Recently, Year 5 went on an overnight camp to Bathurst to learn more about the Gold Rush and life on the goldfields in the 1850s.
Here are a few recounts from the students about their experiences.
Bathurst by Katia L
Bathurst was an amazing adventure. It was a cracker of a time which the whole Year 5 LOVED!
- We learnt lots of new things such as:
- Gold is heavier than lead
- Gold is used in the making of phones
- It took 12 men to carry the world’s biggest golden nugget
- Ned Kelly, the famous bushranger, committed over 70 crimes
- Ben Hall - was known for committing over 600 crimes and heaps more!!!!
We had an awesome experience and would like to thank our teachers who took such good care of us while we were there.
Bathurst by Logan H
As soon as I stepped onto the goldfields, I knew it would be a great experience. The day started with a quick, thirty-minute panning session which I knew nothing about- and I found NOTHING.
As much as it was hard work, I had a great time being a horse for a whim. That day was great. The night was a different story because SOMEONE was snoring the whole entire night, but still I slept pretty easily.
The next morning, I woke up to a fresh start and a beautiful sunrise. After a yummy, hot breakfast, we visited the Australia Bathurst courthouse that was built in 1872. We had fun in the museum seeing the old artifacts related to the history of Bathurst and the gold rush.
On our return trip, we made a number of stops, the last being Scenic World where our experience went from the terrifying railway to the more peaceful cableways. We arrived at school to our waiting parents and headed home.
Bathurst by Julia Z
In Bathurst, we got to go to different places such as the Goldfields, Bathurst Courthouse and Museum and Mount Panorama and got to learn and have fun at the same time.
We also went to Scenic World and the Three Sisters in Katoomba. We got to relive lots of things we have read about in books. and the things they didn’t enjoy we did!
At night time, we participated in some aboriginal art and boomerang throwing. As you can probably tell, I, and the rest of year five, really enjoyed it! I can’t wait for the next overnight camp.
Click here to download and view other pictures from the day
Our Lady of the Angels Primary | Rouse Hill
www.olarousehill.catholic.edu.au
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07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and appreciate Mr Calabria on Principal's Day- a leader who brings warmth, care and joy to our OLA community every single day. He ensures our school is a place where everyone feels safe, happy and supported, and where each day is filled with faith, fun and learning. At our assembly, the students shared a beautiful acrostic poem they had written to show just how thankful they are for him. Their words reflected the positivity he brings to our school. Mr Calabria knows our students, supports our teachers, welcomes our families, and helps make OLA a place where everyone belongs. On behalf of our students, teachers, parents, and the whole OLA community, we thank him for who he is and for all he does. We are truly grateful!
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday our Kindergarten students went on their very first excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm- and what a day it was! The children loved all the hands‑on experiences, meeting the animals, watching the farm shows, and of course, the biggest highlight… the tractor ride! A huge thank you to our wonderful teachers for organising it and our parent helpers for joining us and making the day so special.
Latest News More news
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and appreciate Mr Calabria on Principal's Day- a leader who brings warmth, care and joy to our OLA community every single day. He ensures our school is a place where everyone feels safe, happy and supported, and where each day is filled with faith, fun and learning. At our assembly, the students shared a beautiful acrostic poem they had written to show just how thankful they are for him. Their words reflected the positivity he brings to our school. Mr Calabria knows our students, supports our teachers, welcomes our families, and helps make OLA a place where everyone belongs. On behalf of our students, teachers, parents, and the whole OLA community, we thank him for who he is and for all he does. We are truly grateful!
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday our Kindergarten students went on their very first excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm- and what a day it was! The children loved all the hands‑on experiences, meeting the animals, watching the farm shows, and of course, the biggest highlight… the tractor ride! A huge thank you to our wonderful teachers for organising it and our parent helpers for joining us and making the day so special.
05 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Kindergarten were so excited to head off on their first excursion this morning 🚌
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our Stage 3 Girls and Boys teams travelled to The Kingsway at St Mary’s for the Parramatta Diocesan Touch Football Gala Day. We were so proud of all our OLA students who displayed great sportsmanship, fantastic footy, and outstanding teamwork. Congratulations to both boys' teams finishing 2nd overall, and our girls' team who finished at the top of their pool and were awarded the medals. A huge thank you to all the parents who helped out on the day, and Mrs Batten and Mr Campbell for attending.
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Kindergarten students kicked off their new Religious Education unit on celebrations and community by hosting a birthday party for their teachers’ special teddies! They played fun party games, danced together, and shared lots of laughs. They finished the celebration by enjoying lunch with their Year 6 buddies. It was a special way to explore how celebrations bring people together, create a sense of belonging and strengthen community.
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Year 1 had the most wonderful day last week, exploring the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Filled with excitement, our students wandered through the gardens, discovering all the natural and built features around them. Through hands‑on activities and a guided walk, they explored different spaces, created simple maps, and learned how we can all care for our environment. It was a fun‑filled day of learning, laughter and adventure- and a fantastic way to bring our Geography unit to life. So many happy memories made! Thank you to the Year 1 teachers for organising it, and to the parent helpers for joining us!
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Outstanding Achievement and St Francis award recipients for Week 2!
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Infants and Primary teachers had an absolute blast on Friday, just like the students, as they took on the Inflatable Obstacle Course- and yes, the healthy competition was very real. Lots of laughs, lots of cheering, and plenty of impressive moves from our staff. OLA spirit at its best!
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a special few days we’ve had celebrating our OLA Feast Day. Yesterday we were so proud of our captains, Cameron and Sarah, who led the procession so beautifully after Mass. Our Band, Choir and Senior Dance Crew also shone at the Fiesta, sharing their talents and representing OLA with pride. The celebrations ended with a stunning fireworks display that lit up the sky- enjoyed not just by our school and Parish community, but by families all around the neighbourhood. What a joyful way to celebrate OLA!
01 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our OLA Feast Day celebrations on Friday were a blast! After a beautiful Mass, our students jumped straight into an afternoon of ZING Activ activities- games, teamwork, laughter, and, of course, the crowd favourite, the inflatable obstacle course! Thank you to Miss Grima for her fantastic organisation and to all our teachers who joined in the fun and helped make the day so special. We are very lucky to be at OLA!