Courtney (far left) with some of her scholarship friends at the 2024 launch
With applications for the CSPD Teacher Scholarship Program now open, we thought it was the perfect time to check in with our 2024 scholarship recipients. Get to know some of our future teachers through our series of Q&A profiles over the coming weeks.
Courtney O’Reilly, Macquarie University, Bachelor of Secondary Education (RE & English)
Which schools (primary & secondary) did you attend?
I went to Mary Immaculate Primary Quakers Hill and then St John XXIII Stanhope Gardens for high school.
Why did you decide to study teaching?
People had always told me I would make a really good teacher, but it was having amazing English teachers in Year 11 & 12 that actually made the decision for me, because I wanted to inspire kids the same way those teachers inspired me.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking about applying for a CSPD Teacher Scholarship?
Do it! My friends and I all applied without too many expectations because this was new at the time and we all got in. It has been nothing but helpful. I know we are all so grateful for this opportunity.
What has been the best thing about being part of the scholarship program?
The associate teacher opportunities have been incredible. We are able to support the teachers and work with students at schools alongside 3rd year prac students. I’ve been able to run masterclasses with kids, mark and give feedback to some students’ short answer questions, and been given so much insight into what teaching is really like in such a short amount of time. It has been amazing.
Courtney O' Reilly
Have you had any practical teaching experiences or placements? If so, what do you enjoy most about working with students?
Yes, I have been lucky enough to get a job back at my old school, where I am getting heaps of exposure to teaching which has been awesome. I think what I enjoy most about the practical teaching experience so far is in the 10 weeks that I have been there, I can actually see students grow with certain content and skills which truly makes me feel so proud of them and excites me for the future.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time outside of your studies?
Hanging out with friends, working and binge watching Wentworth!
What is your favourite memory from your own school experience?
Pilates with my favourite teacher before one of my practice exams to “destress”. Honestly it was the most fun and random experience ever!
Learn more about the CSPD Teacher Scholarship Program and apply for 2025
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last night, 12 of our students took a significant step in their faith journey by receiving one or more of the Catholic sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. We honour their commitment to their spiritual growth and applaud their commitment to living out our Patrician values every day. Congratulations boys, may your faith continue to grow strong and inspire our school community.22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
We are thrilled to congratulate Jayden on winning the prestigious Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence! This award recognises students for their witness to the Catholic faith and contributions to the school community. Jayden approaches his education with deep commitment, compassion, and faith. His efforts include altar serving at St John Vianney Church and at school, volunteering with the Vinnies Van to support the poor and marginalised, teaching Special Religious Education, while always striving for academic excellence and supporting his peers. Accompanying him at the award ceremony was Jordan, who read the citation for Jayden. Jordan was selected for his leadership qualities and dedication to the school.
Latest News More news
22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last night, 12 of our students took a significant step in their faith journey by receiving one or more of the Catholic sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. We honour their commitment to their spiritual growth and applaud their commitment to living out our Patrician values every day. Congratulations boys, may your faith continue to grow strong and inspire our school community.
22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
We are thrilled to congratulate Jayden on winning the prestigious Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence! This award recognises students for their witness to the Catholic faith and contributions to the school community. Jayden approaches his education with deep commitment, compassion, and faith. His efforts include altar serving at St John Vianney Church and at school, volunteering with the Vinnies Van to support the poor and marginalised, teaching Special Religious Education, while always striving for academic excellence and supporting his peers. Accompanying him at the award ceremony was Jordan, who read the citation for Jayden. Jordan was selected for his leadership qualities and dedication to the school.
18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our UNSW Gateway Offer Recipients! Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown has had over 20 students from our Graduating Class of 2026 receive a Gateway offer from the University of New South Wales. We are extremely proud of our students!
15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Recently, we celebrated NAIDOC Week at Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown. The energy throughout the week was amazing, including the fierce daily tug-of-war Knockout, ‘Didge-Ya-Know’ scavenger hunts in the Resource Centre and huge Breakfast Club gatherings - all culminating in Friday afternoon’s epic Oztag challenge match, where the Indigenous All-Stars managed to claim victory over the staff team! Thank you to all the staff and students who participated, cheered from the stands, and made this week such a vibrant celebration of unity and community.
14 Sep 2026
From Facebook
This term our Year 9 HSIE students showcased their promotion and sales skills at the annual Commerce Tradeshow. Teams created businesses that promoted a product or service to the College community. From cookies to mobile sports, our boys demonstrated entrepreneurship, creativity and a willingness to explore different promotional strategies.
14 Sep 2026
From Facebook
CCSP Free webinar with eSafety Commissioner for parents and carers The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) NSW invites you to attend their Term 3 Free Webinar for parents with the expert eSafety Commissioner team: 'Influencers, Ideology and Impacts - How algorithms influence and reinforce harmful beliefs'. What is this webinar about? Young people are constantly being shown videos, posts and content online based on what they have clicked on, watched or searched for. This webinar will explain, in simple terms, how these algorithms work and how they can sometimes lead young people towards harmful content, unhealthy ideas or stereotypes. The eSafety Commissioner team will share practical tips to help parents and carers understand what young people are seeing online and how to help them create safer, healthier and more positive online experiences. Lunch and learn! Grab your lunch and a cup of tea and join the team during the day for this 45-minute session. Date: Wednesday 16 September Time:12:30pm – 1:15pm To register and for more information,click here. This webinar explores both the benefits and risks of recommender algorithms and offers practical strategies to help parents and carers to support young people build more positive and safer online feeds: the role of algorithms and recommender systems in driving engagement and shaping online experiences how platforms and online communities keep young people engaged, expose them to harmful content and reinforce gendered stereotypes strategies to shape algorithmic feeds and build more positive and safe online experiences how eSafety can support people experiencing serious online harm. This webinar is Not suitable for those under 18. A recording is available for registered participants for 72 hours following the webinar.
12 Sep 2026
From Facebook
This week, our College community came together for RUOK? Week to highlight the importance of mental health and staying connected With men often finding it challenging to open up, creating a culture where honest conversations happen naturally is more important than ever. Throughout the week, our boys engaged in meaningful activities designed to build connections and break down barriers: Activities included mental health trivia, board games, daily videos, and sessions focused on meditation and mindfulness. A highlight was the ever-popular Bronut Day, which encouraged students to support their mates by buying some donuts and having a chat over shared morning tea. The week culminated in a much-anticipated Staff vs Student volleyball match - an energetic battle that saw the teachers secure their second victory across three sporting challenge events this year. A huge thank you to all our staff and students who participated, organised events, and contributed to making this week so enjoyable and relevant.
10 Sep 2026
Bishops Awards celebrate student leaders across Parramatta Diocese
The annual Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence celebrates Year 12 students who demonstrate strong values of faith, service, leadership and learning, recognising their positive impact on their schools and wider communities.