Students and staff at Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) Kellyville have chosen to try and epitomise the word ‘Dignity’ in their mission to reach out to others in need this festive season.
Reflecting on it’s meaning, dignity, the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect, OLA Principal Eva La Rocca said their school community has made `Dignity Packs’ for a variety of local outreach programs.
“It is important for us to teach children about the gift of giving and understand that things we take for granted are things that people in our community desperately need. We want to show the face of God, but also show others that they are the face of God and that someone loves them," Mrs La Rocca said.
OLA Religious Education Coordinator/Classroom Teacher Katrina Byrne said the school community was inspired to do the packs after a staff formation day was held in Elizabeth Bay learning about the issue of homelessness. She said it was during their tours of the Soup Kitchen and Wayside Chapel, that staff were drawn to do something to help those in need.
“It was also brought to our attention of the way people on the streets are treated and their need for basic needs. It opened the eyes of the staff and the importance of the dignity of the human person," Mrs Byrne said.
It was then they decided to pack dignity bags for the It’s in the bag organisation, along with St Canice shelter at Elizabeth Bay and three hubs of St Vincent de Paul. Up to 200 bags were packed with toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, soap, deodorant, hair products, sanitary items and a special treat.
“This initiative was extremely successful because it was more than just providing items. It was integrated with the mission units and many teachers used their experiences to educate the children and in response the students displayed empathy for those in need and a real drive to help others and show them they are the face of God, just as the students can show the face of God," Mrs Byrne said.
This school community project saw the parish and school join forces and achieve a fantastic result!
“I feel extremely proud of our community and the way everyone supported one another to create dignity packs for a purpose, really thinking about the person each bag was being packed for. We would definitely do this again," Mrs Byrne said.
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26 Oct 2024
From Facebook
Socktober 2024- Silly Sock Mufti Day Fundraiser – Thursday, 31st October! This year, Our Lady of the Angels is proud to participate in Socktober 2024, Catholic Mission’s annual flagship school engagement program. The goal is to bring communities together to make a real impact on global issues. This year, Catholic Mission is raising awareness and funds for the 'Caring Center in Mongolia', which provides essential care and support for homeless children. To show our support, students are invited to wear silly socks with their school uniform on Thursday, 31st October. Throughout the week, there will be fun sock games and activities to celebrate Socktober! We kindly ask families to contribute what they can to OLA’s Socktober collective fundraiser through the QkR! App. Donations will be gratefully accepted from 25th October until 1st November. Thank you for your support in helping make a difference in the lives of those in need!25 Oct 2024
From Facebook
'HATS OFF TO OUR TEACHERS!' Today is World Teacher’s Day. At OLA we will acknowledge and celebrate this day of appreciation on Thursday 21st November due to teachers being in Bathurst with our Year 5 children and a number of other events. Thank you to all of our OLA teachers for all that you do. You are simply amazing. We are blessed that you have chosen this important vocation that makes a difference in the lives of others.