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
-
10 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Join us for a value-packed day of listening and learning, connecting and collaborating, eating and relaxing, with expert presenters including Daniel Principe and Genevieve Muir! Saturday August 22nd Rydges World Square Hotel 389 Pitt Street Sydney FIND OUT ABOUT THESE HOT TOPICS: - Partnering with your school - Setting boundaries and managing children's behaviour - Managing anxiety and resilience - Respectful relationships - Artificial intelligence in education Register now via the QR Code!
06 Jul 2026
From Facebook
A huge congratulations to Hali, who has been selected in the MacKillop Rugby Union team after representing the Parramatta Diocese at the MacKillop Rugby Union Trials in Forbes last weekend. π This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Hali's hard work and dedication to the sport. We wish Hali the very best of luck as he represents MacKillop at the NSWPSSA Rugby Union Championships in August. We know he will make us proud!
Latest News More news
10 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Join us for a value-packed day of listening and learning, connecting and collaborating, eating and relaxing, with expert presenters including Daniel Principe and Genevieve Muir! Saturday August 22nd Rydges World Square Hotel 389 Pitt Street Sydney FIND OUT ABOUT THESE HOT TOPICS: - Partnering with your school - Setting boundaries and managing children's behaviour - Managing anxiety and resilience - Respectful relationships - Artificial intelligence in education Register now via the QR Code!
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
06 Jul 2026
From Facebook
A huge congratulations to Hali, who has been selected in the MacKillop Rugby Union team after representing the Parramatta Diocese at the MacKillop Rugby Union Trials in Forbes last weekend. π This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Hali's hard work and dedication to the sport. We wish Hali the very best of luck as he represents MacKillop at the NSWPSSA Rugby Union Championships in August. We know he will make us proud!
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Year 1 has been inspired by The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires! After reading the story, students worked in groups of 2β4 to design and build their own magnificent creations using concrete building materials. They showed fantastic teamwork and creativity as they brought their ideas to life. We are so proud of their amazing efforts!
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
β½οΈ Congratulations to all four of our Stage 3 boysβ and girlsβ soccer teams on a fantastic day at the Soccer Gala Day! We saw great skill, teamwork and plenty of goals, with every team showing excellent sportsmanship and representing St Andrewβs with pride. ππ A big thank you to our teachers for their support and coaching, and to our parents for cheering on the teams throughout the day. π
26 Jun 2026
From Facebook
ππββοΈπββοΈ Congratulations to Amelia, William, Rhys and Violetta on proudly representing the Parramatta Diocese at the NSWCPS Cross Country Championships! ππ A special congratulations to π₯ Violetta, who finished an outstanding 8th, and π Rhys, who achieved a fantastic 18th place. Well done to all four students on this wonderful achievement. You have represented our school and the Parramatta Diocese with pride! πππ
18 Jun 2026
From Facebook
πOur hearts are full of gratitude! π A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful St Andrewβs community for your generous donations of pantry items for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. π₯«π§π As always, every item donated will be gratefully received and will make a real difference to those experiencing hardship in our community. β€οΈ Your kindness, compassion and willingness to support others embody the spirit of giving that makes our school community so special. π€β¨ Thank you for helping us bring warmth, hope and support to the poor and vulnerable this winter. π§£βπ We are deeply touched by your generosity. ππ
17 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Year 4 have been exploring how body systems enable movement through the study of bones, muscles and joints. In Science, we created artwork inspired by X-rays, carefully representing the bones in our hands. Check out our X-travagant work! π¦΄β¨
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
πββοΈπββοΈπ A big congratulations to all of our students who competed in the Parramatta Diocesan Cross Country at Eastern Creek! π Our students put in a fantastic effort and represented St Andrewβs with pride, determination and sportsmanship. ππ We were thrilled to see so many personal bests achieved across all age groups! ππ A special congratulations to π William, π Rhys, π Amelia and π Violetta, who all finished in the Top 8 and have qualified for the next level of competition. What an incredible achievement! π We are so proud of every student who took part. Well done everyone! πππββοΈπββοΈ
13 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Itβs official! βοΈππ SAPS is delighted to share the exciting news that Mrs Bond will continue to be part of our wonderful school community, having officially been appointed as our new Principal! Congratulations, Mrs Bond! βοΈππ
12 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Our little Kindergarten scientists have been investigating how different materials are used for different purposes and how some materials are more durable than others. To put their learning into action, students took on the challenge of building homes for the Three Little Pigs using a variety of materials. They explored, tested, and compared which materials made the strongest and most durable houses. It was wonderful to see their creativity, problem-solving skills, and scientific thinking as they worked together to design and build their houses. Well done, Kindergarten scientists! ππ β¨
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
βοΈ Our Year 2 students have been developing their persuasive writing skills by writing letters to Mrs Bond, advocating for a new playground π and a garden filled with sweet-smelling flowers πΈ. π‘ The children also brainstormed creative fundraising ideas to help bring their projects to life. It was wonderful to see them sharing their ideas, supporting their opinions and thinking about ways to improve our school. π Future leaders in the making!