Mountains students making a difference

Blue Mountains primary schools Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese 23

In a wonderful example of community spirit and togetherness, students from four Blue Mountains primary schools came together recently for a special Mountains Encounter retreat focusing on what they’ve done and can do to help ensure everyone in society has equal rights, opportunities and is treated fairly.

Students from the Faith In Action (FIAT) teams at St Finbar's Primary Glenbrook, St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood, St Canice's Primary Katoomba, and Our Lady of the Nativity Primary Lawson gathered at St Finbar's for the afternoon retreat which, over the past few years, has brought considerable benefits to both students, their schools and the wider community.

Students reflected on what they’d learnt throughout the year and their involvement in social justice initiatives such as Project Compassion, food drives and volunteering for Vinnies and Jesuit Refugee Services.

Blue Mountains primary schools Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese 24

Mountains Encounter, overseen by Lauren Maund, Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, aims to strengthen bonds among students while offering them opportunities to explore their faith through various enriching activities. Students took part in team-building exercises, faith formation workshops, and reflections centered on the Advent season. The main message was to encourage students to embrace their roles in carrying forward Christ’s mission of service and unity.

One of the highlights of the event was the traditional sausage sizzle dinner where students got to share a meal while learning about each other and their different communities in the Blue Mountains.

The retreat was more than just a gathering, it was a demonstration of how schools in the Blue Mountains are living out their faith through action. Their dedication to social justice and building community proves that living your faith can make a real difference in our world.

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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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29 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Stage 1 are loving being proud chick parents! Today we watched the chicks have a little run and start to flap and try a little fly. Two clever stage 1 people made a chicken maze and we gave them a go at trying to get to the end of the maze to find the chick food. No chicks managed it but we know in stage 1 that sometimes learning takes time and perseverence so we will try again tomorrow!

28 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Could school get any more exciting? Stage 1 welcomed 5 new chicks this morning. Meet Oreo, Steve, Lightening, Darth Vader and Bluey! We have started being biologists and tracking Cookie Pie's growth with a line graph. We will add to it each day. Cookie Pie was looking very proud of him or herself as she stood on the scales today having gained 16 grams! We were also most impressed by Lucky's feathery legs. What great legs for Katoomba weather! The highlight is definitely getting to hold or gently stroke a chick. The children have been so gentle and respectful of our delicate feathered friends.