Kindergarten students at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary performed the gathering song, A Cross of Stars
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.

 

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

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

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  • 11 Sep 2025

    From Facebook
    🌟 RU OK? Day 2025 🌟 Today our school community came together to reflect, connect and grow 🌱. We engaged in a range of activities, learning the important messages of RU OK? Day πŸ’¬πŸ’›. Through the parable of the mustard seed, students explored how something small can grow into something big – just like asking β€œAre you OK?” can plant seeds of hope, comfort and connection 🌿✨. Students threw words of kindness πŸ’Œ, became listening legends πŸ‘‚β­, and reminded us that even small actions can make a big difference. We then shared a beautiful family picnic lunch πŸ§ΊπŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ before spending the afternoon writing colourful chalk messages of kindness around our school πŸ–οΈπŸ’›. πŸ™ A huge thank you to our staff, families, and students for creating such a special day of care and community. Together, we grew a garden of compassion, kindness, and connection πŸŒΌπŸŒ±πŸ’›.

    11 Sep 2025

    From Facebook
    πŸ’› R U OK? Day at Holy Family! πŸ’› This morning we shared a beautiful staff breakfast together, starting our day with connection, care, and community. πŸ₯β˜•πŸ§‡ Our students are stepping into the day as part of special teams known as The Kindness Crew, The Sunshine Squad, The Helping Hands, The Feel-Good Friends, The Yellow Champions, and The Connection Collectors 🌟🀝 each spreading positivity, smiles, and support across our school. At Holy Family, we are proud to shine a light on the importance of asking the question β€œR U OK?” and reminding one another that a simple conversation can change a life. πŸ’¬πŸ’› 🌿 Wellbeing is at the heart of who we are. Taking time to check in, show kindness, and nurture one another helps our whole community grow stronger, healthier, and more connected. 🌿 ✨ Watch this space this afternoon as we’ll be sharing photos of all the wonderful ways our students have been living out R U OK? Day together. πŸ“ΈπŸ’› @Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

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