Year 6 students experience Encounter with faith

Year 6 students from 58 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta

In mid-March, Year 6 students from 58 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered in Penrith to participate in a new formation experience developed by the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Mission Team called Encounter.

Over four days, more than 3,000 students experienced a reflection day which featured Melbourne-based Catholic singer-songwriter Gen Bryant and her band, supported by musicians from the Diocese’s Mission Enhancement Team and Catholic Youth Parramatta as well as World Youth Day student pilgrims.

Year 6 students from 58 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta

Alongside her inspiring and joy-filled music, Gen emphasised that although the students wear different uniforms and go to different schools, things like faith and our love for Jesus connect us all together.

“When I was your age, I was really curious. I started to ask a lot of questions. I wanted to figure out what it was that I believed and what all of this stuff about church that I was learning at school and about God and Jesus,” Gen explained.

“I wanted to share my gifts with others because I started to realise that music has this powerful thing where it can bring people joy and it is a really beautiful thing that I can share with others.

“I’m grateful for these gifts and I've realised that they just haven’t come from nowhere. I've realised that those gifts have been given to me by God on this journey of faith.”

Joshua from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Seven Hills, appreciated Gen’s honesty throughout the day. “She’s a perfect example of how such humble beginnings can end up very successful and very close to God.”

"When Gen sang her song Raise it Up, I felt that she said to never give up and keep going, even when you fall down,” fellow Our Lady of Lourdes student Jiya added.

Year 6 students from 58 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta

Students explored the Scripture of Mark 8:27, where Jesus challenges his disciples to say, “Who do you say I am?”, as well as considering how through Genesis 1:27 they are called through creation, made in God’s image.

Mission Partner Virginia Fortunat said, “Encounter was an invitation to our senior primary students, not just to know about God, but to begin an intimate and personal relationship with God.”

“Encounter took students from a great and energetic Praise and Worship session to the sacred silence of Eucharistic Adoration where they were invited by Fr Chris del Rosario [Administrator at St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood] to have their own conversation with God, and listen deeply to what God is saying to them.”

Year 6 students from 58 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta

Along the way, students heard from World Youth Day pilgrims about the transformative experience of their own encounters before, during and after WYD.

The Year 6 students learned about Blessed Carlo Acutis, an inspiration to 21st Century young people in his devotion to the Eucharist and his willingness to share his love through technology. Students were also encouraged to meet other students from other schools during a lunchtime card swap, where they shared the gifts God gave them and what makes them truly unique.

“In the journal exercise, I wrote that I think God’s proud of me,” Evie from Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary Greystanes said. “I think he’s able to recognise that and that I try my hardest to be the best version of me and He’s there to support me for my future.”

Year 6 students from 58 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta

Erin Wynne, Acting Religious Education Coordinator at Christ the King Primary North Rocks said “Our students had the privilege of immersing themselves in live praise and worship music led by the talented Gen Bryant. The atmosphere was electric as they sang along and let the music uplift their spirits.

“They had the chance to connect with peers from nearby schools, fostering new friendships and strengthening their sense of community within the Diocese.

“A highlight of the day was undoubtedly the profound experience of encountering Jesus through adoration. In moments of quiet reflection, our students were able to deepen their faith and feel the presence of Jesus in their hearts.”

View photos from this event View full gallery

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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13 Oct 2026
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Entries are now open for the CSNSW Sport Primary School Aquathlon on Tuesday 17 November 2026. This event is designed to introduce primary school students to multisport competition in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment. Combining swimming and running, the Aquathlon provides a fantastic opportunity for students of all abilities to challenge themselves, develop confidence and experience something new. Event Details Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026 Venue: Des Renford Leisure Centre and Heffron Park, Maroubra Eligibility: Boys and girls aged 8–13 years Age Categories: 8/9 Years, 10 Years and 11/12 Years Multi Class: Combined age groups 8–12 Years Race Distances 8–10 Years: 100m swim and 1km run 11/12 Years: 150m swim and 1.8km run Registration Link https://csnsw.sport/

29 Sep 2026
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2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.