Faith and Mission
Indigenous Culture
‘Warami Mittigar’ – which means “Hello friends... welcome!” in the local Darug language.
Celebrating Culture and Connection at St Luke’s
Over the past few weeks, our College community has embraced a number of significant Indigenous cultural activities that have deepened our connection to Country and honoured the rich heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Our Indigenous students, along with invited friends, participated in a powerful Cultural Day led by Indigenous artists Jason and Trevor from Dalmarri. Together, they created vibrant and meaningful artworks designed to enhance our Yarning Circle—a sacred space of listening, learning, and storytelling. Guided by cultural knowledge and traditional practices, students explored their creativity while honouring the land and its stories.
We also proudly launched our Totem Project, an initiative led by our senior Indigenous students. This exciting project invites the wider school community to vote on a meaningful totem that will represent our College’s identity and ongoing commitment to reconciliation. The chosen totem will serve as a lasting symbol of unity, respect, and care for Country.
We hope to launch our school Totem early in Term 3.
In addition, students from the School of Foundations (SOF) have actively participated in Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week activities. These events provided age-appropriate opportunities to reflect on the importance of truth-telling, healing, and celebration. Through storytelling, art, and classroom discussions, students learned about the significance of these days and the ongoing journey toward justice and reconciliation.
We thank all students, staff, artists, and families who have supported these meaningful activities. Together, we continue to foster an inclusive environment where culture is celebrated, voices are honoured, and a shared respect for Australia’s First Peoples is at the heart of our community. 🖤💛❤️
Faith and Formation
Formation
Breakfast with the Bishop
The Lifted Leaders Breakfast with the Bishop was a valuable and inspiring experience for us three. Over 80 student leaders from schools across the Parramatta Diocese came together for the event, allowing a chance to connect with students outside of our own school groups. Table groups were randomised, which encouraged open conversations and new perspectives.
The morning started off with breakfast in our table groups, letting all the students become familiar with who they were seated with.
One of the main highlights of the morning was a discussion on artificial intelligence. We explored how AI is becoming more common in our everyday lives, the questions it poses on ethicality, and how we can remain human in a world that is gradually becoming more machine-like. Many students and teachers shared their concerns about AI’s role in future careers and higher education, while also considering ways we can use it responsibly and work alongside it.
The second part of the event invited students to reflect on their experiences in Catholic schools. Many different views and perspectives were shared from across the diocese, leading to honest and genuine discussions about what Catholic education means to us today. Jack de Groot, CEO of Catholic Schools Diocese of Parramatta, also spoke about his vision and goals for the future of Catholic education.
This event allowed the three of us to be enlightened on the uses of AI and the role of Catholic education in the lives of students, teachers, and staff.
Mehwish Jaffrey, Luke Quiroz and Jasmeen Kaur - Year 12 House Leaders
LiturgyOver the past two weeks, students from Year 6 to Year 8 have had the opportunity to celebrate Mass with Father Gayan. This has been a meaningful experience, allowing students to participate more deeply in the life of the Church and grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith. Through these celebrations, students encountered the Word of God as something living and active, and they were able to witness the sacred presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students gathered for a special liturgy to reflect on their learning in Religious Education. This was a time for them to consider the role of discernment and the importance of making positive, thoughtful decisions in their daily lives.
Social Outreach
Jeans for Genes Day
St Luke’s Catholic College will be taking part in Jeans for Genes Day on Thursday, August 7.
You might remember the fun of swapping your school uniform for jeans - but Jeans for Genes Day is about much more than denim.
Did you know that 1 in 20 children are born with a genetic disease or birth defect?
That’s one child in every classroom. You may know someone affected by conditions like cystic fibrosis, cancer, or one of over 6,000 genetic disorders. This is our chance to help.
By taking part, we’ll be raising money for Children’s Medical Research Institute, which is leading groundbreaking research right here in Australia to find treatments and cures.
When students get involved, they’re not just helping fund vital research, they’re also learning about empathy, leadership, and the power of STEM to solve real-world problems.
To learn more about your support and the impact of Jeans for Genes Day, visit JeansForGenes.org.au
So, on August 8 students and teachers are to wear Jeans to school to support Jeans for Genes Day. All we ask in return is for a donation to be made via the QKR App to be donated to this worthy cause.
Many thanks for your support!
WASTE FREE WEDNESDAYS - Social Justice Initiative
In alignment with Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, we have introduced ‘Waste Free Wednesdays’. This initiative encourages students to bring lunches free from single-use plastics, fostering environmental stewardship and reflecting our Catholic values.
Each Wednesday, we’re encouraging all students and staff to bring waste-free lunches to help care for our environment.
- That means: Reusable containers Refillable drink bottles Nude food (no wrappers or single-use plastics)
Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect God’s creation.Every small action makes a big difference!
Think Green. Act Clean. Be Waste-Free!
Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success!
