Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has released its first annual Closing the Gap report. This report outlines its contribution to improving socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly students and their families.
CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot said the report reflects the dedication of CSPD’s 6 500 staff in fostering reconciliation and equity through the organisation’s 80 outstanding school across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
“We’re strongly committed to great outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through education grounded in excellence and inclusion,” Jack said. “Our Catholic tradition puts people in need first and there is still so much more to do to Close the Gap for First Nations people in Australia, including in our Catholic schools.”
The annual report is an additional commitments CSPD has included in its forthcoming Reconciliation Action Plan. While not exhaustive, the report highlights some of the meaningful efforts being made through CSPD schools and services across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Some highlights include:
- a year-on-year increase of approximately 7.5% enrolment growth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to 1,217 total)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students maintained an attendance rate above 87% in both 2023 and 2024, compared to 85.1% in 2022
- increasing HSC participation with 65 HSC candidates in 2025, in contrast to 10 HSC candidates in 2016
- steady improvement in HSC results, with the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieving top-band awards rising from 7.69% in 2016 to nearly 30% by 2024
- achievements in Vocational Education and Training such as St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields student Tataya Curry-Jones being named NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill student Jewel Osborne won the prestigious Aurora Award at the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains Region at the 2024 NSW Training Awards.
The report celebrates the strengths-based work of the CSPD Jarara team based in Mount Druitt and Family Liaison Officer Aunty Roz Webb, an Aboriginal Elder embedded within CSPD’s Student Support Directorate. Other successful initiatives include the Murama Youth Ambassador Program, cultural learning programs such as Sky Country Dreaming and the Up and Go Bus that provides students with transport to school (and brekky on the road), an initiative to support student attendance.
Looking ahead, opportunities to increase CSPD’s contribution to national efforts to close the gap include considering scaling the Family Liaison Officer model, expanding transition support, and strengthening vocational pathways will be key priorities. Deepening partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, universities, and employers while increasing access to targeted wellbeing services will further enhance student outcomes. By refining exisiting programs and fostering strong community collaborations, CSPD can continue to make a contribution to sustained progress towards parity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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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.
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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.
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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.
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
An enormous commendation to Charan, Owen, Levi and Henil who represented Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown in the PDSSSC Team Tennis competition on Tuesday at Parramatta Tennis Centre. Although our team unfortunately could not make it through to the finals, they persevered against very strong competition in performances they should be immensely proud of, showcasing a combination of determination and sportsmanship to create what was an incredibly enjoyable day for all involved. We would also like to thank Mr Stramandinoli for accompanying and coaching the boys.
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to the Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown students who were selected in the NSWCCC Rugby Union representative teams last term. A special acknowledgement to Siaki Tukino (Year 10) and Mavrix Tauasa (Year 11) for their selection in the U16s squad, as well as our U18s representatives: Dezalon Taleni (Year 11), Tyrone Moeroa, Dougie Fa’aoso, Noah Vaalele, Talmage Lemusu and Isaac Youkhana (all Year 12). We also extend our gratitude and congratulations to Mr Delahoya Manu for his dedicated leadership as assistant coach and manager. Our students performed admirably in their respective teams and represented the College community with tremendous pride and distinction. Excellent effort, boys!