Jess Black giving her approval of the writing by one of her many fans.
What a week OLA had for BOOK WEEK…
Author Visit
Jess Black visited our school to talk to all grades about what it is like being an author. Jess Black is an Australian author of children's books. She has written over twenty-five junior fiction books and has two picture books coming out in 2016. Jess is the co-author of the hugely successful Bindi Wildlife Adventure series, the RSPCA Animal Tales series and The Kaboom Kid series with David Warner.
Jess has a new four book series called Keeper of the Crystals. Book one, Eve and the Runaway Unicorn, is available from June 1st. Students had the opportunity over the past few weeks to view some of her work and become familiar with her writing style and also had the opportunity to buy her books and have it signed by Jess during her visit.
PO-ET-RY!
It's all about Enunciation and Expression! OLA students had the great privilege of having Annette Kosseris work with them for a day on their poetry recital. Annette is a renowned writer of children's poetry. Each year, OLA students participate in the verse speaking section of the Hawkesbury Eisteddfod and Annette's poems are often a popular choice for their recital. Annette, who runs her own school of Performance Poetry for Children, was very happy to be back working a school and especially pleased that schools are still valuing the importance of speech.
She went on to say that she was particularly impressed of the spirit in the school, the rapport among the teachers and their obvious interest in the students. "You should be proud!" she said. We are. The school is very grateful to Annette, not only for her time but for the poetry books she donated and dedicated to OLA students. These will be a source of poetry recital for many years to come. Thursday afternoon also saw our regular whole school reading afternoon.
Annette Kosseris shared her knowledge with the students in Years 1 to 4 before their Verse Speaking Eisteddfod.
OLA Verse Speaking choirs achieved a 1st, 2nd, 4th and Highly commended amongst some very tough competition - well done to you all!
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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?