Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, staff and students celebrate during the opening and blessing of the Catholic Out of School Hours Care (COSHC) centre at Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School, Lawson. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
A new out of school hours care service for the Blue Mountains has been blessed after opening earlier this year, adding to the Diocese of Parramatta’s network of 32 early years education and children’s care centres.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, blessed the Catholic Out of School Hours Care centre at Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School, Lawson, on 20 October.
“The care of children is, of course, one of the most sacred duties of the Christian community and the Church,” Bishop Vincent said during the ceremony.
“We want to ensure that children who come to our services are valued, are loved, are provided with the means to grow in knowledge and social skills,” he said.
Anthony Goonan, Chief Executive, Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited (CDPSL), explained, “What the educators do here really does complement what happens at school and equips the children with some of the social skills needed to contribute in this changing world.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta (second from right), watches on as Anthony Goonan (centre), Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Ltd, addresses staff and students during the opening and blessing of the Catholic Out of School Hours Care (COSHC) centre at Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School, Lawson. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Members of the parish and school communities joined around 20 students at the ceremony, with students helping Bishop Vincent with prayers during the blessing.
The Lawson centre joins with services at Springwood and Glenbrook in serving the Catholic school communities in the Blue Mountains.
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited (CDPSL) has responsibility for the Diocese of Parramatta’s extensive network of Catholic Out of School Hours Care Centres and Catholic Early Learning Centres.
Information about vacation care and enrolments for 2021
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News from Diocese of Parramatta
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19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, our school community gathered in faith and unity to celebrate Ash Wednesday and mark the beginning of Lent. We joined in prayer to begin our Lenten journey together as a school family. Lent is a special time in which we prepare our hearts for Easter. During this sacred season, we unite with Catholic communities throughout the world, continuing the rich traditions of the Church. As we received ashes in the sign of the cross, we were reminded that God is calling us to forgive, to be free from what holds us back, and to help bring hope and peace to others. The ashes are a powerful symbol of reflection, renewal, and God’s endless mercy. May this Lenten season be a time of growth, compassion, and faith for each member of our community as we journey toward Easter together. ✝️💜 #olnlawson #cspd2026 #AshWednesday #windowintolearning
18 Feb 2026
From Facebook
💦🏊♀️ Diocesan Swimming Carnival 2026 🏊♀️💦 What an incredible day at the pool! The girls were absolutely amazing — not just in the water, but in the way they supported and cheered each other on all day long. The team spirit was next level! 🙌💙 🌟 Charlotte placed 4th in the 8 Years Girls 50m Freestyle and is progressing through to the Diocesan Carnival — we are so proud of you, Charlotte! 👏🔥 💪 Lexi swam her heart out, placing 11th in the 10 Years 50m Freestyle. 🌊 Evie powered through to place 14th in the same event. Every single swim showed determination, courage, and fantastic sportsmanship. Now we’re eagerly waiting on the Junior Girls Backstroke results 🤞🏅 No matter the results, we couldn’t be prouder of these amazing girls and the way they represented our school today! 💙✨ #olnlawson #cspd2026 #windowintolearning #bestschoolinthemountains
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19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, our school community gathered in faith and unity to celebrate Ash Wednesday and mark the beginning of Lent. We joined in prayer to begin our Lenten journey together as a school family. Lent is a special time in which we prepare our hearts for Easter. During this sacred season, we unite with Catholic communities throughout the world, continuing the rich traditions of the Church. As we received ashes in the sign of the cross, we were reminded that God is calling us to forgive, to be free from what holds us back, and to help bring hope and peace to others. The ashes are a powerful symbol of reflection, renewal, and God’s endless mercy. May this Lenten season be a time of growth, compassion, and faith for each member of our community as we journey toward Easter together. ✝️💜 #olnlawson #cspd2026 #AshWednesday #windowintolearning
