When students at St Joseph’s Bardon began brainstorming ways to use technology for good, they had no idea their ideas would lead them all the way to a national stage. But that’s exactly what happened when their project, The Family Press, won first place in the primary category of the Brisbane Catholic Education STEM MAD competition — the largest yet, with more than 120 teams from over 50 schools.
Turning a Personal Story Into a Winning Idea
The Family Press team’s idea was born from a deeply personal experience. One team member had watched their great-grandfather struggle with loneliness in aged care, and it sparked a question: Could technology help older Australians feel more connected to their families?
Their answer was a personalised, AI-powered news-sharing system designed to deliver family updates, photos, and messages directly to elderly users, helping them stay part of everyday life even when separated by distance.
Judges praised the project for its blend of innovation and empathy, and it was this combination that secured St Joseph’s Bardon the top spot. The win also means the team will represent both their school and Brisbane Catholic Education at the national STEM MAD finals in November 2025. It’s a major milestone for the students and their teachers.
Technology With Heart
Another St Joseph’s Bardon team, Hug to Heart, also impressed at the competition with their own compassion-driven project. They designed an interactive teddy bear that can send hugs remotely, offering comfort and emotional support to children undergoing long hospital treatments for leukaemia. While this team didn’t take the top prize, their work was recognised for its creativity and potential to make a difference in young patients’ lives.
STEM Education Officer Claire Byrne said projects like these show what happens when students are encouraged to think beyond the classroom. By focusing on real-world challenges and designing with empathy, they learn not just how to build technology — but how to build solutions that matter.
A School Looking Ahead
The excitement of this win comes as St Joseph’s Bardon looks to the future. The school is inviting new families to join its inclusive community, with places available from Prep to Year 6 for 2026. Families of all faith backgrounds are welcome to explore enrolment through the school website or by calling 07 3369 3020.
Published 15-Oct-2025
