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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22 Dec 2025
From Facebook
After an incredible career spanning over three decades, we bid farewell to a true Patrician legend, Mr Peter Ross. A proud old boy of Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, Mr Ross was employed by Br Bernard Bulfin in 1988 and has spent nearly all of his professional life serving the Patrician community - mainly at Blacktown, punctuated with two years at John-Paul II Senior High School, Marayong. A gifted Mathematics teacher, Peter also contributed through key leadership roles including Year Coordinator, College timetabler, and valued member of the College Leadership Team. His impact extended far beyond the classroom. Peter coached countless sporting teams, especially Rugby League and Cricket, and played a major role in the College’s inaugural NRL Schoolboy Cup victory in 2012. He has generously supported school camps, snow trips, weekend expeditions, senior retreats, and international immersions, giving our students experiences that shaped character and confidence. More recently, he answered one final call to service by mentoring the Mathematics department through significant leadership and staff transitions, a contribution many regard as his most impactful work. Peter’s loyalty, dedication, and steadfast commitment to Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown will remain an enduring gift to generations of staff and students. May the road rise to meet you, Peter, wherever God leads you next.
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Last Wednesday evening our school had the honour of hosting the 2025 Patrician Appreciation Awards. This special event brought together Principals, Assistant Principals, REC's, Patrician Brothers, Delany Foundation Board members, award winners, and their families and friends to celebrate the remarkable and ongoing contributions of staff members in Patrician schools. We are delighted to announce our two award recipients from Blacktown - Mr Peter Ross and Mr Greg Beacroft. Their exceptional dedication and contributions to the Blacktown Patrician community over many years were formally recognised during the ceremony. Thank you, Peter and Greg, for your incredible service and impact. Your commitment continues to inspire us all! And a thank you to the people who helped behind the scenes to put the event together. This glittering event was the result of a tremendous team effort.
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After an incredible career spanning over three decades, we bid farewell to a true Patrician legend, Mr Peter Ross. A proud old boy of Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, Mr Ross was employed by Br Bernard Bulfin in 1988 and has spent nearly all of his professional life serving the Patrician community - mainly at Blacktown, punctuated with two years at John-Paul II Senior High School, Marayong. A gifted Mathematics teacher, Peter also contributed through key leadership roles including Year Coordinator, College timetabler, and valued member of the College Leadership Team. His impact extended far beyond the classroom. Peter coached countless sporting teams, especially Rugby League and Cricket, and played a major role in the College’s inaugural NRL Schoolboy Cup victory in 2012. He has generously supported school camps, snow trips, weekend expeditions, senior retreats, and international immersions, giving our students experiences that shaped character and confidence. More recently, he answered one final call to service by mentoring the Mathematics department through significant leadership and staff transitions, a contribution many regard as his most impactful work. Peter’s loyalty, dedication, and steadfast commitment to Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown will remain an enduring gift to generations of staff and students. May the road rise to meet you, Peter, wherever God leads you next.
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From Facebook
Last Wednesday evening our school had the honour of hosting the 2025 Patrician Appreciation Awards. This special event brought together Principals, Assistant Principals, REC's, Patrician Brothers, Delany Foundation Board members, award winners, and their families and friends to celebrate the remarkable and ongoing contributions of staff members in Patrician schools. We are delighted to announce our two award recipients from Blacktown - Mr Peter Ross and Mr Greg Beacroft. Their exceptional dedication and contributions to the Blacktown Patrician community over many years were formally recognised during the ceremony. Thank you, Peter and Greg, for your incredible service and impact. Your commitment continues to inspire us all! And a thank you to the people who helped behind the scenes to put the event together. This glittering event was the result of a tremendous team effort.
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Congratulations to all the students who received awards, but also to the other students who worked consistently for the entire year but just missed out. Huge thanks to our incredible teachers for their efforts in encouraging and mentoring our students. Special mention for Mr Robinson for organising the ceremony.
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