Australian Red Cross
St Luke’s has partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to provide members of our community the opportunity to donate blood. From August 12-16th the mobile van will be parked at Marsden Park Bunnings to accept donations. Members of our community aged 18+ can join the St Luke’s team and donate blood on these dates. This opportunity will be available every three months, as this is the maximum frequency that you can donate. For more information or to join the St Luke’s team, please email Martyn Ellis at mellis3@parra.catholic.edu.au
From the YCS Team:
Celebrating Environment Day and Laudato Si’ at St Luke’s
St Luke’s Catholic College came alive with colour, creativity, and care as we celebrated Environment Day and Laudato Si’ Week—a shared expression of our commitment to our common home. The event brought together students, staff, and parents in a beautiful display of stewardship, learning, and action. At the heart of this celebration were the tireless efforts of our YCS team members and leaders, who meticulously planned, thought creatively, worked collaboratively, and implemented each element with wisdom and purpose. Their dedication was instrumental in making the day a meaningful and memorable success for our entire community.
From the moment the day began, there was an unmistakable sense of purpose and unity. Students and staff embraced the Earthy Tone Mufti Day, donning shades of green, brown, and blue to symbolise the land, water, and life of our planet. Standout outfits included those of Ms Breana Wick, who wore a vest made from 30 plastic bottles and a BBC Earth jumper of 100% recycled fibres—highlighting regeneration and upcycling. Christine Benson drew inspiration from her rural upbringing and love of Australia’s natural beauty, wearing beige, sage, and black to represent sand, sheep wool, bush growth, and the night sky.
Our Environment Day Art Competition transformed the Top Hub into a gallery of sustainability and imagination. Students and teachers admired the creative works, many made from recycled materials, each telling a story of hope for the Earth.
Art Competition Prize Winners:
GreenVision: Art with a Purpose:
During recess, students engaged in an exciting quiz, testing their environmental knowledge in a fun, fast-paced format. It was a hit with both students and onlooking staff!
A highlight of the day was the Mini Lessons delivered to K–6 students by our YCS leaders and Mission Class students. These young educators confidently led sessions on environmental awareness, showcasing leadership, teamwork, and a genuine desire to live out Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’. Their message was clear: every action counts when it comes to caring for creation.
The day continued with an all-school clean-up blitz. From classrooms to playgrounds, students took initiative to tidy and refresh their learning spaces—living examples of stewardship in action.
Students entered the Environment Day Raffle, where winners received eco-friendly prizes. The prizes for the day included metal lunch boxes, vegan leather pencil cases, and Stanley drink bottles—rewards that honour creation.
Raffle Winners:
- Reyaan G (SOF)
- Kailen Dinelle T (SOL, Year 7)
- Aishneet Zara B (SOE, Year 11)
A powerful visual moment was the Wool Web Analogy. Students passed a ball of wool, creating a tangled web representing Earth’s entanglement in pollution. They then untangled it—symbolising the healing that comes from awareness and collective action.
We are also grateful to our wonderful photographer, Rosalee Zappie, who beautifully captured every moment of the day. Her images will help keep the spirit of Laudato Si’ alive in our hearts and community.
To all who supported, participated, dressed up, taught lessons, or simply cheered others on—thank you. Your efforts remind us that St Luke’s is a place where faith meets action, and where the call to “care for our common home” is answered with love and hope.
From the St Luke’s Parish Community
You're Invited!St Luke’s 3rd Annual Dinner Dance Fundraiser
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and fundraising at our third Annual Dinner Dance!
Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PMLocation: The Performance Hall
This year’s theme: A Taste of Italy
Come solo, with friends, or as a couple and enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired menu, featuring freshly made pasta and wood-fired pizza cooked onsite.
Reserve your tickets today!Email the St Luke’s Fundraising Team to book your spot.
Want to get involved?
- Sponsor the event: Cash donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and go directly toward event costs.
- Volunteer with us: We’re looking for helping hands for setup, food and drink service, and more. If you have an RSA license, we’d love your support.
Contact the St Luke’s Fundraising Team at Stlukesfundraisingteam@gmail.com to donate, volunteer, or find out more.
Let’s make this our best year yet—see you there!
First Holy Communion – Congratulations!
Last weekend, we celebrated a special milestone as children from our parish received their First Holy Communion. Congratulations to them and their families!
A heartfelt thank you to Julike Atkins for preparing the children through the lessons, and to Ged from the parish office for the support. We’re also grateful to all our liturgical ministers, volunteers, church setup teams, and everyone who helped make this important occasion so prayerful and joyful.
Advertise in Our Parish Bulletin
Do you own a business or know someone who does?
We are offering the opportunity to advertise in our parish bulletin. This is a wonderful way to support our parish and connect with the local community. If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact the parish office. Phone: (02) 8530 0173.
Mobile: 0422 724 160. Email: marsdenpark@parracatholic.org
Contact
Should you need to contact the St Luke’s Parish Community, the contact details follow here:
Fr Gayan Thamel: gayan.thamel@parracatholic.org
Parish Priest
Ged Oblea: marsdenpark@parracatholic.org
Administrative Assistant
Ph: 02 8530 0173 Mobile: 0422 724 160
Website: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au/