American Youth Minister and musician Steve Angrisano reassured students of St John Paul II Catholic College in Schofields that they are not alone as “God is sometimes much closer than we realise”.
Mr Angrisano did two shows at St John Paul II Catholic College Scholfields before heading over to the Nirimba campus for a surprise third show. In the audience for his shows were also students from Santa Sophia Catholic College and St Joseph’s Primary School.
Mr Angrisano said his visit was a chance for students to experience a day of evangelisation.
“I love that this is the Year of Youth and one of its themes is the joy of the gospel,’’ Mr Agrisano said.
“Something I like to tell my audiences, which is from a priest in Australia is ‘A fish could never describe water to you because how prevalent the water is around him’.
“Quite often, people ask me ‘Where is God?’ and I think what a peculiar thing to say when we are made in the image and likeness of God.
“I encourage the students to be a reflection of God to each other. I hope they realise God is present in their lives and they are called to be a reflection of God to others.”
“I think one thing I would say having come to Australia six or seven years in a row now, is that I see in the young people a desire and a passion for hope, truth and faith.’’
He said that he saw this when he attended the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) event last year. He described it as the launching pad into faith particular for the 1000 or so young people who attended.
"To see the young people at ACYF practise their faith and then to come back and see the fruit of that is very rewarding,’’ Mr Angrisano said.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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11 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Lest We Forget 🌺 Today, our school community gathered together in prayer and quiet reflection for our Remembrance Day Liturgy. Our students showed wonderful reverence as we paused to honour and remember the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. We prayed for peace in our world today and gave thanks for the freedom we enjoy. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." — John 15:1310 Nov 2026
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11 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Lest We Forget 🌺 Today, our school community gathered together in prayer and quiet reflection for our Remembrance Day Liturgy. Our students showed wonderful reverence as we paused to honour and remember the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. We prayed for peace in our world today and gave thanks for the freedom we enjoy. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." — John 15:13
10 Nov 2026
From Facebook
Our students stepped up for our Catholic Mission day, embracing the theme "One in Christ, United in Mission"! We joined together in Liturgy praying for hope in a world where everyone is looked after and can flourish. Students pulled up their brightest socks and kicked goals against poverty to support our brothers and sisters in Malawi. It was a fantastic day of fun, faith and action—showing how small steps can make a big difference in the world.
06 Nov 2026
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Online gaming safety continues to be under the spotlight! Our latest report from the esafety commissioner reveals how major online gaming platforms, including Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft and Steam, are (or are not) keeping kids safe online. While most services use tools to proactively detect unlawful and harmful material, the quality and coverage of these tools differed significantly across platforms. With around 9 in 10 Australian children aged 8 to 17 playing online games, the findings highlight the need for stronger, more consistent safeguards to help protect young people from risks such as grooming, harmful content and other serious online harms. Looking for ways to support safer online gaming. Check out this practical resource for families https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/gaming?utm_campaign=2611_edu_news_october_reengagement&utm_id=c33ee8f22376e17ca6503903521da365&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eSafety_edm
04 Nov 2026
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Socktober is Here! This term, our school community is taking action to support Socktober, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and funds for vulnerable communities in Malawi and around the world. Our involvement in Socktober is directly grounded in our Catholic Social Teaching focus for this term: Preferential Option for the Poor. This principle calls on us to place the needs, rights, and well-being of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society at the center of our actions and choices. By participating, our students learn how small acts of solidarity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Event Details: When: Friday of Week 4 (Friday, 6th November) What to Wear: Students are invited to wear their sports uniform paired with their most colourful, fun, or crazy socks! -Please don’t go out and purchase any fancy or expensive socks. Odd socks or child decorated socks are just fine! Donations: An optional donation is much appreciated to support Catholic Mission's work. You can make an online contribution directly on the Socktober Donation Page. https://www.socktober.org.au/support Thank you for supporting our students as we put our faith into action!
02 Nov 2026
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🌟 INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS! 🌟 Today, our Year 5 students took an exciting step toward leadership during our Year 5 Leadership Day! Our students participated in workshops and group discussions focused on leadership with kindness, humility, service and teamwork. We were so lucky to be joined by some incredible guest speakers: 🗣️ Our Principal, Mrs. Cathy Hey, who shared insights on leading with creativity, personality and purpose. 🎓 Collage Leaders from St John Paul II Catholic College, who inspired our Year 5s with what lies ahead. 🥇 Special guest & ex-student Isaac Beecroft, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, who shared his inspiring journey of goal-setting and dedication. Thank you to everyone who made the day so memorable. The future of St Joseph's Primary School is in fantastic hands! 💙👏
30 Oct 2026
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🌮🎉 TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY! 💃 Our teachers are taco-totally amazing! ❤️🌮 To show your appreciation for everything they do, give this post a 👍 and let our wonderful teachers know how much they are appreciated! 🌵🌶️🎊💚
23 Oct 2026
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22 Oct 2026
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🎉🌈 WE DID IT, ST JOSEPH’S! 🌈🎉 A HUGE well done to our St Joseph’s community — we have officially EXCEEDED our $20,000 fundraising target, with an amazing $21,700 raised! 🥳👏 Thank you to all our wonderful families and students for your incredible support. ❤️ But why stop here? Let’s keep the fundraising going! 🏆 Want to be in the running for a prize? For every $10 raised, you receive one entry into the prize draw! Keep those donations coming, but be quick — fundraising for prizes closes at midnight tonight! ⏰ 🎨 We can’t wait for a colourful, fun-filled Colour Run tomorrow! Get ready for lots of colour, laughter and amazing memories. Every dollar makes a difference, and we are so proud of what our St Joseph’s community has achieved together! 💙💛💚💗 Let’s make tomorrow AMAZING! 🌈
16 Oct 2026
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13 Oct 2026
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13 Oct 2026
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🚨 Action Needed: Support Our Year 6 Artists – Vote Today! Public voting is now OPEN for the Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Art Competition 2026! Nine of our Year 6 students have submitted their artwork on the theme 'Living Water'. Let’s show them our support! How to Cast Your Vote: 1. Visit the Catholic Earthcare Voting Page https://www.caritas.org.au/catholic-earthcare/school-art-competition/year-6/#nsw 2. Browse the artworks and note the unique code at the top left of the artwork page. 3. Enter your name and email address to submit your vote. Important Details: You can vote for multiple artworks, but only once per artwork. Students with an email address are also eligible to vote! Voting Closes: Monday, 19 October at 5:00 PM AEDT
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29 Sep 2026
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🎨🌈 COLOUR RUN FUNDRAISING UPDATE! 🌈🎨 We are more than halfway to our $20,000 fundraising target! 🎉🙌 With just over 4 weeks to go, our St Joseph’s community has already raised an incredible $10,490! 💙💛💗 Now it’s time to see if we can go even further… can we reach — and maybe even EXCEED — our $20,000 target? 🚀🎯 🏡 The school holidays are the perfect time to get fundraising! Students, why not chat with your family, grandparents, neighbours and friends and ask them to support your Colour Run fundraising efforts? Every donation, big or small, helps us get closer to our goal. 💰✨ 🌟 Keep asking for support 🌟 Keep those donations coming! Together, we’ve already achieved so much — let’s see what we can achieve together over the next four weeks! 💪🎨 🏃♀️🏃♂️ COLOUR RUN — FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 🎯 Fundraising Target: $20,000 💰 Already Raised: $10,490! Let’s make a splash of colour and see if we can smash our target! 🌈🎉
28 Sep 2026
Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
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