Kindergarten students at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary performed the gathering song, A Cross of Stars
Events were held across the diocese of Parramatta on Friday 8 August in honour of the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Canonised by Pope Benedict XVI on 17 October 2010, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s Feast Day was marked with liturgies, family events and social justice fundraisers at a number of schools and the Catholic Education office.
Students, staff and families from St Mary MacKillop Primary School in South Penrith celebrated mass at St Nicholas of Myra to remember and acknowledge St Mary MacKillop’s important work.
Students travelled to St Nicholas of Myra Church to join the Feast Day Mass and were treated to hundreds of green and yellow helium balloons decorating their classrooms on their return. In the afternoon, students came together to make a coin trail with donations going to the St Mary MacKillop Institute in East Timor.
Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, St Marys was founded by Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1880. Students celebrated a moving liturgy to celebrate the inspirational life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. By bringing the letters written by Mary MacKillop to life, students were encouraged to learn from her example by working, learning together and caring for others particularly those in need.
Staff at the Catholic Education office, Parramatta gathered for a liturgy with Sr Rosie Drum MGL reading the letters of Mary MacKillop and leading a prayer asking for guidance and care for students, staff and school communities.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today we pause to honour and remember the brave men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps 🇦🇺🇳🇿 On ANZAC Day, we reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and service 🌹 and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy today because of them. At St Andrew’s Primary School, we encourage our students to remember the spirit of mateship, resilience, and respect that ANZAC Day represents. Lest we forget.
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This afternoon, our staff undertook CPR training, an important reminder that being part of a school community means being prepared to act when it matters most. We are proud to continue prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.
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25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today we pause to honour and remember the brave men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps 🇦🇺🇳🇿 On ANZAC Day, we reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and service 🌹 and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy today because of them. At St Andrew’s Primary School, we encourage our students to remember the spirit of mateship, resilience, and respect that ANZAC Day represents. Lest we forget.
22 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This afternoon, our staff undertook CPR training, an important reminder that being part of a school community means being prepared to act when it matters most. We are proud to continue prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.
20 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today our staff gathered for a Formation Day focused on exploring Scripture and deepening our understanding of how God’s Word speaks into both its original context and our lives today. Through prayer and professional dialogue, we reflected on Scripture as a living text—one that invites careful attention to its meaning, the tradition that shapes it, and the way it continues to speak in new and relevant ways to our school community. It was a valuable opportunity to learn together and strengthen how we bring Scripture to life for our students in meaningful and accessible ways.
18 Apr 2026
From Facebook
14 Apr 2026
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10 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to William on an outstanding performance at the NSWCPS Swimming Championships! 🏊♂️ Representing the Parramatta Diocese team, he placed 3rd in both the 200m IM and 100m Freestyle — an incredible achievement. William will now compete as part of the MacKillop team at the NSW PSSA Swimming Carnival on 28 April. We wish him every success! It was also special to have Mr Paynter there to cheer him on in his final outing in the St Andrew’s staff shirt — a proud moment for all. 👏
05 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Wishing all our families a happy and holy Easter ✝️🌅 May the joy and peace of the Risen Christ fill your hearts and homes with hope, love and new life 🤍🙏✨
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On the solemnity of Good Friday, our students reverently dramatised the Stations of the Cross, recalling the passion of Jesus Christ. “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) May this sacred moment draw us into deeper reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and enduring love, with hope in the promise of the Resurrection to come. ✝️🙏
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, we remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the Cross. Through His suffering and death, He showed us the depth of God’s love and mercy for all humanity. 🌿✝️ For Catholics around the world, Good Friday is a solemn moment of reflection—a time to pause, to pray, and to unite in gratitude for the gift of salvation. Jesus bore our sins and opened the way for eternal life, fulfilling the Scriptures and God’s promise of redemption. As we contemplate His passion, may we also be inspired to live with compassion, forgiveness, and love for one another. Let us carry this hope into our daily lives, remembering that through His death comes life. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) May your hearts be touched by His sacrifice today. ❤️
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today we remember Holy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper and the beginning of Jesus’ journey to the cross. We recall the gift of the Eucharist, where Jesus shared bread and wine and called us to love and serve one another. Jesus then went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. In deep anguish, He turned to the Father, surrendering to His will as His hour drew near, fulfilling the Scriptures. May we take time today to pause, pray, and stay close to Him. 🙏✨
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Last week we held our Kindergarten Family BBQ 🌭✨ and it was a wonderful community evening. It was fantastic to see families getting to know one another while the children played together and made new friends 🛝😊 A highlight of the night was the Kindergarten dance performance 💃🕺 led by Miss Anderson — the students did an amazing job and were so proud to share it with their families 👏 A special thank you to our staff who joined us on the night and gave their time to connect with our Kindergarten families 🙏
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Mark Taylor Shield cricket team on a fantastic first round win against St John’s, Riverstone! 🏏👏 A brilliant display of skill, teamwork and determination. We are so proud of your efforts and the way you represented our school. 💪✨ Well done, team! 🎉