RE News

Term 3 Nano Nagle Value: Compassion

This term the WHOLE school is focusing on the Nano Nagle value of Compassion.

Our students follow our school rules of Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible.

Students are reminded to follow the schools rules while showing Compassion.

You will notice that one of our class awards handed out at assembly will be for a student showing the value of Compassion in that term. Teachers are also handing out tokens to students showing the value in their interactions on the playground.

Sydney Synod 2026

Archbishop Fisher has called for a Sydney Synod in 2026 in response to Holy Spirit-inspired longings from Sydney Catholics for more prayerful liturgies, more Christ-centred communities, and a more mission-oriented Church. Within our Archdiocese, there is much to give thanks for: vibrant parish communities, increasing vocations, dedicated lay faithful, and a rich variety of initiatives in evangelisation, pastoral care, and social outreach.

In preparation for the Synod, the Archbishop invites you to share your positive, faithful, and practical ideas on how we can become a more prayerful, Christ-centred and missionary people by attending any of the three regional consultations later in the year.

You are encouraged to get involved by discussing these hopes within your communities, and bringing forward your collective ideas on how these can be met to our regional consultations. You can register to attend any of the three consultations below:

Holy Family, Menai

Saturday, 30 August 2025 | 9 AM – 12 PM

St Mary’s Cathedral

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

All Saints, Liverpool

Thursday, 16 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

Please click here to view the Sydney Synod Launch.

Further information can be found in this Catholic Weekly article and on the Archdiocesan Synod Webpage.

The Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

On August 8, we will come together as a Catholic school community for a whole school Mass at 9.15am, to celebrate the life and legacy of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop—Australia’s first saint.

Mary dedicated her life to serving others through education, compassion, and deep faith. She believed in the importance of helping those in need and lived by the words: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Through her tireless work in founding the Sisters of Saint Joseph and opening schools across the country, Mary brought hope and opportunity to countless children, especially in rural and disadvantaged communities. Her courage, humility, and unwavering trust in God remain a guiding light for us all.

As we mark her feast day, let us reflect on Mary’s example and commit ourselves to being people of action, compassion, and faith—just as she was. May her spirit continue to inspire our students to lead with love and stand up for what is right.

🙏 Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

15th August 2025

Years 3-6 will attend a whole school mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On August 15, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a cherished feast in our Catholic faith.

It honours the moment when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

This beautiful belief reminds us of the hope and promise of eternal life and God's loving plan for us all.

Mary’s life was one of faith, obedience, and devotion. She said “yes” to God with great courage, and remained faithful through joys and challenges.

Her Assumption is a sign of the deep connection between heaven and earth, and inspires us to live with trust and love, just as she did.

As a school community, we remember Mary’s example of kindness, humility, and strength. May we follow her lead in saying “yes” to God each day—in our friendships, learning, and care for one another.

🙏 Holy Mary, taken into heaven, pray for us

The Feast of Sts Joachim and Anne /Grandparents Day 2025

A huge thank you to all of our families for attending our Grandparents Day celebrations last Friday. There certainly was "Breathing Room Only" in the church and it was lovely to see so many families in attendance. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share their school with their parents and grandparents and we even had grandparents dial in from overseas and have a virtual tour via iPad of the school!

Term 3 Liturgical Calendar

Family Educator News

Final Year 6 Confirmation Preparation Session

Just a gentle remind that our final Confirmation Practice session at St Patrick's Church. will be on Wednesday, 06 August, from 6.00pm-7.00pm.

This session is compulsory for everyone, as it is our final preparation before the children receive the sacrament. It is also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have about Confirmation at St Mary's Cathedral. If Confirmation Sponsors are available, they are very welcome to attend.

We look forward to seeing you.

Final Altar Server Training Date - Wednesday, 24 September

Last week, boys and girls from Year 4, 5 & 6 did some training with Fr Dan to become Altar Servers. They will now join our regular Altar Servers, Antonio, Luca, Xavier and Lachlan, who have been doing such an incredible job and been such fantastic role models.

