Hundreds of Western Sydney students from Years 9 to 12 and some who recently graduated, joined teachers, parents, carers, and educators at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta for the Beyond School, What's Next? Careers Expo hosted by Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD).
The event attracted more than 25 organisations such as civil construction company Gamuda, TAFE NSW, Ambrose Early Learning School Aged Care, Mining Australia, multiple universities, Universities Admission Centre (UAC), the Australian Defence Force along with careers advisors, Registered Training Organisations, employment services, and CSPD's Teacher Scholarship team to name a few.
Whether transitioning into full-time employment, seeking further education, or sourcing a traineeship or apprenticeship, students had meaningful conversations with experts in their field to help point them in the right direction.
“That's one of the great things about being here is being able to give back to the community, meeting new friends, and making a difference to young people,” said a representative from Western Sydney University’s Student Engagement team.
“It's a great opportunity if you’re not sure what you want to do in the future. There are so many organisations here with programs and apprenticeships that you can come and apply to.”
There was something for every student, helping them explore career and study pathways they might like to consider after school.
Executive Director of Schools Jack de Groot and Director Communications & Engagement Elizabeth Scully chatted with students, parents, and exhibitors as they toured the stalls.
“It's a great opportunity for students to have conversations with employers, trade schools, universities, and lots of other training institutions that could help them with their future,” said Jack.
“It's been a great morning meeting people from all sorts of places that help students explore their passions and interests and they can also get employment as they work through a training program. You can even work for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese as a trainee teacher while completing further studies. There are many great opportunities to explore what you want to do after school.”
CSPD’s Jarara Cultural Centre was also in attendance, presenting different opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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27 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, a small group of our teachers and students participated in the Vinnies Van program. Vinnies Van is an outreach service that provides meals and snacks, blankets, toiletries, hot beverages, and, most importantly, companionship and referrals, to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Well done to all our volunteers.
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, our Student Leaders attended the LIFTED Leaders event, alongside students from across the Diocese. This inspiring day is dedicated to connection, collaboration, and putting faith in action .
Latest News More news
27 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, a small group of our teachers and students participated in the Vinnies Van program. Vinnies Van is an outreach service that provides meals and snacks, blankets, toiletries, hot beverages, and, most importantly, companionship and referrals, to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Well done to all our volunteers.
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, our Student Leaders attended the LIFTED Leaders event, alongside students from across the Diocese. This inspiring day is dedicated to connection, collaboration, and putting faith in action .
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
The Patrician Brothers' Blacktown annual Primary School Rugby League Day will be held at the College grounds from 9.30am to 2:00pm on Monday 29 June, for students in Year 4 to Year 6. The students will all receive a free Patties T-shirt, and recess and lunch will also be provided on the day. The students will be participating in a variety of rugby league skills and drills, led by students from the number one rugby league school in New South Wales. A school tour will also be provided at 10:00 am on the day for interested parents. Numbers are limited, so book as early as possible using the QR Code provided. Feel free to ring the College for any additional information. Come along and get involved in the school that has provided the most players in the 2026 NRL competition. Go Patties!
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
24 Mar 2026
Beginning the Journey: 2026 Educators Commissioned
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has officially welcomed almost 100 beginning teachers and nine new principals at its 2026 Commissioning Ceremony, held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Here's what's going on at Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown this week!
20 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Last night we proudly celebrated the achievements of our Year 12 students at the ACU Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) Program Completion Ceremony Congratulations to Francesco Tabone and Lucas Sheehan on receiving their certificates as part of this outstanding initiative, alongside a cohort of over 160 students from across multiple dioceses and education systems. This year’s celebration was made even more special, with the SUIT program recently recognised on a national stage, taking out the Future Builder People’s Choice category at the Universities Australia Shaping Australia Awards 2025. The program continues to open doors for aspiring educators, providing students with a head start in their teaching journey while fostering leadership, opportunity, and community impact. We are incredibly proud of Francesco and Lucas as they take their next steps towards becoming future educators and leaders.
18 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to everyone involved with our St Patrick’s Day celebrations last Tuesday. Our Mass was celebrated by Fr Wim Hoekstra and featured the outstanding musical talent of our student choir. Our special guests included Br Aengus Kavanagh - Patrician Brothers, Deborah Scollard - Principal of Nagle College, Stephen Bali Jnr - representing Stephen Bali Snr, State Member for Blacktown, and Michelle Rowland, Attorney-General of Australia, Patrick Murray - College Captain 1983, along with former staff members; Kim Crawford, Barbara Newton and Dave Backhurst. Pat Murray spoke to our students with tremendous wisdom and relevance after Mass about the far-reaching impact of his Patties Blacktown education. The Staff v Students Soccer match was as entertaining as ever, and the response of the students in the crowd was tremendous. Our day finished with a Patties Got Talent concert and there was certainly an abundance of musical talent on display.
12 Mar 2026
From Facebook
As we head into the grand final of the 2026 CSDA Public Speaking tomorrow. We want to congratulate the three students who progressed through the first round to this preliminary final round last week. The competition was held at All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. All three performed brilliantly, and we are thrilled to announce that one student, Jay Pandya of Year 9, has now progressed to the grand finals, to be held at St Patrick's Strathfield tomorrow, Friday the 13th of March. Congratulations and good luck to Jay on this outstanding achievement, and a huge thanks to the staff who have supported all our public speakers this year.
09 Mar 2026
From Facebook
04 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week we had our Open Night where we welcomed prospective 2027 students and parents and provided tours of our College. We successfully showcased our excellent facilities and, more importantly, the enthusiasm and pride of our wonderful students and staff. Both tour sessions attracted strong turnouts of excited and curious students and parents. It was a joy to host our visitors, and we look forward to welcoming many of them as future Patties Boys and parents!