Holy Spirit Primary St Clair Square Crest
ENROL NOW
  • ABOUT
    About
    Holy Spirit Primary is the perfect choice for your child. Learn more and enrol today!
    Why Us?
    • Principal's Welcome A welcome message from Holy Spirit Principal, Frances Garzaniti.
    • Our Story Transforming the learning of each student every day.
    • Dedicated Teachers Inspired learning starts with highly motivated and professional teachers.
    • Facilities and Resources Take a 360° virtual tour and discover our amazing facilities.
    • Policies and Procedures The framework in which our school operates.
  • WHY US?
  • SCHOOL LIFE
    School Life
    Thinking of enrolling? We would love to welcome you. Let us help you get started on the enrolment process.
    Enrolment
    • Student Wellbeing Student happiness and safety are our top priorities.
    • Our Faith Journey Connecting faith, learning and life.
    • Learning Contemporary learning preparing students for whatever the future holds.
    • Beyond the Classroom Extracurricular opportunities to unlock potential or pursue a passion.
    • School Uniform Uniforms guidelines and purchasing.
    • Parents as Partners Learn how you can help support your child’s learning.
    • Before and After School Care Quality out of school hours programs that kids love.
  • ENROLMENT
    Enrolment
    Take a 360° virtual tour and discover our amazing facilities.
    Facilities and Resources
  • NEWS & EVENTS
    News & Events
    Download our parent communication app.
    Compass Parent Portal
    • Latest News Browse our latest news articles and social posts.
    • What's On Current promotions and events for Holy Spirit Primary.
    • Term Dates School terms dates as well as NSW public holidays.
    • Gallery View our photos showing school activities.
    • Compass Parent Portal Download our parent communication app.
  • CONTACT US
  • Parent Handbook
  • Compass
  • Term Dates
  • Out of Hours Care
  • Uniform Shop
  • eLibrary
  • Volunteer Training
news-articles

Students committed to making a difference

09 Feb 2024

Students from Holy Spirit Primary St Clair joined students from host-school St Finbar’s Primary Glenbrook and many others for the launch of Project Compassion.
Students from Holy Spirit Primary St Clair joined students from host-school St Finbar’s Primary Glenbrook and many others for the launch of Project Compassion.


Students from Catholic schools across the Parramatta Diocese are walking in solidarity this Lent, as they support Project Compassion, a Caritas Australia initiative.

Students from more than 25 schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains came together in person at St Finbar’s Primary Glenbrook and virtually online for the launch of the 2024 Project Compassion, committing to raise funds and awareness for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world.

Project Compassion runs through the six weeks of Lent and involves students working together to support marginalised communities across the globe.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “For All Future Generations” and invites students and school communities to make simple lifestyle changes and to act for social and environmental justice in solidarity with people here in Australia and around the world.

Run by the Diocese of Parramatta and the Catholic Schools Parramatta Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Mission team, the launch presented students with compelling videos of personal stories outlining the impact of poverty and injustice on different international communities.

“I genuinely saw the need to want and be more,” said CSPD Acting Mission Manager Tania Melki who was impressed by the passion shown by students to support those in need. “That real thirst and passion, especially from our primary school students, who sometimes we think there's not much that they can do but they have shown me too that they've got the loudest voice.”

Bishop Vincent Long OMF Conv at the CSPD Project Compassion launch
Bishop Vincent Long greeted students and teachers at the Project Compassion launch at St Finbar’s Primary Glenbrook.


Speaking at the launch, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, encouraged students to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by lifting up and supporting the poor.

“I encourage you to work together within your schools and beyond, in partnership with Caritas Australia, to make a difference…we can change the world together with one another and with the power of God in Christ.”

Executive Director Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Jack de Groot, highlighted the focus that every CSPD school has in developing young people with a sense of social responsibility and an understanding of their place in the wider world. “You are students with a global view of the world. In our Catholic schools we want each of our students to know that you are committed to our world. You are the future generations who have an extraordinary opportunity to be more for the world.”

CSPD Executive Director Jack de Groot spoke to students at the Project Compassion launch.
CSPD Executive Director Jack de Groot spoke to students at the Project Compassion launch.


Students heard about Ronita, a young mother in the Philippines, who was facing financial hardship and at risk of having to leave school permanently. With the support of Caritas Australia’s partners in the Philippines, she resumed her studies and now has a job to support her family. Similarly, Memory, a young woman in Malawi, faced many barriers to her education. The work of Caritas Australia and CADECOM (Catholic Development Commission in Malawi), enabled Memory to enrol in a technical school and become the first female carpenter in her village.

The story of Leaia, living in Samoa, with very limited access to clean water for her and her five children, had a big impact on many around the room. Caritas Australia was able to provide practical assistance in the form of a water tank, installed at their home, improving their health and living conditions.

