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News from Holy Cross Catholic Primary Glenwood

Glenwood students’ heart-warming support for refugees

12 Jul 2022

Holy Cross Catholic Primary Glenwood


Amid the backdrop of the war in the Ukraine which has displaced so many families, the school community at Holy Cross Primary Glenwood has come together to support refugees through a series of special events during Refugee Week.


The school hosted a ‘Fresh Start’ donations appeal, wrote cards with kindness messages, held ‘Share a Meal, Share a Story’ sessions and enjoyed a presentation from staff and refugees linked to SydWest Multicultural Services, all part of an effort to educate students about refugees.

The events were organised by Grace Pielago, Holy Cross Primary Glenwood Diversity Team Learning Support teacher, and the school’s iHelp social justice group.

“Grace and the iHelp team created some wonderful learning experiences for our students and parent community,” said Principal Louise O'Donnell. “With what’s happening in the Ukraine and other countries impacted by conflict, these events help build up our understanding of the challenges that refugees have faced leaving their birth country and settling into a new community.”

The week began with a special visit by SydneyWest Multicultural Services which gave a series of talks about the work they do to help refugees in the community. One of their clients also came to share her story about fleeing Afghanistan and coming to Australia.

Holy Cross Primary Glenwood


“It was really moving to hear her story and hear about the struggles of leaving everything behind and beginning a new life in Australia,” said Grace. “The students were drawn to her story and inspired by her courage, hard work and resilience.”

“She had to learn a different language so she could make new friends,” said Year 4 student Jada. “That would’ve been so hard, but she learned quite quickly and now she's studying to be a lawyer to help others like her.”

The ‘Fresh Start’ Refugee Appeal was run in support of Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) and saw the school community donate a huge collection of toiletries for refugee families.

“We had a great response to this appeal that we needed three cars to transport all the items,” said Grace.“

Holy Cross Catholic Primary Glenwood


Teachers and students from the iHelp group drove the donations to the JRS Parramatta donation bank and were shown around the facility and told how the donations help refugees and how they’re distributed to them.

“I thought it was going to be like a big warehouse or supermarket,” said Jordana (Year 5). “But they were much smaller rooms with shelves and freezers full of donated items.”

Students learned more about refugees through reading picture books and watching short videos and especially enjoyed utilising time during their Art classes to create cards for refugee families.

Students designed, illustrated and wrote touching messages of support. A group of Year 6 leaders ended up delivering more than 200 cards to SydWest Multicultural Services in Blacktown.

Holy Cross Catholic Primary Glenwood


“I enjoyed writing nice messages on the cards,” said Maddison (Year 3). “It made me feel good knowing that it was actually going to be read by refugee families in our community and that these cards will make them happy.”

“Bronwyn, Ruth and Ahmed from SydWest were very touched by all our efforts with the cards and said they will hand them out to their refugee clients in our western Sydney community,” added Grace.

A week of learning was completed with the special ‘Share a Meal, Share a Story’ event.

“The youth workers (Bronwyn and Ruth) from SydWest Multicultural Services told us some ways we could help refugees and asylum seekers by helping them feel welcomed and give them a sense of belonging,” explained Grace. “We can do this by learning more about their culture, eating their food and listening to their stories.”

Holy Cross Catholic Primary Glenwood


With the help of some teachers and parent helpers, students enjoyed trying tasty Afgani Pulao rice, while watching some videos of young people sharing their stories about their journey as a refugee and what it’s like living in a refugee camp

“It was so yummy, I wanted more!” said Jean Paul (Year 2). “I liked learning about the refugees. Some of the kids were the same age as us.”


Prayer and Reflection Primary News Social Justice

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

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

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    09 May 2025

    Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post
    Today we had a great time celebrating all of the wonderful mothers and motherly figures in our community 💚💜 Thank you all for celebrating with us and making it such a memorable day 😀
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    09 May 2025

    From Facebook
    Today we welcomed the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the Pope, now to be known by the name Leo XIV. This represents a momentous event in the life of the Catholic Church, the wider community of Christian believers and, in many respects, the whole world.​ Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis in his first remarks, which focused on peace. “Peace be with all of you,” he said. He urged the faithful to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other”.

Latest news More news

626921712571842_1127119032552105-1

09 May 2025

Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post

Today we had a great time celebrating all of the wonderful mothers and motherly figures in our community 💚💜 Thank you all for celebrating with us and making it such a memorable day 😀

626921712571842_1127105242553484-1

09 May 2025

From Facebook

Today we welcomed the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the Pope, now to be known by the name Leo XIV. This represents a momentous event in the life of the Catholic Church, the wider community of Christian believers and, in many respects, the whole world.​ Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis in his first remarks, which focused on peace. “Peace be with all of you,” he said. He urged the faithful to “move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other”.

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06 May 2025

From Facebook

This afternoon we welcomed Constable Fenech our school liaison officer from Riverstone Police Station to Holy Cross to discuss cyber safety with our Stage 3 students 👮 She reiterated the message of being safe and respectful when interacting on any online device.

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05 May 2025

Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post

May is the month of Mary. During this month, we honour Mary, the mother of our Saviour, and seek her prayers for the world. Today, our Year 6 iHelp students led a decade of the rosary and reflected on the Joyful Mysteries. Students asked for Mother Mary to pray for the upcoming Conclave. Students in Years 3 to 6 are welcome to join in praying the Rosary on Mondays at lunchtime, during the month of May.

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30 Apr 2025

Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post

A huge THANK YOU to Mr Wilkinson who visited our Year 4 students today for their remembrance of ANZAC day. Mr Wilkinson shared his experiences in the Vietnam War and the students asked very thoughtful and respectful questions. He concluded with a very powerful message: to show love, respect, kindness, and empathy towards one another.

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26 Apr 2025

Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post

Well done to Hazel from Kindergarten who enjoyed her prizes from last terms Easter colouring competition! She thoroughly enjoyed taking her family to the Royal Easter Show!

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23 Apr 2025

From Facebook

Let us pray that eternal rest be granted to Pope Francis and perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

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10 Apr 2025

From Facebook

Congratulations to Isaac from Year 5 on his selection into the Parramatta Diocese Softball team ⚾️ We wish him the best of luck as he now competes for a place in the Mackillop team at the end of April 👍

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10 Apr 2025

Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post

In History lessons this term, Year 5 have been learning all about the people and events that have shaped Australia 🇦🇺 Yesterday they throughly enjoyed sharing their learning with their families 😀

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10 Apr 2025

Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post

The Stations of the Cross is a special form of prayer which helps us reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death and ultimately his love for us ✝️ We too can carry crosses in our lives, and it is through Jesus that we find the strength to make things better for ourselves and for others ❤️

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09 Apr 2025

Photos from Holy Cross Primary Glenwood's post

This morning our students participated in a reenactment of the beginning of Holy Week ✝️ From Palm Sunday 🌴 through to the Last Supper 🥖 we listened to the story of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and spending his final days on Earth serving his disciples

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08 Apr 2025

From Facebook

We are excited to announce that our small community has raised $4853 for Project Compassion the Lent! 🙌 Thank you for your efforts, generosity and support! 🫶 All glory to God for making this happen. 🙏 We pray that Caritas Australia will continue to bring HOPE to people in vulnerable communities. #projectcompassion #caritasaustralia

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