The end of lockdown has seen the return of beloved community events like concerts and football games. But, for many local school students, it's the Easter Hat Parade that they've been looking forward to the most
St Nicholas of Myra Penrith is one local school who held their Easter Hat Parade last week, and Assistant Principal Kirsty Reynolds said that the festivities were back in full swing.
"We had an Easter egg raffle, which was really cool because a lot of our children liked winning prizes and they were actually able to get the prizes because it wasn't virtual," she said.
"We were also able to have a visit from the Easter bunny, that's something that hasn't happened for a number of years. The students really enjoyed that."
Having been told about the Parade a few weeks before, children from Kindergarten all the way to Year 6 spared no expense for their hats, with decorations ranging from felt to feathers, and even real chocolate.
"It was really cute to see some of our Kindergarten children had actual Easter eggs on them, and I think that brought back the sense of community for our families as well at home, doing something together," she said.
Not even the wet weather could ruin the day's festivities, instead showing off the students crazy creations in a more unique way.
"Our learning spaces are quite adaptive, so we were able to move furniture out of the way and we had a catwalk with music playing as the children walked down the catwalk," she said.
But, Ms Reynolds said that the best part of the day was finally being able to bring the school community back together.
St Nicholas of Myra Primary School Penrith
www.stnicholaspenrith.catholic.edu.au
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07 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐๐๐ A Very Grinchy Late Entry ๐๐๐ I was sulking in my cave on Mount Crumpitโs high peak, Dodging all that โMerry Christmas!โ nonsense all week. Then Maxโs phone buzzed with a terrible glare Those St. Nicholas doorsโฆ everywhere. EVERYWHERE! Tinsel explosions! Ribbons out of control! Each classroom door sparkling like a disco for the soul. And the โlikesโ and the โlovesโ? Tumbling in like a tide, I nearly fainted right thereโUGH, too much joy schoolwide! Those teachers were laughing, jingling with cheer, Grinning wider than Cindy-Lou Who ear to ear. โSpreading joy! Spreading cheer!โ they shouted with glee I gagged so dramatically, Max thought it was me! โThese crafty creators with glittery bows, Making kids smile wherever they goes! Well NOT on my watch,โ I growled with a roar, โMy heartโs tiny, my moodโs awful, and I LIKE being sore!โ So off to Penrith I marched with my grumpiest face, โIโll teach those St Nicholas teachers to smile with grace! Iโll steal all their doors, stamp out every trace of cheer, Not even St Nicholas himself can stop the mean old Grinch this year!โ I walked to Penrith and finally found the school, When I saw it in person, I was horrifiedโwhat a jewel! So I stole those festive doors along with their Christmas spirit, Then found a cozy office to restโIโd reached my limit! So donโt like or love, or giggle or cheer, Each reaction you make will make me stomp and sneer!
07 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ฏ๏ธ๐ Second Sunday of Advent ๐๐ฏ๏ธ Today, our St Nicholas of Myra community celebrates the Second Sunday of Advent, lighting the Candle of Peace. As we continue preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus, we are reminded that true peace begins with usโthrough our words, our choices, and the way we care for one another. Advent Peace is all about bringing calm, kindness, and hope to everyone around us. May the peace of Christ fill our community as we journey toward Christmas. โ๏ธ
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07 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐๐๐ A Very Grinchy Late Entry ๐๐๐ I was sulking in my cave on Mount Crumpitโs high peak, Dodging all that โMerry Christmas!โ nonsense all week. Then Maxโs phone buzzed with a terrible glare Those St. Nicholas doorsโฆ everywhere. EVERYWHERE! Tinsel explosions! Ribbons out of control! Each classroom door sparkling like a disco for the soul. And the โlikesโ and the โlovesโ? Tumbling in like a tide, I nearly fainted right thereโUGH, too much joy schoolwide! Those teachers were laughing, jingling with cheer, Grinning wider than Cindy-Lou Who ear to ear. โSpreading joy! Spreading cheer!โ they shouted with glee I gagged so dramatically, Max thought it was me! โThese crafty creators with glittery bows, Making kids smile wherever they goes! Well NOT on my watch,โ I growled with a roar, โMy heartโs tiny, my moodโs awful, and I LIKE being sore!โ So off to Penrith I marched with my grumpiest face, โIโll teach those St Nicholas teachers to smile with grace! Iโll steal all their doors, stamp out every trace of cheer, Not even St Nicholas himself can stop the mean old Grinch this year!โ I walked to Penrith and finally found the school, When I saw it in person, I was horrifiedโwhat a jewel! So I stole those festive doors along with their Christmas spirit, Then found a cozy office to restโIโd reached my limit! So donโt like or love, or giggle or cheer, Each reaction you make will make me stomp and sneer!
