More than 400 Stage Three students from 12 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta, including Our Lady of the Rosary, joined a recent celebration for the Year of Youth at Rooty Hill RSL.
Each of the participating Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta schools is part of the Faith in Action initiative, developed in partnership with Catholic Youth Parramatta. Faith in Action Teams (FIAT) are made up of passionate young teachers (2 to 4 per school) who foster the personal and spiritual growth of young people, engaging them in the life and mission of the Catholic faith community.
The event was facilitated by Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) and featured Genevieve Bryant, a highly acclaimed young Catholic singer, songwriter and performer who is from Melbourne. She was a headline performer for the Australian Catholic Youth Festivals in Adelaide in 2015 and Sydney in 2017.
Mission Teaching Educator Amanda Bentley said the program for the day saw a combination of music, testimony, discussion and prayer.
“Genevieve did a great job in engaging with the students and talking to them about trusting in God to use their gifts and talents to share God’s love with others,’’ Ms Bentley said.
“She shared her own testimony and encouraged the students to be engaged with their faith, to deepen their relationship with God and to try to live out God’s message.”
Catholic Youth Parramatta also gathered student testimonies to share with Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, as another element of dialogue within this Year of Youth event.
“The students were given an opportunity to address the following questions given to them by Bishop Vincent: What have you been involved in at your school for the Year of Youth; what is something you would like Bishop Vincent to know is important for young people in our Church; and what is your dream for the future of the Church.”
Teachers praised the joyful impact the day had on the students.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
Facebook | OLOR
-
05 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Thursday our school community gathered in prayer and reflection for our Holy Week Liturgy, where our students led us through the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through heartfelt readings and songs our students beautifully reflected on the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and the joy and hope that His resurrection brings to each of us. Thank you to our teachers and parents/family members for walking this Easter journey with us. May the light and love of the risen Christ remain in our hearts long after this holy season. Wishing all our families a blessed and joyful Easter!
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
On Thursday our students and staff walked together in solidarity with the millions of people around the world who travel long distances every day just to collect water. Buckets in hand, our students got a real sense of what that journey feels like. Throughout the walk, students paused at reflection stations to think about how they can Unite Against Poverty as part of Caritas Australia's Project Compassion this Lent. We are so proud of the empathy, compassion, and community spirit shown by every single one of them. If you'd like to support Project Compassion and help your child add a decorated water drop to our school display, donations are still open via the link below. Every contribution makes a difference! https://tinyurl.com/24vuj833
Latest news More news
05 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Thursday our school community gathered in prayer and reflection for our Holy Week Liturgy, where our students led us through the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through heartfelt readings and songs our students beautifully reflected on the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and the joy and hope that His resurrection brings to each of us. Thank you to our teachers and parents/family members for walking this Easter journey with us. May the light and love of the risen Christ remain in our hearts long after this holy season. Wishing all our families a blessed and joyful Easter!
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
On Thursday our students and staff walked together in solidarity with the millions of people around the world who travel long distances every day just to collect water. Buckets in hand, our students got a real sense of what that journey feels like. Throughout the walk, students paused at reflection stations to think about how they can Unite Against Poverty as part of Caritas Australia's Project Compassion this Lent. We are so proud of the empathy, compassion, and community spirit shown by every single one of them. If you'd like to support Project Compassion and help your child add a decorated water drop to our school display, donations are still open via the link below. Every contribution makes a difference! https://tinyurl.com/24vuj833
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
We were blessed to have our families join us today as we began Catholic Schools week with a special liturgy and open classrooms. It was a joy to share our faith and learning with the families who make our school so special.
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 2 students had a wonderful Encounter Day exploring our unit, How Can We Care for Creation? 🌏💚 Through prayer and hands-on activities, they learned how small actions can help care for God’s world. So proud of their caring hearts! 🌱✨
20 Feb 2026
From Facebook
✨ Beginning of School Year Liturgy & Year 6 Induction 2026 ✨ Today we gathered as a faith-filled community to celebrate the beginning of a new school year. We warmly welcomed our returning students and staff, along with the new families joining us in 2026. A special welcome to our Kindergarten children, who bring joy, wonder and new beginnings to our school. As we begin during the season of Lent, we are reminded to slow down, reflect, and grow closer to God, choosing kindness and walking in the way of Jesus. We also proudly inducted our Year 6 leaders for 2026, recognising their commitment to serve with compassion, humility and courage. As we start this new year together, we recommit to our school motto: 🙏 “We Follow Jesus.” ❤️
17 Feb 2026
From Facebook
What an amazing day Year 6 had at “Encounter” today! We joined 19 other schools at Panthers in a day of song, dance, prayer and reflection. 🙏🏼 Our students reflected on the meaning of Human Dignity, journaled throughout the day and joined all the schools in a moving adoration. A special mention to Demi who bravely spoke on stage in front of the whole gathering about his personal understanding of Human Dignity. Gen Bryant inspired us all today as we nurtured our spiritual growth and joined together as a catholic community.
14 Feb 2026
From Facebook
On Thursday Mrs Wakeling and Mrs Van Doorn had the wonderful opportunity of taking 3 students in Yr 6 to St John XXIII at Stanhope Gardens for the Project Compassion Launch. We gathered in prayer with Bishop Vincent Long and students from across the Diocese. Throughout the day we heard about how to support the important work of Caritas Australia both in Australia and around the world. We look forward to sharing how our school community can reach out to others in need this Lent. Watch this space!!!!
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.
12 Jan 2026
Transitioning smoothly into ‘big school’: What parents need to know
The first day of Kindergarten! It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.
Browse Categories