Students at St Patrick’s Primary School in Nanango have been learning that even small acts of kindness make a big impact, thanks to an outreach initiative that encourages students to give back to the Nanango community during Catholic Education Week (July 27 to August 2).  

The school’s Town Appreciation Walk, now in its third year, saw students walk through the main street of Nanango, handing out cookies and handwritten notes of thanks to local businesses and community members.  

Kira Bell, St. Patrick’s Primary School teacher and organiser of the Town Appreciation walk explained that the event started as a simple way to thank the local businesses that support the school throughout the year.  

“This act of gratitude is complemented by thoughtful gestures from the students, who also deliver handwritten notes of positivity to residents during their visit to the township,” she said. 

Principal Sarah McCarthy said that the Town Appreciation Walk has proven incredibly beneficial for students, allowing them to see first-hand the difference they can make “with one small act of kindness”.

“Our students are more confident, more community-minded, and proud to contribute in meaningful ways,” she said.  

"We’ve seen such positive growth in our students, and this initiative has not only strengthened community ties but also strengthened their sense of purpose.  

“At St Patrick’s, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence but the whole child.  

“Through our rich Mercy charism, we teach, challenge, and transform our students through commitment, community, and connection.  

"Through initiatives such as these, we prioritise the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of each member of our community and promote partnerships with our Parish and wider community.”  

As the Town Appreciation Walk continues to grow, so too does the impact, with more than 200 cookies delivered to locals during Catholic Education Week.  

During Catholic Education Week, St Patrick’s Primary School also relaunched its Spirit of Nanango Award.  

In 2024, the Spirit of Nanango Award was developed to celebrate locals who have gone above and beyond, embodying Faith, Hope, and Love—values that lie at the heart of Catholic Education Week.  

School officer and founder of the Spirit of Nanango Award Gemma Pedron said, “we wanted to acknowledge how deeply community spirit runs not only in our school but in our town”.  

“Nanango is full of people who go above and beyond to make our community a better place,” she said.  

“So, in 2024 we invited students, staff, families, and the local community to nominate someone in the community who lives out the values of Faith, Hope, and Love.”  

Last year, Ray McNamara won the Spirit of Nanango Award with more than 100 nominations. 

Gemma said Ray was known for collecting discarded cans from streets and parks, to donate the proceeds to cancer charities through Containers for Change.  

“What made Ray winning the award even more special is that he was a former student of St Patrick’s,” she said.   

“Having Ray back at our school to speak with our students about his life, community charity work, and time here was incredibly special.  

“It was a heartwarming moment that connected past and present while showing our students that our school values endure a lifetime.”