07 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ฏ๏ธ๐ Second Sunday of Advent ๐๐ฏ๏ธ Today, our St Nicholas of Myra community celebrates the Second Sunday of Advent, lighting the Candle of Peace. As we continue preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus, we are reminded that true peace begins with usโthrough our words, our choices, and the way we care for one another. Advent Peace is all about bringing calm, kindness, and hope to everyone around us. May the peace of Christ fill our community as we journey toward Christmas. โ๏ธ
06 Dec 2025
From Facebook
โช ๐ฏ๏ธ St Nicholas of Myra Feast Day โช ๐ฏ๏ธ Today we celebrate feast day of St Nicholas of Myra, a kind and generous bishop who loved helping othersโespecially children! St Nicholas is known for his secret gifts, his big heart, and the way he showed Godโs love through simple acts of kindness. This year, as always, we are celebrating in the spirit of giving, just like St Nicholas, by supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. By bringing in donations, we can help families in our community feel cared for and supported during this special season. Donations will also be accepted on Monday at the Christmas Concert. ๐๐๐งก On his feast day, we remember to be helpers, sharers, and encouragers. Every small act of kindness brings joyโjust like St Nicholas did many years ago. Happy St Nicholas Feast Day! โ๏ธ ๐ โช ๐ฏ๏ธ
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ St Vincent de Paul Award ๐ This award celebrates a student who truly embodies compassion, humility, and a spirit of service. ๐ Recognised for their kindness, generosity, and care, they make a real difference in our school community every day. ๐๐ Dedication to Anthony Ruzgas In recognition of his unwavering commitment to serving others, we proudly honour Anthony Ruzgas for his outstanding contribution to St Vincent de Paul and to the community of St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, Penrith NSW and School. For many years, Anthony has embodied the true spirit of compassion, dignity and service, offering support to those most in need throughout the Penrith area. His kindness, leadership, and tireless dedication have made a profound and lasting impact on our parish, our school, and the wider community. In gratitude for his extraordinary service, the annual St Vincent de Paul Award will be named The Anthony Ruzgas Award for 2025, ensuring that Anthony's faith, generosity and love for neighbour is recognised in the St Nicholas of Myra school community.
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ Karen McKeown Role Model Award ๐ This special award goes to a Year 6 student who shines as a true role model at St Nicholas of Myra! โจ Recognised for outstanding behaviour, integrity, and a positive influence, this student inspires everyone in our school community every day. ๐๐๐งก๐
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ Lindsay Quiet Achiever Award ๐ The Lindsay Quiet Achiever Award is presented to a Year 6 student who has worked diligently throughout the year, contributing to our school community through consistent effort, reliability, and a humble commitment to doing their best โ often without seeking recognition. This award celebrates the quiet strength, steady dedication, and genuine goodness that make a lasting impact on our school. ๐๐๐งกโจ๐
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ Bespoke Realty All Rounder Award ๐ At St Nicholas of Myra, we proudly celebrate a Year 6 student who shine across all areas of school life. The Bespoke Realty All Rounder Award is presented to a student who demonstrates excellence in multiple subjects and contributes positively to various aspects of school life. This award recognises adaptability, broad capability, and a consistent commitment to meeting a wide range of responsibilities. ๐๐๐งก๐โจ
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ซ Outstanding Effort Award ๐ซ At St Nicholas of Myra, we value not only achievement but the dedication and attitude students bring to their learning every day. The Outstanding Effort Award is presented to the student who consistently demonstrates positive and appropriate learning behaviours, along with sustained effort throughout the year. This award recognises responsibility, focus, and a strong commitment to being an active, respectful, and hardworking learner. We are proud to celebrate students who give their very best, day in and day out. ๐๐๐๐งก๐