18 Feb 2026
From Facebook
💦🏊♀️ Diocesan Swimming Carnival 2026 🏊♀️💦 What an incredible day at the pool! The girls were absolutely amazing — not just in the water, but in the way they supported and cheered each other on all day long. The team spirit was next level! 🙌💙 🌟 Charlotte placed 4th in the 8 Years Girls 50m Freestyle and is progressing through to the Diocesan Carnival — we are so proud of you, Charlotte! 👏🔥 💪 Lexi swam her heart out, placing 11th in the 10 Years 50m Freestyle. 🌊 Evie powered through to place 14th in the same event. Every single swim showed determination, courage, and fantastic sportsmanship. Now we’re eagerly waiting on the Junior Girls Backstroke results 🤞🏅 No matter the results, we couldn’t be prouder of these amazing girls and the way they represented our school today! 💙✨ #olnlawson #cspd2026 #windowintolearning #bestschoolinthemountains
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
30 Jan 2026
From Facebook
📚✨ Reading Challenge Adventures with Isabella! ✨📚 From making a splash at the pools celebrating Australia Day 🇦🇺💦 to winding down with some cozy SpongeBob reading time in bed 🛏️🧽 — Isabella is diving right into her school reading challenge! Learning, fun, and a whole lot of smiles 📖💛 #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
29 Jan 2026
From Facebook
What a fab way to spend the last days of the summer holidays—surrounded by books ☀️📖 Hyler is in his favourite place, doing exactly what he loves. Don’t forget to bring your reading log back to school next week! OLN’s Read & Chill Challenge is almost at an end 👀✨ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading #returntoschool2026
27 Jan 2026
From Facebook
At Our Lady of the Nativity, we are a caring, supportive and engaging learning community.⭐ With exciting extracurriculars to unlock your child's potential and expert teachers, we provide the perfect setting for your child to achieve their best. We're enrolling now for 2027 and invite registrations. Learn more here: https://www.olnlawson.catholic.edu.au/enrolment
25 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Holiday Reading Challenge check-in 📚 Sophie is making the most of the holidays with some reading time before her representative basketball game 🏀 Great balance of learning and sport — well done, Sophie! #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
24 Jan 2026
From Facebook
The last of the holidays calls for slow mornings, quiet moments, and a good book. 📖 Mrs Cole, reading for the challenge, reading for joy, and chilling into the days ahead ✨ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
22 Jan 2026
From Facebook
We wonder what Mrs Crawford has planned for the rest of the holidays? 🪴📗 Better get cracking — the end is in sight! Not long now until the Read and Chill Challenge wraps up, but there’s still plenty of time to pop into the library and stock up on some great reads. 📚✨ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading #bluemountainslibrary
21 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Reading 📚, gymnastics 🤸♀️, reading 📚, gymnastics 🤸♀️… Mila couldn’t decide what to do while the rain came down — so she did both at the same time! 😄☔️ Books + movement = the perfect combo! How are you going with OLN’s Read and Chill Challenge? Keep reading, keep moving, and keep having fun! 💙✨ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
20 Jan 2026
From Facebook
📖💛 Ayala has been reading to her nan via FaceTime. A small moment, a big connection. How are you fitting in time for reading? #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
18 Jan 2026
From Facebook
📚☕ Morning done right. Mr Bond is enjoying a good book and his coffee at Caves Beach. What a way to start the day! #olnlawson #cspd2026 #olnsreadandchillchallenge #summerreading
17 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Sienna has been getting stuck into some reading 📚✨ along with plenty of outdoorsy adventures while camping near Coffs Harbour 🌿🏕️ Fresh air, good books, and big smiles! How are you going with OLN’s Reading Challenge? 🙂 #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
14 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Reading in the pool? Who would have thought! 📖💦 Archer is kicking back with a book in the pool at Yamba — now that is a dedicated approach to OLN’s Read & Chill challenge 😎☀️ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
13 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Sunshine, pages turning, and pure peace ☀️📚 Miss Hutchings is soaking up her read & chill moment in Queensland. #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading