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.
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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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 Godβs 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. βοΈπ #olnlawson #cspd2026 #AshWednesday #windowintolearning
18 Feb 2026
From Facebook
π¦πββοΈ Diocesan Swimming Carnival 2026 πββοΈπ¦ What an incredible day at the pool! The girls were absolutely amazing β 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! ππ π Charlotte placed 4th in the 8 Years Girls 50m Freestyle and is progressing through to the Diocesan Carnival β we are so proud of you, Charlotte! ππ₯ πͺ Lexi swam her heart out, placing 11th in the 10 Years 50m Freestyle. π Evie powered through to place 14th in the same event. Every single swim showed determination, courage, and fantastic sportsmanship. Now weβre eagerly waiting on the Junior Girls Backstroke results π€π No matter the results, we couldnβt be prouder of these amazing girls and the way they represented our school today! πβ¨ #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 Godβs 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. βοΈπ #olnlawson #cspd2026 #AshWednesday #windowintolearning
18 Feb 2026
From Facebook
π¦πββοΈ Diocesan Swimming Carnival 2026 πββοΈπ¦ What an incredible day at the pool! The girls were absolutely amazing β 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! ππ π Charlotte placed 4th in the 8 Years Girls 50m Freestyle and is progressing through to the Diocesan Carnival β we are so proud of you, Charlotte! ππ₯ πͺ Lexi swam her heart out, placing 11th in the 10 Years 50m Freestyle. π Evie powered through to place 14th in the same event. Every single swim showed determination, courage, and fantastic sportsmanship. Now weβre eagerly waiting on the Junior Girls Backstroke results π€π No matter the results, we couldnβt be prouder of these amazing girls and the way they represented our school today! πβ¨ #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. Itβs 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 youβre asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
30 Jan 2026
From Facebook
πβ¨ Reading Challenge Adventures with Isabella! β¨π From making a splash at the pools celebrating Australia Day π¦πΊπ¦ to winding down with some cozy SpongeBob reading time in bed ποΈπ§½ β Isabella is diving right into her school reading challenge! Learning, fun, and a whole lot of smiles ππ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
29 Jan 2026
From Facebook
What a fab way to spend the last days of the summer holidaysβsurrounded by books βοΈπ Hyler is in his favourite place, doing exactly what he loves. Donβt forget to bring your reading log back to school next week! OLNβs Read & Chill Challenge is almost at an end πβ¨ #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.β 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 π Sophie is making the most of the holidays with some reading time before her representative basketball game π Great balance of learning and sport β 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. π Mrs Cole, reading for the challenge, reading for joy, and chilling into the days ahead β¨ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
22 Jan 2026
From Facebook
We wonder what Mrs Crawford has planned for the rest of the holidays? πͺ΄π Better get cracking β the end is in sight! Not long now until the Read and Chill Challenge wraps up, but thereβs still plenty of time to pop into the library and stock up on some great reads. πβ¨ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading #bluemountainslibrary
21 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Reading π, gymnastics π€ΈββοΈ, reading π, gymnastics π€ΈββοΈβ¦ Mila couldnβt decide what to do while the rain came down β so she did both at the same time! πβοΈ Books + movement = the perfect combo! How are you going with OLNβs Read and Chill Challenge? Keep reading, keep moving, and keep having fun! πβ¨ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
20 Jan 2026
From Facebook
ππ 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
πβ 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 πβ¨ along with plenty of outdoorsy adventures while camping near Coffs Harbour πΏποΈ Fresh air, good books, and big smiles! How are you going with OLNβs Reading Challenge? π #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
14 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Reading in the pool? Who would have thought! ππ¦ Archer is kicking back with a book in the pool at Yamba β now that is a dedicated approach to OLNβs Read & Chill challenge πβοΈ #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading
13 Jan 2026
From Facebook
Sunshine, pages turning, and pure peace βοΈπ Miss Hutchings is soaking up her read & chill moment in Queensland. #olnlawson #olnsreadandchillchallenge #cspd2026 #summerreading