Many of our new recruits served at Masses over the weekend and at our Year 4 Grade Mass. Congratulations Natalia, Isabella, Kairo, Aiden, Lucas, Sam, Raphael & Jordan.

If you have received the sacrament of First Holy Communion and would like to join the team, we would love for you to attend a training session on Wednesday, 24 September @ 3.30pm. Please register by Friday, 19 September, using the link or QR code below.

Playgroup Excursion

As the library will be very busy with book week, our Playgroup session on Tuesday, 12 August, will be held at Waratah Park All-abilities Playground, 1Rawson Avenue, Sutherland. We will meet at 9.15am, playground. As this is an outdoor area this will of course be subject to dry weather. Unfortunately, if it's wet we will have to cancel the session.

I will pray for good weather and look forward to seeing you there.

Family Mass

Nano’s Lanterns Community Meal Service

Women's Conference - Saturday, 27 September

Ladies, Mark your calendars for a fantastic day at the Catholic Women's Network, Women's Conference, happening on Saturday, 27 September!

Bring your friends, your sisters, your daughters and your mothers for an incredible day of spiritual renewal. Whether you are looking to strengthen your faith or simply enjoy the company of other incredible women, this conference is for you!

Hope to see you there!

SCS Parent Pilgrimages 2025

The Family Wellbeing & Education Team from Sydney Catholic Schools invites parents, carers, and grandparents to take part in a Parent Pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year – a time to step away from daily routines and walk in faith. Each pilgrimage offers a unique theme and experience, blending prayer, reflection, and community. Whether along the stunning coastline, in the heart of the city, or in preparation for Advent, these journeys will inspire and renew your spirit.

Join us as we walk together in faith!

Please register your interest here:

Steps of Faith: A Pilgrimage of Strength & Spirit - https://www.trybooking.com/DAMJN

Our faith is a journey that calls us to move both physically and spiritually. Just as athletes train their bodies, we are invited to strengthen our souls through perseverance, trust, and prayer. This pilgrimage along the stunning coastal path will remind us that faith requires endurance, courage, and a heart open to the Holy Spirit. Inspired by the life of Eileen O’Connor, we will reflect on how small steps of faith can lead to great strength in God.

2. September 15, 2025 – Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage of Healing and Hope (St Mary’s Cathedral)

Please register your interest here:

Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage of Healing & Hope - https://www.trybooking.com/DANIS

Life’s journey is filled with joys and sorrows, triumphs and trials. Yet, even in suffering, Christ walks with us, offering healing and hope. This pilgrimage to St Mary’s Cathedral is a moment to pause, bring our burdens before the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and rediscover the peace found in His presence. The day will include a guided tour of the Cathedral by Fr Roberto Keryakos and a crypt tour led by Dr. Robert Haddad, offering a profound encounter with the rich history and faith of the Cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Additionally, Fr William Chow will deliver an inspiring talk on the Jubilee of Hope and what it means for you and your family, encouraging us to embrace this sacred time with renewed faith and trust in God's promises.

3. November 15, 2025 – Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Retreat Pilgrimage of Hope and Renewal (St Catherine Labouré, Gymea) - Open to Parents, Carers, Grandparents, all SCS Staff & Parishioners

Please register your interest here:

Preparing Our Hearts: A Retreat Pilgrimage of Hope & Renewal - https://www.trybooking.com/DANIX

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded that Advent is a journey of the heart - an invitation to slow down, reflect, and make space for God’s presence in our lives. This retreat pilgrimage to St Catherine Labouré, Gymea is an opportunity to renew our hope, embrace the joy of the Gospel, and ready our hearts for the coming of Jesus. The day will include a presentation by Rev Dr Gregory Morgan PP, who will share practical tips on how to have the best Advent ever, helping us make the most of this holy season.

Ann Woodhouse