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.

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

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25 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, our students proudly took part in the ANZAC March in Lawson. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of freedom, community, and the sacrifices made—both past and present—to protect these values. Our students represented OLN with great pride and reverence. Lest we forget. #olnlawson #anzacday

24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
In the lead up to ANZAC Day tomorrow, our Year 6 students took part in a writing competition run by Lawson Combined Services, reflecting on what this important day means to them. Students from across local schools submitted thoughtful and moving pieces, and we are incredibly proud to share that one of our students, Amy, was awarded the trophy today. Amy had the opportunity to read her writing to the school and has been invited to share her piece with the wider community at the ANZAC service in Lawson tomorrow. Congratulations, Amy—we are so proud of you and the way you have honoured the spirit of ANZAC Day. You are warmly invited to join us in representing our school at the service tomorrow. Please see Compass for full details.