CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME
On the afternoon of 16 May, Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide announced on their social channels: “We’re delighted to share that Nicholas Hauschild has received the Laudato Si’ Award at the 2025 Catholic Education South Australia Awards. This award acknowledges Nicholas’s unwavering commitment to ecological conversion, eco-spirituality, and social justice, inspired by Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home.
“In his role as the Senior School’s Sustainability Coordinator, Nicholas has introduced a range of initiatives and protocols that have greatly enhanced the school’s environmental stewardship and helped to embed a strong culture of sustainability throughout the community. Congratulations, Nicholas, on this well-earned recognition!”
Nicholas Hauschild with Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide Principal Lauren Brooks and Rector Fr Peter Hosking SJ.
Nicholas said: “Receiving the Catholic Education South Australia Laudato Si’ Award is deeply affirming and an incredible honour, particularly as it underscores the enduring legacy of Pope Francis. His visionary call through Laudato Si’ to care profoundly for our common home transcends boundaries, inspiring individuals and communities of all backgrounds to embody environmental stewardship. It is this very inspiration, deeply embedded in our school’s ethos, that motivates our holistic commitment to sustainability.
“In reflecting upon this honour, I feel profound gratitude for the visionary leadership within our school, notably Principal Lauren Brooks, Rector Fr Peter Hosking SJ, and Head of Business Sam Trenerry. Their support has been instrumental in enabling my efforts to integrate sustainability and stewardship principles holistically into all elements of the organisation. Their collective foresight and unwavering dedication have ensured that sustainability is not merely an isolated initiative but a defining characteristic permeating governance structures, educational experiences, and faith-based activities. This has created authentic opportunities for our students to live out their roles as stewards of creation in tangible and impactful ways.
“This recognition serves not only as personal validation but also as a compelling reminder of the transformative potential each of us holds when supported by leaders committed to genuine environmental and social responsibility.”
His passion for all things sustainable is well documented on this website, where his work has been featured often. Two of his notable articles published here were:
- Carbon is so dated – a report on Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide aiming to become a carbon-neutral organisation.
- The jungle hook – about visiting Green School Bali to learn how best to incorporate sustainability and environmental stewardship into all aspects of Saint Ignatius’ College.
Announcing his Laudato Si’ Award, the Catholic Education South Australia Awards website said: “Nicholas Hauschild is a highly deserving recipient of the Laudato Si’ award for 2025. His unwavering commitment to the principle of Caring for Our Common Home is evident in every aspect of his planning, actions, and strategic focus. Nicholas excels at translating complex ecological concepts into practical initiatives, setting achievable goals that enhance Saint Ignatius’ College’s engagement with sustainability while enriching the understanding of students, staff, and the broader community.
“Nicholas has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including curriculum planning and auditing, and was instrumental in the conception and development of the innovative iGrow Year 7 course. He leads the College’s Care for Country student group, fostering active student engagement with environmental stewardship.
“As a direct result of his leadership, the College has developed new outdoor learning environments and is currently constructing an on-campus nursery – both of which were conceptualised, mapped, and designed under his guidance. He has also implemented a comprehensive and sustainable waste and bin management system across the College.
“Additionally, Nicholas has facilitated the College’s involvement in SEEDS (Stewardship of Endemic Endangered Species), enhancing connections with external ecological programs. He has proactively pursued and secured grant opportunities from local and state government bodies to support the initiation and expansion of sustainability programs.
“All of Nicholas’ work is firmly grounded in the principles of Laudato Si’ and the concept of Ecological Conversion, which he actively promotes as a shared responsibility for the entire community. His initiatives include leading and designing Chapel services, overseeing the installation of water refill stations, and successfully eliminating the use of plastic bottles across the College. Furthermore, Nicholas collaborates with the Jesuit network both within Australia and internationally, contributing to the development of ecologically sustainable projects.
“Nicholas embodies a contemporary and impactful approach to living out the message of Laudato Si’. His extensive contributions have been achieved while maintaining a teaching load, completing his Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, and participating in the CESA Aspiring Leaders program. An accomplished senior teacher of Biology and Religious Education, Nicholas has also held a range of leadership roles within the College.
“Crucially, he has elevated the concept of sustainability to a strategic priority across all College activities, including event planning, building redevelopment, and construction projects. As a result of his efforts, the College community is now deeply engaged in sustainability education, and students are being empowered to take meaningful action.
“Nicholas’ work stands as a powerful testament to his unwavering passion for ecological care and his commitment to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.”
Banner image shows Nicholas Hauschild (fourth from right), the Sustainability Coordinator at Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide, with the Catholic Education South Australia 2025 Laudato Si’ Award.
All images courtesy of Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide.