Year 5 at Taronga Zoo
Year 5 went on an excursion Taronga Zoo for our Science unit.
When we arrived at the zoo, a tour guide came and gave us a lesson on ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS. We learnt how animals use their abilities to protect themselves from predators and to hide from their prey. Then we went behind the hospital to see a turtle who had lost a flipper and was in a rescue tank strengthening it to be released back into the wild.
After that, we were allowed to enter the main part of the zoo. First, we saw all the African animals - the zebras were the most fascinating. I learned that, like finger prints, no zebra pattern is the same. When we saw all the reptiles, they were really well camouflaged. I thought some of the enclosures were empty but you just had to look for them really hard.
I really enjoyed seeing the giraffes, they had a statue of the worlds tallest baby giraffe. I got to stand next to it- I felt so short! When we saw the monkeys their adaptation was their long tail to swing from tree to tree. I also enjoyed seeing the gorillas because they were so much like us in the way they moved, ate- maybe not talked, but they were cool.
We took lots of photos and had a good time we learned so much for our excursion. Then on the way back I was so tired I fell asleep.
Trinity J, Year 5
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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27 Jul 2026
From Facebook
We can't wait to see you all next weekend at the OLA Family Fiesta!!! Don't forget - Wristband pre-sales are $35.00 each wristband for unlimited rides at the OLA Family Fiesta 2026 ($40.00 if purchased on the day). Presale orders before 5 pm on Friday, 31st July 2026 now via the link: https://forms.gle/1e8LNAWz2qvvtXne9 (Your details will be placed on the pre-sale list for you to collect your ordered wristbands on the day).
26 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our talented Stage 3 Senior Dance Crew on their outstanding achievement at the Ryde Eisteddfod today, where they competed against 13 schools from across Sydney. The students were awarded an incredible 3rd place with a fantastic score of 91/100. After weeks of dedicated rehearsals and many lunch times spent practising, the girls took to the stage with confidence, energy and beautiful facial expressions, delivering a performance they should be incredibly proud of. What made us most proud, however, was the way they represented our school. They displayed exceptional sportsmanship throughout the day, enthusiastically cheering on and congratulating students from other schools. Their respect, kindness and encouragement reflected our school values beautifully. Congratulations to our Senior Dance Crew on this wonderful achievement. We are incredibly proud of you! A big thank you to Miss Hogan and Mrs Hodgess for your time and dedication to these students, and to all of our parents and teachers, Mrs Gow and Mr Calabria, who came to support and cheer us on!
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27 Jul 2026
From Facebook
We can't wait to see you all next weekend at the OLA Family Fiesta!!! Don't forget - Wristband pre-sales are $35.00 each wristband for unlimited rides at the OLA Family Fiesta 2026 ($40.00 if purchased on the day). Presale orders before 5 pm on Friday, 31st July 2026 now via the link: https://forms.gle/1e8LNAWz2qvvtXne9 (Your details will be placed on the pre-sale list for you to collect your ordered wristbands on the day).
26 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our talented Stage 3 Senior Dance Crew on their outstanding achievement at the Ryde Eisteddfod today, where they competed against 13 schools from across Sydney. The students were awarded an incredible 3rd place with a fantastic score of 91/100. After weeks of dedicated rehearsals and many lunch times spent practising, the girls took to the stage with confidence, energy and beautiful facial expressions, delivering a performance they should be incredibly proud of. What made us most proud, however, was the way they represented our school. They displayed exceptional sportsmanship throughout the day, enthusiastically cheering on and congratulating students from other schools. Their respect, kindness and encouragement reflected our school values beautifully. Congratulations to our Senior Dance Crew on this wonderful achievement. We are incredibly proud of you! A big thank you to Miss Hogan and Mrs Hodgess for your time and dedication to these students, and to all of our parents and teachers, Mrs Gow and Mr Calabria, who came to support and cheer us on!
26 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Outstanding Achievement and St Francis award recipients for Week 1!
26 Jul 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, Year 4 completed many practical activities to consider the changes that took place throughout the world during the Age of Exploration. Students searched the oval as explorers trying to find the Great Southern Land. They searched for a new tropical paradise (with their eyes closed!) using newly developed technologies like the astrolabe to help them find their way. This helped them to realise how hard it was for the explorers. They also compared the journeys of Captain James Cook and Captain Matthew Flinders. It was a big day full of excitement and games!
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
* OLA Fiesta – Raffle Tickets – Now due to be returned Raffle ticket books need to be returned by this Friday, 24 July 2026. Any unsold books/tickets must also be returned, as they need to be accounted for by the Parish as part of their accountability for the NSW Raffle Rules. Payment for the tickets can also be made by BPoint using the link: https://www.bpoint.com.au/pay/olotangelsparish/?billercode=2059327 Families that return their Ticket Books by this Friday will go into the draw to win a $100 Wish Gift Card (max 1 entry per family). * OLA Fiesta- Volunteers With the Fiesta almost upon us, we would appreciate additional volunteers. If you are able to volunteer for an hour to assist on the day, could you please register your availability via https://forms.gle/BUdJaCuuUWg6f6U27 Your generosity is very much appreciated to help share the load so that everyone can enjoy the Fiesta and make it a successful day.
22 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Our Wacky Wager video!! And then there were 2 more buckets left over, so Mr Calabria was slimed even more!!
22 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Today, Mr Calabria and Mr Cauchi settled their fun Wacky Wager, much to the delight of our students! Buckets of bright pink slime sealed the deal for 2026, creating a moment of pure joy for the students and teachers! It was definitely a day filled with faith, FUN, and learning at OLA. A huge thank you to Mr Calabria and Mr Cauchi for making our school not only an outstanding place to learn, but a place where memories are made- memories our students will carry with them forever!
21 Jul 2026
From Facebook
The first Sunday of the school holidays called for a little friendly OLA footy rivalry! Mr Calabria and Mr Cauchi headed along to the Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles clash to cheer on their teams. Let's just say... Mr Cauchi walked away the happier of the two! Now all eyes are on tomorrow, when our wacky wager will be settled!
19 Jul 2026
From Facebook
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
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