that the markings on the donkey’s back and shoulders resemble a cross, linking the donkey directly to the story of the Crucifixion. See if you can see the markings of the cross on our four-legged friend’s back (see pic).
Thanks to all students, staff, parents, parishes and clergy for their wonderful support of Project Compassion.