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.

Photo Gallery

Written By

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

07 Aug 2025
St Canice's Brekky Club
All students are invited to join the St Canice's Brekky Club. Brekky Club will now run on Thursdays – 7th, 21st, and 28th August.

30 Jul 2025
Little Lyrebirds Playgroup
Little Lyrebirds Playgroup is a FREE event for all little ones aged 0 - 6. Held at St Canice's Primary School every Wednesday of the school term, 9am-10:30am. Everyone is welcome.

FACEBOOK

24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
The students in Stage 1 are learning how to play pickleball for sport! 🏓 Our students are loving pickleball — and for good reason! This fun, fast-paced sport comes with so many benefits: 🌟 Physical: Improves coordination, balance, agility, and overall fitness — all while being low-impact and safe for growing bodies. 🌟 Social: Encourages teamwork, communication, and making new friends. Kids learn sportsmanship and build confidence along the way! 🌟 Mental: Boosts focus, quick decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever and loads of fun! Pickleball is quickly becoming a favorite, and we love seeing our students grow and shine on the court! 🙌💛

24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
🏀 Stage 3 Diocesan Basketball Gala Day 🏀 What an incredible day of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit at the Stage 3 Diocesan Basketball Gala Day! Our students played with enthusiasm and represented St Canice’s with pride. A huge thank you to Ms Sally and Ms Kylie for organising and supporting our teams on the day. Your hard work and dedication made the experience possible — and so memorable for our students! Well done to everyone involved! 🙌💙