Why the Lady Beetle Matters at St Joseph's
If you've spent time around St Joseph's, you may have noticed colourful lady beetles displayed throughout our school. More than just a familiar symbol, the lady beetle represents the heart of who we are as a Josephite community.
The lady beetle tradition is deeply connected to the legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop and our Josephite charism of welcome, hospitality and belonging. Mary MacKillop had a great love for nature and often used simple aspects of God's creation to connect with children and share messages of faith, kindness and care.
Our school's lady beetle tradition began in 2010 following a staff pilgrimage to significant Mary MacKillop sites during the year she was canonised as Australia's first Saint. While visiting Josephite schools, staff noticed lady beetles displayed throughout the learning environments. These small symbols helped children share stories about Mary MacKillop's life, values and mission.
Inspired by this experience, the tradition was brought back to St Joseph's, where it has become a treasured part of our school culture.
Each year, our students carefully create lady beetles to welcome new families, students and visitors to our community. These special gifts are blessed at our Opening School Mass before being presented to families as a symbol of connection and belonging.
Every family receives a lady beetle as a reminder that they are part of the St Joseph's story—a community built on faith, compassion and hospitality. Through this simple symbol, we continue to honour the spirit of Mary MacKillop and the values she lived each day.
"May the blessings of Mary MacKillop be with you."
© Brisbane Catholic Education, St Joseph's Tobruk Memorial School, 2023