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.
-
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Mindful Colouring and Senior Art lunchtime clubs have been busy creating two gingerbread houses for display at North Village Shopping Centre, Kellyville! Students embraced the challenge of sustainability by repurposing scrap paper into recycled sheets, gingerbread men, baubles, and ornaments. They also illustrated what Christmas means to them. Come and see their wonderful creations this festive season at North Village (cnr Hezlett Rd & Samantha Riley Drive) Thank you to Mrs Macare, Miss Ford, and Calissa for coordinating this initiative!
Latest News More news
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Mindful Colouring and Senior Art lunchtime clubs have been busy creating two gingerbread houses for display at North Village Shopping Centre, Kellyville! Students embraced the challenge of sustainability by repurposing scrap paper into recycled sheets, gingerbread men, baubles, and ornaments. They also illustrated what Christmas means to them. Come and see their wonderful creations this festive season at North Village (cnr Hezlett Rd & Samantha Riley Drive) Thank you to Mrs Macare, Miss Ford, and Calissa for coordinating this initiative!
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Thursday, we held our final Kindergarten Orientation, and what a fun morning it was! Our soon‑to‑be Kindies stayed for longer, played outside, enjoyed eating morning tea together, and even received a special certificate to mark the occasion. We can’t wait to welcome these bright, enthusiastic learners into our classrooms and our OLA family next year!
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Recently, our students shone brightly at The Parramatta Gymnastics Competition, showcasing impressive skill, teamwork, and determination. Amelie, Amber, and Bianca were awarded a GOLD medal for their outstanding routines and performance, while Janice, Elena, Nevenka, Emma M, Sarah, Keeley, Emma H, Freya, Hamish, Emma A, Akira, Eleora, Charlotte, and Mia were awarded SILVER medals. The OLA team placed second overall, an incredible result against strong competition. Even more special, our school was awarded the spirit trophy, recognising sportsmanship, encouragement, and positivity throughout the day, an honour voted on by judges and event convenors. We are extremely proud of every student who represented our school with pride, resilience, and enthusiasm. Many thanks to Miss Whelan, Miss Marchant, Mrs Batten and all involved in providing this opportunity for the children.
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
This week, Year Five participated in a Leadership Incursion as part of our Leadership Week. Cameron from Explore Discover Act facilitated the day with a series of dynamic activities, engaging songs, and thought-provoking discussions that encouraged students to reflect deeply on the qualities of effective leadership. Throughout the session, students explored the idea that leadership is not limited to formal roles but is demonstrated through everyday actions, such as showing responsibility, communicating respectfully, supporting others, and making positive choices. The incursion supported students in developing a clearer understanding of what it means to be a “GREAT” leader and reinforced the belief that every individual has the capacity to lead. This experience provided valuable preparation for the upcoming 2026 Leadership Speeches and strengthened students’ confidence in their potential to contribute to their school community as leaders.
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Kindergarten students had an exciting incursion this week exploring the world of push & pull forces, motion, and energy! The show brought science to life- starting with Sir Isaac Newton’s famous Laws of Motion and moving on to friction, spinning, gravity, and balance. The children were captivated as they learned how science explains the way things move in our everyday world. Thank you to Kaleidoscope Science Incursions and our Kindergarten teachers for organising such a fun learning experience!
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, our school community gathered for a beautiful Advent liturgy to mark the beginning of the Advent season. It was a time of prayer, song, and reflection as we prepared our hearts for the journey towards Christmas. Advent reminds us to wait with hope, to live with joy, and to share peace with one another.
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Outstanding Achievement and St Francis award recipients for Week 7!
30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
26 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to these talented students who have been selected for the Parramatta Basketball Team! This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their skill, dedication, and love of the game. Our school is incredibly proud and looks forward to supporting them as they represent Parramatta with pride and enthusiasm. Well done to Arella, JiaJia, and Liam.
26 Nov 2025