Transitioning smoothly into ‘big school’: What parents need to know

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

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

23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌿 Uniting Against Poverty this Lent 🌿 Dear Parents and Families, This Lent, our school community is proud to support Project Compassion, standing in solidarity with communities around the world facing poverty and hardship. Together, we can help provide access to life’s essentials—clean water, healthcare, and safe shelter—while empowering people to build sustainable futures with dignity and hope. 📅 Wednesday 25 March (Week 9) 🕦 11:30am – 1:20pm We warmly invite you to join us for a special event: 💧 Living Water – A Holy Week Pilgrimage and Harmony Feast ✨ Pilgrimage (11:30am–12:20pm) Students will journey through key moments of Holy Week, reflecting on Christ’s love and the reality of communities who walk daily for water. 🍽️ Harmony Feast (12:40pm–1:20pm) Celebrate the beautiful diversity of our school by sharing food and culture together. Families are invited to bring a plate that represents their heritage or a meaningful tradition (ingredient list appreciated). Food can be dropped to the hall from 8:30am. 💛 Support Our Fundraiser Every dollar raised helps create real and lasting change for vulnerable communities. 👉 Donate here: https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/stcanicesprimaryschoolkatoomba?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print Thank you for standing with us as we unite against poverty this Lent. Together, we can make a difference.

22 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Brekky Club got off to a great start, thanks to our fantastic volunteers and a great turnout from our families. Don't forget! Last Brekky Club of Term 1 is on Thurs 2 April:)