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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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. ❤️
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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! 🎉
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, our school community participated in the Caritas Walk for Water, a powerful experience that helped our students develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others around the world. Our FIAT Leaders and Mrs Hyson led a beautiful and reflective assembly prayer, for the ‘United Against Poverty’ Caritas initiative here at St Andrew’s. During the prayer, water was used as a symbol of the long journeys many children in Tanzania make each day to access this essential resource. Mrs Bond poured holy water that had been blessed by Bishop Vincent at the diocesan liturgy marking the launch of Caritas. This special moment connected our students not only to the global community, but also to our faith, reminding us of our shared responsibility to care for others.
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. 🌿 We remember Jesus entering Jerusalem with humility and peace, welcomed with palm branches and praise. As we journey through this sacred week, may we take time to reflect, pray, and walk with Him toward the hope of Easter. ✨
28 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Students of the Week! 🌟 We are so proud of the way you have demonstrated positive attitudes, resilience, and a commitment to your learning. 👏📚 A special congratulations also to our four Best Classes of the Week! 🏆 Your teamwork, focus, and dedication to doing your best have been outstanding. 🙌 Remember, maintaining this recognition means showing consistent effort and commitment to learning every day—keep striving to do your personal best! 💪✨
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🚶♂️💧 Walk for Water – CARITAS Australia 💧🚶♀️ Today our St Andrew’s community walked in solidarity with the children of Tanzania. Many make the long journey to collect water up to three times a day, often at the cost of their education. By taking part in our Walk for Water Day, we stood together to raise awareness, show compassion, and support CARITAS Australia’s mission to bring clean, safe drinking water to communities in need. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence, your steps, and your spirit made a real difference. 💙🌍
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌌✨ Year 5 Planetarium Incursion ✨🌌 On Wednesday 25 March, our Year 5 students experienced an exciting Planetarium Incursion led by Gary Starr, travelling through the universe in a 360° immersive theatre. They explored the wonders and dangers of our Solar System through an engaging space adventure led by “The Great Schiaparelli.” Students also learned about Indigenous Australian astronomy, discovering how Aboriginal cultures interpret the night sky and its connection to life, seasons, and spirituality. It was an inspiring experience that sparked curiosity and deepened their appreciation for both science and culture. 🚀🌠 #StAndrews #Year5 #PlanetariumIncursion
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you for your donation and for standing with us as we ‘Unite Against Poverty’ through Project Compassion this lent.
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🏊♂️🌟 Amazing Achievement! 🌟🏊♂️ A huge congratulations to William on his outstanding performance at the NSW Youth Age Championships at Homebush! Competing against the very best swimmers from across the state, William delivered incredible results: 🥇 Gold – 400m Freestyle 🥇 Gold – 200m Butterfly 🥉 Bronze – 200m Freestyle What an incredible effort at such a high level of competition! We are so proud of you, William! 👏💙 Keep chasing your goals and making waves! 🌊✨