At Our Lady of Dolours School, our Catholic identity lies at the heart of all that we do. It shapes and guides our mission as a faith-filled learning community, influencing our structures, processes, curriculum, and the environment in which our students grow. It is reflected in the ongoing formation of our staff, our strategic direction, our commitment to student wellbeing, and our partnerships with families, parish, and the wider community.
We actively nurture and celebrate this identity by striving to teach, lead, support, and serve in ways that reflect the Gospel message. Through our daily actions and interactions, we seek to engage our students, staff, parents, parish, and community in a shared journey of faith and learning.
As a Catholic Christian school, our identity is deeply rooted in our charism—the spiritual gifts entrusted to us for the service of others. Central to this charism is the person of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings inspire our values, relationships, and purpose.
Our Lady of Dolours draws strength and inspiration from the legacy of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Founded in 1857 by Archbishop John Bede Polding, an English Benedictine monk and Australia’s first Bishop, the Good Samaritan Sisters established a tradition grounded in the Benedictine way of life—one that seeks balance through prayer, work, and rest.
Guided by the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the richness of Benedictine spirituality, we endeavour to create a community where all are welcomed with dignity and care. We welcome each person as Christ himself, showing warmth, kindness and genuine care to all, ensuing every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
Our Patron - Our Lady of Dolours
Our Lady of Dolours reminds us of Mary as a mother who walked closely with her Son, Jesus, especially in times of sorrow and suffering. From Simeon’s prophecy in the Temple to standing faithfully at the foot of the Cross, Mary experienced deep pain. Yet through it all, she remained strong in faith, trusting in God’s love and plan.
The Church honours these moments of Mary’s sorrow, traditionally known as the Seven Sorrows, which have been remembered in prayer and devotion for many centuries. Through this devotion, we are invited to reflect on both the suffering of Jesus and the loving, compassionate presence of His mother.
Mary’s sorrow did not lead her to despair, but to hope. Her courage and trust in God show us how to face challenges with patience, strength and love. As Our Lady of Dolours, she stands beside all who experience hardship, reminding us that we are never alone and that God is always with us.
In Mary, we see a model of faith, compassion and resilience. Her example inspires us as a school community to Live, Love and Learn in Christ, showing kindness, courage and faith in all that we do.
Our School Prayer
God our Father, be with us today
As we are living together,
Loving you and each other
And learning in Christ to follow your way.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School, (2026)