OLOL students inspired by Mary MacKillop
During a ‘Week of Service’, students at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary, Seven Hills put into practice Mary MacKillop’s motto, ‘never see a need without doing something about it’.
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary has strong links to Mary MacKillop as the school was established by the Sisters of St Joseph. In recent years, the school has also had an emphasis on social justice and supporting those in need.
Commencing on 4 August, the ‘Week of Service’ was timed to coincide with Blessed Mary MacKillop’s feast day on 8 August. During the week students learnt about the life and actions of Mary MacKillop. They also heard from a current Sister of St Joseph, Sister Mary, about the vital work the current Sisters undertake in the community today.
Each day of the ‘Week of Service’ the students took part in activities that had a focus on helping others and fulfilling a need. On the first day, teams of students worked together to plant a vegetable garden at the school. The next day involved organising activities for two to five-year-olds who attend the parish playgroup. On Wednesday they painted a mural to enhance the school environment and remind students of the story of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The fourth day of service involved visiting a local preschool and reading to young children. The students also performed a concert for a group of over 50s locals. On the final day they put together activity packs for children who are patients at the Children’s Hospital Westmead. At 2pm they gathered in the church for a liturgy and to share stories and reflections on the activities they had taken part in.
Principal, Steven Jones said, ‘At OLOL we encourage our children to appreciate and understand that there are many needs within our local community. We want them to see that they can help make a difference in small and practical ways.'