“It was so lovely hearing all the stories bringing awareness, especially how Caritas has helped so many people,” said St Clare’s Catholic High Year 12 student, Penelope who is from a Samoan family. “Hearing that Project Compassion will potentially help family members that are from Samoa, maybe some relatives of mine. It does mean a lot to me.”

The students were inspired by these accounts of how the work of Caritas can make such a difference in underprivileged communities, and emerged determined to act as a catalyst for change and equality.

All the students in attendance left the launch motivated to ‘do more’ and ‘be more’. Zoe, a Year 6 student from St Finbar’s Primary was excited for her school to be hosting the launch and says she and her classmates have already started planning how they can help.

“We came up with some great ideas for how we can support Project Compassion. We're talking about having a movie day where we can sell items at our canteen for students to eat and drink while watching the movie,” said Zoe.

Students and teachers from Our Lady of the Nativity Primary Lawson contributed some great ideas for how they can support Project Compassion.
Students and teachers from Our Lady of the Nativity Primary Lawson contributed some great ideas for how they can support Project Compassion.


CathWest Innovation College, St Monica’s Primary North Parramatta, St Bernadette’s Primary Castle Hill and Our Lady of the Nativity Primary Lawson contributed ideas such as donut or cupcake sales, sausage sizzles, read-a-thons, crazy sock and hair days and even donating money they would normally use for their own canteen treats.

Caritas Australia Community Fundraising Manager, Leanne Langdon found the day extremely rewarding and was grateful for the opportunity to share ideas and have conversations with teachers and students about what they can do for Project Compassion.

“I had a look around and was reading the notes that students had written… really good fundraising ideas,” she said. “One thing that stood out was seeing compassion across all of the pages. I always think about our name, Project Compassion, and it really does work so well for the fundraising campaign. It is all about compassion.”

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. For each of the six weeks of Lent, thousands of Australians come together in solidarity to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. To donate, pick up a donation box or envelopes at your local parish, visit the website or phone 1800 024 413.

Learn more about Project Compassion

 

View photos from this event View full gallery

Executive Director School Events Social Justice

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

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

Facebook

  • 755417086587041_1393896246072452-1

    03 Sep 2025

    From Facebook
    Our Year 1 students have been learning about the Sacraments like Baptism and belonging. We all belong to God’s family and He loves us deeply. ❤️ To make the learning come alive, the children worked in groups to create a freeze frame of Jesus’ baptism. 🙌 It was a wonderful way to explore belonging and the symbols and rituals of our faith. 🌟 #Year1Learning #CatholicEducation #Sacraments #BelongingToGodsFamily #Baptism
    755417086587041_1392669859528424-1

    02 Sep 2025

    From Facebook
    📚✨ Last week, as part of our Literacy and Numeracy Week celebrations, Year 4 explored food webs! 🌱🦎 With the wonderful help of our parents, students read about how animals and plants connect, wrote their own explanations, and then recreated food webs in creative ways. 🐦🌳 A big thank you to our Year 4 families for joining in and making learning so engaging and fun! 💡👏

Latest news More news

755417086587041_1393896246072452-1

03 Sep 2025

From Facebook

Our Year 1 students have been learning about the Sacraments like Baptism and belonging. We all belong to God’s family and He loves us deeply. ❤️ To make the learning come alive, the children worked in groups to create a freeze frame of Jesus’ baptism. 🙌 It was a wonderful way to explore belonging and the symbols and rituals of our faith. 🌟 #Year1Learning #CatholicEducation #Sacraments #BelongingToGodsFamily #Baptism

755417086587041_1392669859528424-1

02 Sep 2025

From Facebook

📚✨ Last week, as part of our Literacy and Numeracy Week celebrations, Year 4 explored food webs! 🌱🦎 With the wonderful help of our parents, students read about how animals and plants connect, wrote their own explanations, and then recreated food webs in creative ways. 🐦🌳 A big thank you to our Year 4 families for joining in and making learning so engaging and fun! 💡👏

755417086587041_1391749039620506-1

01 Sep 2025

From Facebook
755417086587041_1390035576458519-1

30 Aug 2025

From Facebook

We're so proud of our wonderful Kindy students! They've been working hard on some very special Father's Day art projects for their super dads. The classrooms have been buzzing with creativity and love! We can't wait for all the dads to see their beautiful, heartfelt creations next Sunday. ❤️ #FathersDay #KindyArt #NSWEducation #PrimarySchool #ThankYouDad"

755417086587041_1389254033203340-1

29 Aug 2025

From Facebook

A Clay-tastic Kangaroo Adventure! Our Stage One students had a fantastic time getting creative with clay this week! They explored the properties of clay before creating a tile base for their very own hand-built kangaroos. It was a joy to see them so engaged in the process, and they especially loved painting their tiles to bring their creations to life. This project was a meaningful way for our students to learn about native Australian fauna and celebrate our wonderful kangaroos and their habitat. What a great way to combine art and science!

