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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02 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Father’s Day is an occasion to thank God for the gift of our fathers and to also acknowledge all the fathers in our community who have passed away. We will be celebrating our Father’s Day Mass with Nagle College at 9.00am on Friday 4th September at St. Patrick's Church, Blacktown. We are inviting all fathers, grandfathers and those who are father-figures in our College community. If you would like to attend the Father’s Day Mass, please complete this form by Thursday, September 3, 3pm. We ask that students and families arrive at the Church by 8.45am. A coffee cart has been booked to provide coffees for all of the fathers, grandfathers, and carers outside the Church after Mass. At the conclusion of the event, parents will need to transport their son/s back to the College.01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last week we welcomed renowned author, guest speaker and former Police Officer, Brent Sanders, to speak to our Year 12 students on a range of critical issues including peer pressure, risk-taking, decision making, youth violence and, most importantly - respect for women. The course includes in-depth discussion around consent, respect within relationships, and laws related to sexual and indecent assault; wrapped up in powerful, hard-hitting real-life stories involving young adults in contemporary Australian society.
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02 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Father’s Day is an occasion to thank God for the gift of our fathers and to also acknowledge all the fathers in our community who have passed away. We will be celebrating our Father’s Day Mass with Nagle College at 9.00am on Friday 4th September at St. Patrick's Church, Blacktown. We are inviting all fathers, grandfathers and those who are father-figures in our College community. If you would like to attend the Father’s Day Mass, please complete this form by Thursday, September 3, 3pm. We ask that students and families arrive at the Church by 8.45am. A coffee cart has been booked to provide coffees for all of the fathers, grandfathers, and carers outside the Church after Mass. At the conclusion of the event, parents will need to transport their son/s back to the College.
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last week we welcomed renowned author, guest speaker and former Police Officer, Brent Sanders, to speak to our Year 12 students on a range of critical issues including peer pressure, risk-taking, decision making, youth violence and, most importantly - respect for women. The course includes in-depth discussion around consent, respect within relationships, and laws related to sexual and indecent assault; wrapped up in powerful, hard-hitting real-life stories involving young adults in contemporary Australian society.
29 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This week our Chess teams represented Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown with pride and skill at the PDSSSC Chess Competition, held at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens. After a day of intense competition, we are incredibly proud to announce that Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown was crowned Overall Champions! This fantastic achievement reflects the strategy, concentration, teamwork and determination of our students. With pride - we celebrate the following outstanding results: Year 7A 1st Place: Joel Mathew Keerthish Prakash Pandian Jeevitha Daniel Rasmussen Year 7B 2nd Place: Jake Laidlaw Owen Edsall Year 9A 1st Place: Osborn Chen Alex Thuaux Angadbir Singh Brar Checkmate.
26 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last week, we celebrated the incredible creativity, talent and dedication of our senior students at our Major Works Night. The evening showcased an impressive collection of work from our Visual Arts, Photography, Industrial Technology and Music students, with family and friends joining us to experience the culmination of months of hard work, skill and creative expression. A special thank you to our dedicated teachers for the countless hours of guidance, encouragement and expertise they have given our students throughout the year. Their support and commitment play such an important role in helping our students bring their ideas and talents to life. We couldn’t be prouder of all our students and the passion, creativity and commitment they continue to bring to their craft.
25 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 11 Fitness and Sports Coaching students took their learning beyond the classroom by completing a First Aid course designed to give them the skills and confidence to respond when it matters most. From the gym to the sporting field, knowing how to recognise an emergency, provide first aid and support others is an essential skill for anyone involved in sport. A great day of practical learning, teamwork and skills that will stay with them long after the course is finished.
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
We warmly invite you to our HSC Major Works Showcase, featuring works and performances from our HSC and Preliminary Creative and Performing Arts and TAS students.
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Friendships can bring children enormous happiness – but they can also be one of the most difficult parts of growing up. CSPD families are invited to join respected parenting author and speaker Michelle Mitchell for Friendship Smart. Michelle will share practical strategies to help parents and carers support children through: • friendship changes and shifting social groups • conflict, exclusion and bullying • trust, boundaries and repairing relationships • social pressure and friendship worries • developing confidence and a strong sense of self The session is suitable for parents and carers of children across both primary and secondary school. 📅 Monday 31 August 2026 ⏰ 7.00 pm–8.30 pm 📍 Nagle College, Blacktown 🎟 Free for CSPD parents and carers Registration is essential: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKS5r8V_gowJSuSoGe_3QhohiuZ14PX5SWT4YVXcgiqHdp3g/viewform?usp=header
14 Aug 2026
From Facebook
12-30 A tough result, but every setback is part of the journey. We’ll take the lessons, stick together and come back stronger next week.
