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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18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
As we close another year, we want to give thanks for the journey we’ve shared. This year has again been filled with faith, fun, and learning, and we are so grateful for the joy, growth, and community that each of you brings to OLA. From our OLA family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Christmas surrounded by loved ones. May your days be full of health, happiness, and Christ’s blessings, and may the spirit of the season carry you into the new year with hope and peace. To all of our students, families, and friends- thank you for being part of our story. The OLA staff love and appreciate you all, and we look forward to another year together in 2026!
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last night marked the final chapter of our Year 6 students’ primary school journey as we celebrated their Graduation Mass. Together we prayed and gave thanks for the guidance of their parents, OLA staff, and God throughout their seven years at primary school. We also acknowledged the achievements of students who received special awards, before finishing with a touching moment- our Year 6 students forming a guard of honour for their parents. Thank you to the Year 6 teachers, Miss Grima, and all the staff involved in this special celebration. We wish our graduates many more days filled with faith, fun, and learning as they begin their high school adventure.
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18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
As we close another year, we want to give thanks for the journey we’ve shared. This year has again been filled with faith, fun, and learning, and we are so grateful for the joy, growth, and community that each of you brings to OLA. From our OLA family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Christmas surrounded by loved ones. May your days be full of health, happiness, and Christ’s blessings, and may the spirit of the season carry you into the new year with hope and peace. To all of our students, families, and friends- thank you for being part of our story. The OLA staff love and appreciate you all, and we look forward to another year together in 2026!
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last night marked the final chapter of our Year 6 students’ primary school journey as we celebrated their Graduation Mass. Together we prayed and gave thanks for the guidance of their parents, OLA staff, and God throughout their seven years at primary school. We also acknowledged the achievements of students who received special awards, before finishing with a touching moment- our Year 6 students forming a guard of honour for their parents. Thank you to the Year 6 teachers, Miss Grima, and all the staff involved in this special celebration. We wish our graduates many more days filled with faith, fun, and learning as they begin their high school adventure.
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Yesterday, we celebrated our Year 6 students finishing their primary school journey. It was such a special moment as the whole school, together with parents, formed a guard of honour through the grounds, cheering them on as they walked proudly for the last time as OLA students. We are so proud of their achievements, their growth, and the wonderful memories they’ve created here. As they step into High School, we send them off with love, encouragement, and the reminder that they will always be part of our OLA family.
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
We loved spending our last day of school yesterday dressing up in Christmas Mufti!!
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Year 5 loved the last week of term, playing sport and opening up their classrooms to the Year 4 students to show them some of the work they have done!
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
A huge thank you to Miss Grima for all her hard work, and to our amazing students and teachers who brought so much joy to the stage at our End-of-Year OLA Christmas Concert this week. We’re also grateful to all the families, friends, and guests who joined us- it was so lovely to gather together as a community, and celebrate the birth of Christ with music, laughter, and love!
14 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Last week, our Year 6 and Kindergarten students enjoyed a final catch‑up with their buddies, sharing smiles, memories, and exchanging special gifts. Having buddies is such a special part of life at OLA, creating friendships, role models, and moments the children will treasure long after the year ends!
14 Dec 2025
From Facebook
In Science this term, Kindergarten has been learning all about forces. Last week, the children used recycled materials to design and make a functioning ramp. The children then used round objects to test whether their ramp would successfully allow the item to roll down. They had so much fun creating their own little masterpieces!
14 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to all of our students who achieved a Gold Award in the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year. This award recognises students who have successfully completed the challenge four times. An extra special congratulations to Caleb and Divit for completing the Premier’s Reading Challenge seven times and achieving a Platinum Award! At OLA, we 'Read to Succeed'!
14 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Week 10, Term 4- where did that year go? What's on at OLA for the final week of 2025?