Kindergarten students at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary performed the gathering song, A Cross of Stars
Events were held across the diocese of Parramatta on Friday 8 August in honour of the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Canonised by Pope Benedict XVI on 17 October 2010, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s Feast Day was marked with liturgies, family events and social justice fundraisers at a number of schools and the Catholic Education office.
Students, staff and families from St Mary MacKillop Primary School in South Penrith celebrated mass at St Nicholas of Myra to remember and acknowledge St Mary MacKillop’s important work.
Students travelled to St Nicholas of Myra Church to join the Feast Day Mass and were treated to hundreds of green and yellow helium balloons decorating their classrooms on their return. In the afternoon, students came together to make a coin trail with donations going to the St Mary MacKillop Institute in East Timor.
Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, St Marys was founded by Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1880. Students celebrated a moving liturgy to celebrate the inspirational life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. By bringing the letters written by Mary MacKillop to life, students were encouraged to learn from her example by working, learning together and caring for others particularly those in need.
Staff at the Catholic Education office, Parramatta gathered for a liturgy with Sr Rosie Drum MGL reading the letters of Mary MacKillop and leading a prayer asking for guidance and care for students, staff and school communities.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
Facebook | OLOR
-
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!!!!
19 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Biar, a former OLR student. Our school community is incredibly proud of you and celebrates this wonderful achievement. 🤩🥳
Latest news More news
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.
19 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Biar, a former OLR student. Our school community is incredibly proud of you and celebrates this wonderful achievement. 🤩🥳
15 Dec 2025
From Facebook
✨ End of Year Liturgy & Awards Ceremony ✨ As we gathered for our End of Year Liturgy and Awards Ceremony, our hearts were filled with gratitude, hope and joy. Our sacred space was beautifully prepared with the symbols of Advent — a season of waiting, hope and joyful expectation — reminding us of God’s presence among us. We were especially blessed by our Kindergarten students, who led the liturgy with confidence, reverence and joy. Their prayers, actions and enthusiasm were a beautiful reminder that faith can be lived and shared at every age 💛 A heartfelt congratulations to all students who received awards. Your efforts, growth and achievements throughout the year are something to be very proud of, and we celebrate all that you have accomplished 🌟 This special celebration also gave us the opportunity to farewell valued staff members, thanking them for their dedication, service and the lasting impact they have made within our school community. You will always remain a cherished part of our story. Thank you to our students, staff and families for coming together to celebrate a wonderful year of learning, faith and community as we look forward with hope to the year ahead.
12 Dec 2025
From Facebook
What an incredible day! The liturgy was absolutely amazing — such a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate our Year 6 students. And then… the lunch and disco! 🎉🪩 The students had the greatest time dancing, laughing, and making memories they’ll never forget. A big thank you to our fantastic teachers, parent helpers and our school P&F— you truly were the best! Thank you for all your hard work, support, and enthusiasm. We couldn’t have done it without you! Congratulations, Year 6! 🌟
11 Dec 2025
From Facebook
We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our wonderful parents and families for your generous donations to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Your kindness will make a meaningful difference to families in need this Christmas. A special shout-out to our amazing Mini Vinnies team, who sorted and prepared all the donated items. Your leadership, teamwork and compassion truly shine at this time of year.
09 Dec 2025
From Facebook
This morning we gathered with gratitude to honour and farewell our Principal, Mr Siciliano, as he retires after 43 years of dedicated service to Catholic education. 😍 With thankful hearts, we prayed in appreciation for his leadership, commitment, and faith-filled guidance throughout his time with us at OLR, St Marys. 💕 May God bless you, Mr Siciliano, as you begin the next chapter of your life. ✝️
08 Dec 2025
From Facebook
08 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Today we gathered as a school community to farewell our Parish Priest, Father Brendan, as he prepares to move to New Zealand. Father Brendan has been a gentle and supportive presence—praying with us, guiding us, and sharing his wisdom. We thank him for his kindness and dedication to our community and ask God’s blessing as he begins this next chapter. ✝️
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
🌟 Congratulations to our 2026 Captains 🌟 School Captains: William and Clara Vice Captains: Ayaan and Hannah As a school community we congratulate you all on this wonderful achievement and look forward to your leadership in 2026.
03 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Our Year 6 students have been busy combining creativity, technology and science! This week, they learned how to use Makey Makey, exploring how simple circuits and coding can bring their ideas to life. After experimenting with connecting everyday objects to create interactive controls, students applied their new skills to their Solar System information projects. Using Makey Makey, they transformed their research into interactive displays. We are so proud of their innovation, teamwork and problem-solving as they blended digital technologies with their learning in Space Science. 🚀🌍🌟
Browse Categories