Each year, one Year 12 student in every Catholic secondary school in the Diocese of Parramatta is awarded the Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence.
This prestigious award is nominated by the school principal and recognises a student’s witness to their Catholic faith and outstanding contribution to the school community in areas such as academic excellence, sporting achievement, creative and performing arts, social justice, vocational education and community involvement.
This year’s outstanding students were recognised by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv at an event held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday 5 September, attended by more than 300 people, including parents, school representatives and local community leaders. Each award recipient was acknowledged with a medallion and certificate.
Bishop Vincent delivered a powerful reflection on excellence and the aims of Catholic education. He praised the award recipients for their hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment.
“The honour we bestow on them tonight recognises not only what they have done but also the positive attitude with which they have imbued their environments and relationships. These students have let the light of Christ shine through them. They have worked hard, with a sense of responsibility and commitment,” said Bishop Vincent.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Executive Director, Jack De Groot congratulated the students, acknowledging all those who play a part in student success.
“Your achievements are a credit to you and your families, and a testament to the commitment and drive of your teachers as we endeavour in our vision to enrich the lives of our students through education grounded in excellence, inclusivity and Catholic tradition,” Jack said.
Award winners from our CSPD schools were as follows:
- Jessica Reimer, Bede Polding College South Windsor
- Audrey Cocks, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park
- Sacha Sahyoun, Catherine McAuley Westmead
- Olivia Novosadek, CathWest Innovation College Mount Druitt
- Sarah Oldridge, Cerdon College Merrylands
- Makalita Liutai, Delany College Granville
- Peter Sara, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek
- Savannah Moubarak, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill
- Stephanie Vassallo, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst
- Chevonne Lobo, Nagle College Blacktown South
- George Walker, Parramatta Marist High School
- Emmanuel Crichton, Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown
- Imelda Wright, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains
- Erica Pisani, Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables
- Sienna Edwards, St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill
- Euleila Barret, St Andrews College Marayong
- Michell Bui, St Clare's Catholic High School Hassall Grove
- Lucy Hall, St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood
- Tristan Kemp, St John Paul II Catholic College Nirimba Fields
- Ellena Bonello, St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens
- Althea Dela Cruz, St Luke's Catholic College Marsden Park
- Oliver O'Neill, St Patrick's Marist College Dundas
- Andrew Saab, St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes
- Lucy Keane, Xavier College Llandilo
View photos from this event View full gallery
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
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12 Jun 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday evening, our Year 7 team debated against Clancy Catholic College from Hoxton Park in the first session of Elimination Finals of 2026 CSDA Debating. The team members; Emmanuel Jamieson, Morgan Leary and Fredrich Brillo made the College proud with their performance and presentation throughout the entire season and this week was no exception. Unfortunately, some of our team were unwell, and Fredrich offered to step in, not wanting the team to forfeit, even though he was not 100% himself. The boys performed very well, but in a high-quality and hard-fought debate, we went down narrowly. We commend them on their outstanding achievement of making it to the finals in their first season as debaters. Our Year 12 team has made it through the Quarter Finals, taking place on Friday 26th June. Congratulations again to all the students who have participated this season, and onto the next!
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12 Jun 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday evening, our Year 7 team debated against Clancy Catholic College from Hoxton Park in the first session of Elimination Finals of 2026 CSDA Debating. The team members; Emmanuel Jamieson, Morgan Leary and Fredrich Brillo made the College proud with their performance and presentation throughout the entire season and this week was no exception. Unfortunately, some of our team were unwell, and Fredrich offered to step in, not wanting the team to forfeit, even though he was not 100% himself. The boys performed very well, but in a high-quality and hard-fought debate, we went down narrowly. We commend them on their outstanding achievement of making it to the finals in their first season as debaters. Our Year 12 team has made it through the Quarter Finals, taking place on Friday 26th June. Congratulations again to all the students who have participated this season, and onto the next!
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday, as part of our partnership with Western Sydney University’s PATHE program, a group of our Year 10 Pasifika students participated in career-focused workshops tailored to their interests. The day included two specialised sessions followed by an insightful Q&A panel featuring Pasifika university students and a guest graduate speaker. Alongside peers from 18 other schools, our students had the valuable opportunity to connect with fellow Pasifika youth who share similar aspirations for tertiary education and future career pathways.
