Our school community was to share in the presence of Mercy Cross and relics of St Mary MacKillop and St Teresa of Kolkata.
Mrs La Rocca shared in her reflection that 'The face and presence of God is evident all around us. It is glowing in the sea of little faces I have the privilege of witnessing each morning. However, it is especially present in the challenges sent to test us and make our faith stronger. How often do we recognise this as God, present in our lives?'
Students Ashton, Alannah, Alicia, Giaan and Liam (Yr 4) jointly constructed the short reflection below of their experience of this special occasion.
OLA gathered together to celebrate Mercy Day. Prior to Mercy Day we made crosses out of wooden sticks, buttons and glitter. The reasoning behind this was to remember Saint Mary McKillop and Saint Teresa.
The whole school went up to venerate the cross by either touching it, kissing or making the sign of the cross. We also put our wooden crosses on the cloth in front of the relics.
At the end of the liturgy students could choose if they wanted to go up to the cross and relics to say a quiet prayer and spend some time reflecting on where they have seen the face of God.
Students placing their crosses around the relics and spending some time in silent prayer.
Students in Year 4 spending some alone time reflecting on where they see the face of God.
Students in Years 1 and 2 sharing where they have seen the face of God.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and appreciate Mr Calabria on Principal's Day- a leader who brings warmth, care and joy to our OLA community every single day. He ensures our school is a place where everyone feels safe, happy and supported, and where each day is filled with faith, fun and learning. At our assembly, the students shared a beautiful acrostic poem they had written to show just how thankful they are for him. Their words reflected the positivity he brings to our school. Mr Calabria knows our students, supports our teachers, welcomes our families, and helps make OLA a place where everyone belongs. On behalf of our students, teachers, parents, and the whole OLA community, we thank him for who he is and for all he does. We are truly grateful!
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday our Kindergarten students went on their very first excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm- and what a day it was! The children loved all the hands‑on experiences, meeting the animals, watching the farm shows, and of course, the biggest highlight… the tractor ride! A huge thank you to our wonderful teachers for organising it and our parent helpers for joining us and making the day so special.
Latest News More news
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and appreciate Mr Calabria on Principal's Day- a leader who brings warmth, care and joy to our OLA community every single day. He ensures our school is a place where everyone feels safe, happy and supported, and where each day is filled with faith, fun and learning. At our assembly, the students shared a beautiful acrostic poem they had written to show just how thankful they are for him. Their words reflected the positivity he brings to our school. Mr Calabria knows our students, supports our teachers, welcomes our families, and helps make OLA a place where everyone belongs. On behalf of our students, teachers, parents, and the whole OLA community, we thank him for who he is and for all he does. We are truly grateful!
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday our Kindergarten students went on their very first excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm- and what a day it was! The children loved all the hands‑on experiences, meeting the animals, watching the farm shows, and of course, the biggest highlight… the tractor ride! A huge thank you to our wonderful teachers for organising it and our parent helpers for joining us and making the day so special.
05 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Kindergarten were so excited to head off on their first excursion this morning 🚌
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our Stage 3 Girls and Boys teams travelled to The Kingsway at St Mary’s for the Parramatta Diocesan Touch Football Gala Day. We were so proud of all our OLA students who displayed great sportsmanship, fantastic footy, and outstanding teamwork. Congratulations to both boys' teams finishing 2nd overall, and our girls' team who finished at the top of their pool and were awarded the medals. A huge thank you to all the parents who helped out on the day, and Mrs Batten and Mr Campbell for attending.
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Kindergarten students kicked off their new Religious Education unit on celebrations and community by hosting a birthday party for their teachers’ special teddies! They played fun party games, danced together, and shared lots of laughs. They finished the celebration by enjoying lunch with their Year 6 buddies. It was a special way to explore how celebrations bring people together, create a sense of belonging and strengthen community.
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Year 1 had the most wonderful day last week, exploring the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Filled with excitement, our students wandered through the gardens, discovering all the natural and built features around them. Through hands‑on activities and a guided walk, they explored different spaces, created simple maps, and learned how we can all care for our environment. It was a fun‑filled day of learning, laughter and adventure- and a fantastic way to bring our Geography unit to life. So many happy memories made! Thank you to the Year 1 teachers for organising it, and to the parent helpers for joining us!
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Outstanding Achievement and St Francis award recipients for Week 2!
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Infants and Primary teachers had an absolute blast on Friday, just like the students, as they took on the Inflatable Obstacle Course- and yes, the healthy competition was very real. Lots of laughs, lots of cheering, and plenty of impressive moves from our staff. OLA spirit at its best!
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a special few days we’ve had celebrating our OLA Feast Day. Yesterday we were so proud of our captains, Cameron and Sarah, who led the procession so beautifully after Mass. Our Band, Choir and Senior Dance Crew also shone at the Fiesta, sharing their talents and representing OLA with pride. The celebrations ended with a stunning fireworks display that lit up the sky- enjoyed not just by our school and Parish community, but by families all around the neighbourhood. What a joyful way to celebrate OLA!
01 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our OLA Feast Day celebrations on Friday were a blast! After a beautiful Mass, our students jumped straight into an afternoon of ZING Activ activities- games, teamwork, laughter, and, of course, the crowd favourite, the inflatable obstacle course! Thank you to Miss Grima for her fantastic organisation and to all our teachers who joined in the fun and helped make the day so special. We are very lucky to be at OLA!