Religious Education

Advent

We have now entered the Liturgical season of Advent.

Advent begins the Church’s Liturgical year and prepares us to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It gives us time to reflect and rejoice in the coming of Christ. (To Know, Worship and Love Year 6)

It is also a time when we are especially challenged to reflect upon how Jesus - ‘The Promised One’ really affects our lives. It is a time to focus on jesus’ love at work in our own actions and in the world.

It is a time to PREPARE, WAIT and SHARE in faith, hope and love. (To Know, Worship and Love Year 5)

Want to know more about Advent??? Watch this 2min video for some great information about this Liturgical season. You might like to do this as a family … it is VERY child friendly!

The OLF Christmas Concert - only 2 days to go!

When:    Friday, 5th December 2025

Where:   Top playground

Time:      9:15am

Join us this Friday for our Christmas Concert here on the top playground. Be prepared to be entertained by our amazing students as we journey into this Liturgical season of Advent. 

Year 6 Graduation Mass

On Thursday, 11th December 2025 we will farewell our Year 6 Graduates with Mass at 12.00pm followed by the Year 6 Award Ceremony. We wish our Year 6 students well as they prepare to make the big move to High School ! 

End of Year Mass K-6

On Tuesday 16th December students from Kinder to Year 6 will come together to celebrate, as a school community, the end of the school year. You are all invited to attend this Mass which and will culminate in the Awards ceremony where we acknowledge student achievement from across the years. 

Date:       Tuesday 16th December

Where:    Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church

Time:       9.30am

Nativity scene

Take a moment over the next couple of weeks to pop into the Church foyer to admire the beautiful nativity set created by Fr Zeljko! You will be AMAZED!

Finally, as we journey towards Christmas, take a moment to STOP and think about what Christmas is really all about - the birth of Christ. A time when we remember that God gave us the greatest gift of all - Jesus, our Savior, 

Blessing of the Nativity

On Sunday, 7th December, after the 9.30am Mass, the Parish will be having a Blessing of the Nativity.

As well, there will be pony rides and a petting zoo for the children after Mass and the Blessing of the Nativity Scene.  All children are welcome and invited to dress up as shepherds and angels for the Blessing of the Nativity Scene and Mass. 

Fr Julian, Fr Željko and Fr Nonie would love to see you and your families there. If you are able to please bring a plate to share for morning tea afterwards that would be appreciated. 

All are welcome!

Sydney Catholic Schools Art Competition

‘Each year, The Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition invites our students to enter more deeply into the mystery and joy of Christ’s birth, a story that continues to inspire hope, wonder, and love. 

Through their art, our young people share not only their creativity but also their faith. They remind us that the true message of Christmas is alive in their capacity to see God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life. Like Mary’s yes, our students and families are consciously choosing the light of Jesus Christ in their life. This exhibition is a celebration of that faith made visible.’

Danielle Cronin: Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools) 

This year 900 works were entered into the SCS Art Competition . Of these 96 works were chosen to be judged by a panel of judges. Four of our students were then shortlisted : Luke S, Riley B, Grace M and Safari M. Congratulations to each of these students!

Particular congratulations to Grace M and Safari M who were awarded major prizes for second place and third place in the Year 6 category. 

We are extremely proud of each of our students, particularly given that over 900 entries were submitted this year.

The art exhibition is currently on display at Notre Dame University.

Mrs Brown and Ms Duffy were there to celebrate this wonderful achievement with our students last Sunday.

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal

An ENORMOUS THANK YOU  for the support you have given to this year’s Vinnies Christmas Appeal.   

To date we have raised nearly $3,400!

This will make an enormous difference to the lives of many people who are finding it tough this Christmas!! Know that you have touched the lives of others in your generous giving of gift cards.

The students from Year 2 and Year 6 have made personal cards to accompany the gift cards that have been donated. Again… THANK YOU!

The cards will be handed over to a representative from our local chapter of St Vincent De Paul at next Monday’s morning Assembly 

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Christmas Eve Paraliturgy 

As mentioned earlier in the newsletter, the Christmas Eve paraliturgy at our local parish Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Caringbah is on the 24th of December with mass starting at 5:30pm. 

Lastly....Farewell and thank you!

As Mrs Clay mentioned in her Newsletter at the beginning of this term, I have made the decision to retire at the end of this year after 44 years of ministry and service in Catholic Education. Over this time I have been blessed to have worked with, taught and given leadership to many students, teachers and colleagues. Having worked across two dioceses and across many Primary schools in the Sydney Archdiocese I have  had the opportunity to hold several leadership positions including Assistant Principal in two schools, REC in 3 schools, Coordinator  and class teacher in six schools. 

In each of these positions and schools I consider myself blessed to have worked with teachers who are dedicated, passionate and who truly care about the young people in their care.

To the wonderful staff, parents and students at Our Lady of Fatima I say : THANK YOU! You have enriched my life in so many ways and I am extremely grateful for the time I have had with you!

I leave to spend some time with my family, my 98 year old mother and to do some of the things that I just haven’t had the time to do. 

Know that you all will forever hold a special and loving place in my heart. I can think of no better place to finish a career in teaching than here with each of you.

Take care. God bless. And if you see me around please come and say hello ! 

Dear God,

As we wait for the coming of Jesus, 

help us to prepare our hearts to receive His love and peace.

Guide us through this Advent season with hope, joy, and kindness.

May we grow closer to You as we celebrate 

the birth of Your Son, our Savior.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a fabulous fortnight everyone!     

Mrs Cheryl Ross | Religious Education Coordinator