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From Facebook
Last week the Australian Catholic University (ACU) held their Uni Step-Up Completion Ceremony where Domenic Gallagher of Year 12 received his certificate for completing the criminology program. Uni Step-Up provides students an opportunity to experience learning in a university environment at ACU, by completing two first-year university subjects during school holiday periods. Students undertake intensive study and complete assessments and sit exams. Students who complete the course receive an early offer into a range of courses within the course area of their program. Domenic is a member of our 2026 Student Leadership team, with specific responsibility for the Diversity and Inclusiveness - Wellbeing and Hospitality portfolio. Congratulations to Domenic and his family on this outstanding achievement, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours studying and working in the criminology and law sectors!
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From Facebook
Last week our Year 7 students visited Sydney Zoo to take part in the Classification of Living Things program, a hands-on excursion aligned with the new Science syllabus. The 90-minute interactive workshop took students through the Australian precinct and Aquarium, guided by a Sydney Zoo educator. Students explored the diversity of life and the principles of scientific classification to identify and sort species. Thermal camera technology brought animal adaptations to life in a uniquely engaging way, allowing students to observe how Australian animals are suited to their environments firsthand. Before and after the workshop, students had the opportunity to explore the Asia and Africa precincts independently. The excursion connected classroom learning to real-world scientific practice, giving students direct exposure to animal classification, adaptation, and biodiversity. The use of technology and immersive zoo surroundings made for an unforgettable learning experience.
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From Facebook
YEAR 7 2027 ENROLMENTS CLOSING SOON! LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE IN YEARS 8, 10 & 11. - Sibling Enrolments (Year 7, 2027) Places for Year 7 2027 are now nearly FULL. If you currently have a younger son in Year 6 whom you plan to send to Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown from 2027 onwards, you must apply immediately. Because demand is so high, delayed enrolments run a very real risk of missing out and being placed on a waiting list. We cannot guarantee or make extra room if applications are late! - Spaces in Other Year Groups (2026) Looking to join the Patrician Brothers family sooner? We currently have limited vacancies available for immediate or upcoming intake in the following year groups: Year 8 Year 10 Year 11 Click the link below to submit your enrolment application:
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From Facebook
Last week we welcomed guest speaker and author Glen Gerreyn to Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown. He presented a highly entertaining session titled “Hope Express” to our Year 9 students. Glen’s energy and enthusiasm for life are simply infectious and our students walked away convinced that nothing can stop them achieving their goals if they commit themselves and work hard
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From Facebook
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From Facebook
The Patrician Brothers' Blacktown community congratulates former student Farah Koko on his recent selection to represent the Sudanese National Football Team in an international friendly in Doha, Qatar. Farah represented Patties from Year 7 to Year 12 in the former MCS competition and was selected in the MCS representative team in 2019. Following outstanding performances with Manly and Sydney United, scoring 12 goals in 11 appearances over the past two seasons, his national team selection is thoroughly deserved. Remembered as someone who let his actions speak for him, always polite and willing to give his best at all times - he carries this same dedication onto the field every time he plays. We are incredibly proud to see Farah representing his country on the international stage and wish him every success.
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From Facebook
During Reconciliation Week, CSPD students joined Indigenous veterans, Elders, community leaders and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC at the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service in Hyde Park. As part of this group, several Patties students proudly performed with the Jannawi Dance Clan, laid wreaths in honour of Indigenous veterans, and reflected on the importance of culture, connection and remembrance. A special highlight was hearing from Uncle Danny Eastwood, creator of the Indigenous Veterans’ Memorial, whose legacy continues to inspire future generations. We would like to express our gratitude to Nai Fakatava, Bailey Hall, Levii Gibson Baxter, Bailey Gibson Baxter, and Caleb Curry-Jones for their outstanding participation and performance. Additionally, we extend a special thank you to Ms Kathy Plumridge for her invaluable mentorship and dedicated leadership leading up to this performance.
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From Facebook
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From Facebook
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