(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.data-privacy-src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MF9T2HG');
Sydney Catholic Schools

From Concerts to Christmas: End the Year with Gratitude and Joy

As 2025 winds down and with Christmas on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to take a deep breath and look back on the year that’s been.

The end of term can feel like a blur of concerts, assemblies and lunchbox leftovers but it’s also a golden opportunity to help children pause, reflect and celebrate how much they’ve grown. Here are some simple (and fun) ways to do it as a family! 

Celebrate the wins (big and small)

Encourage your child to celebrate both the big achievements and the little victories, the ones that don’t always make it into school reports. 

  • For little ones (Kindy–Year 2): Ask: “What was something new you learned this year that made you smile?” Draw or make a certificate for their proudest experience
  • For primary kids: Create a Top 3 list: best school memory, best learning moment, best friendship moment. You can also decorate a scrapbook or add photos from the year
  • For teens: Chat about challenges they’ve overcome. It could be a tough subject, a school event, or balancing sport and study. Encourage reflection during a walk or dinner conversation

Practice gratitude together 

Take some time to give thanks for what the year has brought. Gratitude not only lifts the mood, it builds perspective and joy.

  • For little ones: Keep it simple. Ask, “What made you feel happy or thankful today?” It could be as small as playing with a friend or as big as visiting grandparents
  • For primary kids: Start a family “gratitude jar” and fill it with notes of thanks for people or memories from the year. Reading them aloud on …
October 28, 2025|
Read More

Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP’s Christmas message 2024

In the Middle Ages, after a period of prolonged suffering from climate change, war and pandemic, thousands of Christians went on pilgrimage to Rome at Christmas time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings.

But not everyone could make the journey to Rome. So popes began the practice of granting jubilee indulgences both to those who made the trek and those who stayed home but engaged in some other designated penance and celebration.

So began the practice of the periodic ‘Holy’ Year, celebrated on the jubilee of the Lord’s birth, at first every century, then every half-century, and nowadays every twenty-five years.

The jubilee idea goes back to ancient Israel. Certain years were marked by forgiveness of debts, freeing of slaves, and resting the land. It signalled hope for new beginnings.

This Christmas Eve Pope Francis will open Jubilee 2025: a year of prayer and pilgrimage, forgiveness and fraternity, joy and hope.

Its theme is Pilgrims in Hope.

Just as choirs of angels broke through that most silent of nights by singing the joy of Christ’s birth; just as a star pierced through the darkest of night to proclaim that the Messiah had come; just as wise kings and gentle shepherds gathered in contrast to cruel and grasping ones, so in each generation the joy of jubilee breaks through the trials of the day.

We are given a new beginning and hope for more and better.

The celebration of Christ’s birth breaks through the challenges of climate, war and pandemic in our world too.

God became one of us to share in our humanity: not just the opportunities but the vulnerabilities, not just the joys but the sorrows. He took them all upon Himself.

This Christmas cast your troubles and those of our world upon Him and let Him give you peace, hope and …

December 19, 2024|
Read More

Sharing the joy of giving with children this Christmas is as easy as one, two, three!

Christmas is a time of giving and celebrates the ultimate present – God’s gift of his perfect son. As we enter a season fixated on presents, treats and material gifts it is a good time to revisit the joy that can be found by integrating simple acts of kindness into Christmas celebrations in a way that is both enjoyable and impactful. 

At Sydney Catholic Schools, we know teaching children to care about others doesn’t have to be complicated, especially at this time of giving and compassion. Children naturally show empathy and curiosity about the world around them. Christmas is a wonderful time to nurture these qualities, encouraging them to continue to grow into compassionate young people who make a positive difference in the world.

Here are three simple ways to encourage a spirit of caring and generosity in your child this Christmas season.

ONE: Share stories of gratitude and generosity

Gathering around the family table is a perfect opportunity to nurture gratitude and empathy. Encourage each family member to reflect on the year they’ve had and share one thing they’re grateful for, helping children to recognise the blessings in their lives. To deepen this practice, share stories of kindness —whether from books, movies, or real life—that show how people help each other in big and small ways. Kids love stories, and sharing ones about generosity and empathy can spark meaningful conversations.

TWO: Giving as a fun family activity

Whether you’re baking cookies for a neighbour living alone, gathering toys to donate to the St Vincent De Paul Society, or making contributions to a school canned food drive, kids learn best when they’re actively participating. Involving them in these acts of goodwill and generosity creates memories they’ll cherish.

THREE: Create a ‘Kindness Challenge’

November 20, 2024|
Read More

Easy Christmas recipes

Looking for some family cooking fun these holidays?

A new cookbook, released by Villa Maria Catholic Primary School in Hunters Hill, has you covered.

Titled Villalicious, the cookbook is filled with delicious family favourite recipes and is a must-have for any kitchen.

“This cookbook is a celebration of life, community and the impact of coming together to share a meal” – Principal Kevin Turner

Christmas pavlova recipe

The cookbook is an excuse for the entire family to gather around in the kitchen and put their cooking skills to the test.

Villa Maria principal, Kevin Turner, explains why the cookbook is so much more than just a collection of recipes.

“This is a take of friendship and a story of togetherness,” said Mr Turner.

“It is a homage to the power of cooking as a community and the recipes that allow us to connect, share and look forward.”

If you’re looking for that special Christmas Day dessert then you can’t go beyond the Christmas Pavlova – or MyMaa’s Christmas Pud.

Recipes which are generations old from all over the world come back to life in your kitchen through Villalicious.

“It’s a passport on a plate: the power of a meal to take you to places you’ve never been, or transport you right back to where you came from,” Mr Turner said.

By: NIKOLA POZDER

Pudding recipe

Looking for more Christmas family activities? Focus on giving thanks and giving back with this interactive Advent Calendar.
December 9, 2020|
Read More

iLight 2020: Jesse Tree Advent family devotional

Day 9: Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Advent with your family? Creating and decorating a Jesse Tree is the perfect excuse to come together and learn more about Jesus’ family history. Make sure to check in tomorrow as we launch our last video from families and parishes. 

December 9 December 9: Azzi Family

Each time we put a new symbol on the tree, we can take time to reflect on the example it provides us, to help us become better people and grow closer to Jesus.

We’d love to see your Jesse Tree, share your pics on social media using the tag: #iLight2020

Download the resources so you can follow along at home here and the symbols here.

DAY 9 – “She names him Moses, “because” she said, “I drew him out of the water. ”  (Ex. 2:10)

The ninth symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of BABY IN A BASKET

As a baby Moses was placed in a basket and sent down the river to be saved, after the Pharaoh of Egypt ordered Hebrew baby boys to be killed. He was discovered by the King’s daughter and raised to be a great man. When he eventually found out who he really was, he led God’s people out of danger; to the land he promised.

DAY 8 – “So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit.”  (Genesis 37:22-24)

The eighth symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of a TUNIC

November 30, 2020|
Read More
Sydney Catholic Schools
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our schools and offices now stand. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ students perform an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’

Contact

Level 23, 680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

PO Box 20277
World Square NSW 2002

phone

(02) 9569 6111

Links
Follow Us
Translate

© Copyright 2026 Sydney Catholic Schools | All Rights Reserved

Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top