755417086587041_1388518013276942-1

28 Aug 2025

From Facebook

What a beautiful day for fun at our Infants Fun Day! 🎉 We're so excited to see our little ones having the time of their lives, laughing and playing with their friends. From the Rob the Nest to the sack races... there's so much joy and excitement all around. Thank you to all our wonderful Year 5 students who made this day possible, and to our amazing families for joining in the fun! We hope everyone is making magical memories that will last a lifetime.

755417086587041_1388269609968449-1

28 Aug 2025

From Facebook

What an absolutely delightful morning at Holy Spirit's Book Parade today! Our amazing students and teachers truly outdid themselves with their incredible costumes. 🤩 From classic characters to modern heroes, the creativity on display was simply wonderful. It warms our hearts to see such enthusiasm for reading and bringing beloved stories to life. A huge thank you to all the parents and carers who helped with the fantastic outfits – your efforts made the parade extra special! And of course, a massive round of applause to our students for their fantastic participation and school spirit. You all looked magnificent! We hope everyone had as much fun as we did celebrating the joy of books. Keep reading, Holy Spirit! 📚✨ A folder of all of our photos will be made available in the Week 7 Newsletter #HolySpiritBookParade #BookWeek #ReadingIsFun

755417086587041_1388121906649886-1

28 Aug 2025

From Facebook

In Geography, Year 3 are learning to identify natural and man made features of the different States and Territories of Australia by identifying the state flag and its climate. They have been using research skills to answer and present information about their chosen State or Territory.

755417086587041_1387520436710033-1

27 Aug 2025

From Facebook

Our Year 1 students were buzzing with energy during their sports lesson today! We had a fantastic time in our Zing Sport lesson, focusing on Locomotion! The students were little gymnasts, learning to travel across, over, and under various pieces of equipment. We worked on moving in different directions and at different levels, building our confidence. They did a wonderful job of putting their skills together to create movement sequences. #Year1Sports #ZingSport #Locomotion #PhysicalEducation #ActiveKids #MovementSkills #GymnasticsForKids

755417086587041_1387330153395728-1

27 Aug 2025

From Facebook

Today, four of our Year 6 students, a parent representative, and Miss Moses attended the CSPD 2025 Education Mass led by Bishop Vincent. Inspired by Pope Francis’ words, “If you want a better world, create a better world,” 🌍✨🙏 our students returned uplifted — ready to form their hearts in Christ’s teachings, inform their minds through learning and prayer, and transform their world by living out their faith in action.

755417086587041_1386491546812922-1

26 Aug 2025

From Facebook

Yesterday, Year 6 travelled to Sacred heart Primary School in Mt Druitt to watch two of our students participate in the Voice of Youth Cluster Final. 🗣️ Elijah and Declan delivered their speeches with confidence. We are thrilled to announce that Elijah placed first and will move to the Semi Final next month. Congratulations to both students on their efforts🏆

755417086587041_1383291467132930-1

23 Aug 2025

From Facebook

Yesterday, our Year 4 students attended Mass celebrated by Father Peter. The Gospel reminded us of the greatest commandment – to love God and to love one another. 💙🙏 A big thank you to the families who were able to join us for this special celebration. Your presence always enriches our community gatherings.

Browse Categories

Aboriginal Education Achievements Agriculture Alumni Assistant Principal Building Works Careers CSPD News CELC News COSHC News Coronavirus Creative Arts Enrolment Executive Director Extracurricular Garden General HSC ICT Trainees In The Media Learning and Teaching Library Literacy MLZ Partnerships Prayer and Reflection PRC Primary News Principal Promotions School Events School Excursions Science Secondary News Social Justice Sport Technology and Media Uniforms VET Wellbeing WYD
  • Home
    • ABOUT
      • Principal's Welcome
      • Our Story
      • Dedicated Teachers
      • Facilities and Resources
      • Policies and Procedures
    • WHY US?
    • SCHOOL LIFE
      • Student Wellbeing
      • Our Faith Journey
      • Learning
      • Our Curriculum
      • Beyond the Classroom
      • Sport
      • Our Library
      • School Uniform
      • Parents as Partners
      • Before and After School Care
    • ENROLMENT
      • School Fees
      • Financial Assistance
    • NEWS & EVENTS
      • Latest News
      • What's On
      • Term Dates
      • Gallery
      • Compass Parent Portal
    • CONTACT US
      • Positions Vacant
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Logo
  • Acknowledgement of Country
  • Bishop's Office
  • Copyright
  • Privacy
Copyright 2025
X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm