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

22 Jul 2026
Little Learners - School Readiness Program
Little Learners is St Canice’s School’s fun, free, play-based school readiness program designed for children aged 3.5–5 years who will be starting school in the next 1–2 years.

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.

FACEBOOK

16 Sep 2026
From Facebook
⚽️🌞 New Soccer Nets at St Canice’s! 🌞⚽️ What a beautiful day at St Canice’s! 💚 Our students are loving our upgraded soccer nets, adding even more fun to playtime and giving our budding soccer stars the perfect place to practise their skills! ⚽️🥅 There’s nothing better than seeing our students running, playing, laughing and enjoying the sunshine with their friends. ☀️💛 A big thank you to everyone who helped make our new soccer nets possible! Let the games begin! ⚽️🙌 #StCanices #StCanicesKatoomba #SchoolLife #Playtime #Soccer #BeautifulDay #LearningThroughPlay

16 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🍳🥐 Brekky Club – This Thursday 17 September! 🥐🍳 All St Canice’s students are invited to join us tomorrow morning for Brekky Club in the Hall from 8:20am–8:40am. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to enjoy breakfast together and start the day with our school community. 💛 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent volunteers wanted! We would love some parent/carer helpers to assist with Brekky Club on the morning. If you are available to lend a hand, please complete the Google Form in your Compass Parent Portal. We look forward to sharing breakfast and a lovely start to the day together! 🌟 See you in the morning!