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ฑ Academic Growth Award ๐ฑ At St Nicholas of Myra, we are committed to nurturing every learner, and we proudly recognise students who show exceptional perseverance and improvement. The Academic Growth Award celebrates the student who has demonstrated the greatest academic growth across the year, in both Semester 1 and Semester 2. This award acknowledges dedication, persistence, and a strong commitment to continual improvement. We look forward to honouring the students who have worked hard, embraced challenges, and made remarkable progress throughout the year. ๐๐๐งก๐โจ
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ Academic Achievement Award ๐ At St Nicholas of Myra, we are proud to recognise students who strive for excellence in their learning. The Academic Achievement Award is presented to students who have demonstrated consistently high academic results across the entire year โ in both Semester 1 and Semester 2. These students show dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to giving their very best in all areas of learning. We look forward to celebrating our outstanding achievers and acknowledging their hard work and determination. ๐๐๐
05 Dec 2025
From Facebook
โ The Mary MacKillop Award โ At St Nicholas of Myra, we are proud to recognise students who live out the values of compassion, service and action. Each year, one student from every grade is presented with the Mary MacKillop Award, a prestigious recognition given to those who embody the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross and her guiding principle: โNever see a need without doing something about it.โ These students consistently show kindness, lead with empathy, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. We look forward to celebrating our 2025 recipients and acknowledging their inspiring contribution to the St Nicholas of Myra school community. ๐๐๐งก๐
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐โ๏ธ St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal ๐โ๏ธ As part of St Nicholas of Myra Feast Day, held this Friday 5th December, we invite you to take part in our Christmas Mission Initiative of the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal. There will be baskets at the front gates to place donations into as students enter the school on Friday morning. We will also have the baskets out on Monday for donations. As Christmas can be a challenging time for any, you can help support those in need within our community by donating food items such as the given suggestions. All donations will be used to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and also people struggling with poverty and cost-of-living pressures. Thank you for your support this Christmas season.
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ Celebrating Achievement at St Nicholas of Myra! ๐ Here at St Nicholas of Myra, we delight in recognising and celebrating the achievements of our wonderful students. Next week, we will proudly present our annual academic and special awards across two ceremonies. โจ Year 6 Academic & Special Awards These awards, including the Bespoke All Rounder, St Vincent de Paul Award, Karen McKeown Role Model Award, and Melissa McIntosh Quiet Achiever Award โ will be presented during the Year 6 Graduation Mass on Tuesday, 9th December, with Mass beginning at 6:00pm. โจ Kindergarten to Year 5 Academic Awards Kโ5 academic awards will be presented after our Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday, 11th December, with Mass beginning at 12:30pm. We warmly invite our community to join us in celebrating our wonderful St Nicholas of Myra students and their achievements. ๐๐๐งกโจ
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
โ ๐ 2025 End of Year Mass Celebrations ๐ โ We warmly invite our school community to join us for our End of Year Masses as we come together in faith, gratitude and celebration. โจ Year 6 Graduation Mass ๐ Tuesday, 9th December โช St Nicholas of Myra Church ๐ Mass begins at 6:00pm Join us as we celebrate our Year 6 graduates, reflect on their time at St Nicholas of Myra, and wish them every blessing as they begin the next chapter of their journey. โจ 2025 Thanksgiving Mass Our Thanksgiving Mass will bring our 2025 school year to a close as we come together in prayer and gratitude for the year we have shared. ๐ Thursday, 11th December โช St Nicholas of Myra Church ๐ง Mass begins at 12:30pm All are warmly welcome to celebrate and pray with us. ๐๐งก๐๐
03 Dec 2025
From Facebook
๐ฌ Stage 2โs Candyland Christmas Door! ๐ฌ Step into Candyland, oh, what a sight! Our sweet shop doors shine merry and bright. Gingerbread students dance and play, Spreading festive cheer in every way. A pink Christmas tree twinkles with glee, Presents stacked high for all to see. Lollies and treats are everywhere Candied delights fill the air! Join in the fun, come have a peek, And vote for our door this festive week. Stage 2โs Christmas magic is here to stay, Bringing joy and smiles this holiday! ๐๐ญโจ