In a wonderful example of community spirit and togetherness, students from four Blue Mountains primary schools came together recently for a special Mountains Encounter retreat focusing on what they’ve done and can do to help ensure everyone in society has equal rights, opportunities and is treated fairly.
Students from the Faith In Action (FIAT) teams at St Finbar's Primary Glenbrook, St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood, St Canice's Primary Katoomba, and Our Lady of the Nativity Primary Lawson gathered at St Finbar's for the afternoon retreat which, over the past few years, has brought considerable benefits to both students, their schools and the wider community.
Students reflected on what they’d learnt throughout the year and their involvement in social justice initiatives such as Project Compassion, food drives and volunteering for Vinnies and Jesuit Refugee Services.
Mountains Encounter, overseen by Lauren Maund, Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, aims to strengthen bonds among students while offering them opportunities to explore their faith through various enriching activities. Students took part in team-building exercises, faith formation workshops, and reflections centered on the Advent season. The main message was to encourage students to embrace their roles in carrying forward Christ’s mission of service and unity.
One of the highlights of the event was the traditional sausage sizzle dinner where students got to share a meal while learning about each other and their different communities in the Blue Mountains.
The retreat was more than just a gathering, it was a demonstration of how schools in the Blue Mountains are living out their faith through action. Their dedication to social justice and building community proves that living your faith can make a real difference in our world.
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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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15 May 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐ฟโจ **Year 6 Retreat Day at Schoenstatt โ A Beautiful Day of Reflection and Growth** โจ๐ฟ Today our Year 6 students experienced a retreat day at the peaceful Schoenstatt Grounds. In collaboration with Mary Mackillop, Our Lady of the Rosary and St Joseph's and further led by the inspiring Jesuit Outreach Program, the retreat offered our students a chance to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with themselves, each other, and their faith. We were so proud to witness such beautiful behaviour and wholehearted participation throughout the day. From thoughtful discussions to quiet moments of prayer and group activities, our students embraced the opportunity to grow spiritually and emotionally. A heartfelt thank you to the facilitators from Jesuit Outreach for sharing their experiences and to all who helped make this day meaningful. ๐ \#Year6Retreat #Schoenstatt #JesuitOutreach #FaithInAction #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #BeautifulBehaviour #Stage3Journey![723972669739127_1222249826578073-1]()
13 May 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐โโ๏ธ๐ **Celebrating Our Cross Country Champions!** ๐๐โโ๏ธ A huge congratulations to all our incredible students who represented our school at the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival today. From the first stride to the finish line, you showed not only determination and perseverance, but also outstanding sportsmanship and grace every step of the way. We are so proud of the way you cheered each other on, competed with heart, and upheld our school values with pride. Whether you crossed the finish line first or gave it your all from start to finish, your efforts and achievements are something to be proud of. ๐ ๐ Well done, teamโyouโve inspired us all! ๐๐ #CrossCountry2025 #ProudSchoolCommunity #SportsmanshipAndGrace #GoTeam
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15 May 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐ฟโจ **Year 6 Retreat Day at Schoenstatt โ A Beautiful Day of Reflection and Growth** โจ๐ฟ Today our Year 6 students experienced a retreat day at the peaceful Schoenstatt Grounds. In collaboration with Mary Mackillop, Our Lady of the Rosary and St Joseph's and further led by the inspiring Jesuit Outreach Program, the retreat offered our students a chance to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with themselves, each other, and their faith. We were so proud to witness such beautiful behaviour and wholehearted participation throughout the day. From thoughtful discussions to quiet moments of prayer and group activities, our students embraced the opportunity to grow spiritually and emotionally. A heartfelt thank you to the facilitators from Jesuit Outreach for sharing their experiences and to all who helped make this day meaningful. ๐ \#Year6Retreat #Schoenstatt #JesuitOutreach #FaithInAction #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #BeautifulBehaviour #Stage3Journey
13 May 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐โโ๏ธ๐ **Celebrating Our Cross Country Champions!** ๐๐โโ๏ธ A huge congratulations to all our incredible students who represented our school at the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival today. From the first stride to the finish line, you showed not only determination and perseverance, but also outstanding sportsmanship and grace every step of the way. We are so proud of the way you cheered each other on, competed with heart, and upheld our school values with pride. Whether you crossed the finish line first or gave it your all from start to finish, your efforts and achievements are something to be proud of. ๐ ๐ Well done, teamโyouโve inspired us all! ๐๐ #CrossCountry2025 #ProudSchoolCommunity #SportsmanshipAndGrace #GoTeam
13 May 2025
Photos from Primary Sport Parramatta Diocese's post
Wishing our St Finbar's runners the best of luck for today's Cross Country carnival.
11 May 2025
From Facebook
09 May 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐ธ Happy Motherโs Day! ๐ธ This morning we began our Mother's Day celebrations with breakfast, filled with smiles, delicious treats and the joyful sound of families spending time together. After breakfast we progressed to a Motherโs Day Mass, giving thanks for the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and other mother figures in our lives. It was a special time to reflect, pray, and share love as a school community. Thank you to everyone who helped make the morning so meaningful โ especially our volunteers and staff. And most of all, thank you to our amazing mums. We appreciate you today and every day! ๐โค๏ธ #MothersDay #SchoolCommunity #Gratitude #Celebration
07 May 2025
Mindfulness | St Finbar's Primary School - Glenbrook
๐ Mindfulness is making a positive impact in schools! Research shows it helps children stay calm, focused, and build resilience. Not only does it reduce disruptive behavior, but it also creates a kinder, more supportive environment. Letโs keep spreading the benefits of mindfulness! ๐ฑโจ For more information check out this article from School TV. #MindfulnessMatters #PositiveVibes #MindfulKids #SchoolWellness
05 May 2025
From Facebook
02 May 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐ Canberra Excursion Highlights ๐ฆ๐บ What an unforgettable adventure! Our trip to Canberra was packed with learning, laughter, and lots of proud moments. From the hands-on science fun at Questacon, to exploring democracy in action at Parliament House, and pausing for reflection at the Australian War Memorial, our students experienced some of Australiaโs most important landmarks up close. We are proud of how wonderfully the students represented our schoolโshowing curiosity, respect, and enthusiasm every step of the way. A huge thank you to all who made the trip smooth and special. Itโs a memorable trip! ๐๐ #Canberra2025 #ProudSchoolMoments #LearningBeyondTheClassroom
30 Apr 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐ฃ Congratulations to our Egg-straordinary Easter Egg-stravaganza Victors! Here are a few happy snaps of our Easter raffle winners. ๐
29 Apr 2025
From Facebook
We look forward to hearing all about your school holidays when we commence Term 2 tomorrow.
28 Apr 2025
Photos from St Finbar's Primary, Glenbrook's post
๐บ Lest We Forget ๐ฆ๐บ Thank you to the students, families, and staff of our beautiful Blue Mountains Catholic school for proudly participating in the Glenbrook 2025 ANZAC Day march and main service. Together with our wider community, we honoured, remembered, and celebrated the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women.