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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24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
From leading Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown as School Captains to leading the way in dementia research, Elie Matar (Class of 2004) and Michael Inskip (Class of 2010) continue to make an extraordinary impact. When Dr Elie Matar and Dr Michael Inskip presented at the International Dementia Conference 2026, it marked a proud moment for the Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown community. The International Dementia Conference brings together leading clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world to share the latest advances in dementia research, diagnosis, treatment and care. This year’s conference provided an opportunity for two Patties Old Boys, whose careers have taken different yet complementary paths, to contribute to conversations shaping the future of dementia care. Dr Matar, a Consultant Neurologist and Sleep Physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a Horizon Fellow at the University of Sydney, presented his internationally recognised research on Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. His work focuses on improving early diagnosis, advancing biomarkers and preparing patients for future disease-modifying therapies. Dr Inskip, an exercise physiologist, senior lecturer and clinical educator at James Cook University, shared his research exploring the role of exercise in supporting people living with dementia. His work includes leading the first exercise trial in Lewy body dementia and helping combat frailty and strengthen the role of exercise physiology within aged care. Although they graduated six years apart, the conference brought their work together through a shared goal of improving outcomes for people living with dementia. Congratulations to Elie and Michael on their outstanding contributions to research, education and patient care. We are proud to see two Patties Old Boys making a meaningful impact both nationally and internationally.
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
It is with great excitement that we acknowledge former Patties student, Tim Hodge, as the King’s Baton Bearer for the Australian team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. A graduate of our College in 2018, Tim’s many achievements include - Commonwealth Games silver medals in 2018 while he was studying for his HSC, representing Australia as at three Paralympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024) including two gold medals and a silver at the Paris Games, and a world record for the Men’s 200m Individual Medley (SM9), a record he has shattered and subsequently shaved down multiple times, including at the 2024 selection trials. Despite his physical challenges, he has established himself as a dominant global force in para-swimming and his humility and exceptional work ethic continue to be an inspiration to younger students at our school.
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24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
From leading Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown as School Captains to leading the way in dementia research, Elie Matar (Class of 2004) and Michael Inskip (Class of 2010) continue to make an extraordinary impact. When Dr Elie Matar and Dr Michael Inskip presented at the International Dementia Conference 2026, it marked a proud moment for the Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown community. The International Dementia Conference brings together leading clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world to share the latest advances in dementia research, diagnosis, treatment and care. This year’s conference provided an opportunity for two Patties Old Boys, whose careers have taken different yet complementary paths, to contribute to conversations shaping the future of dementia care. Dr Matar, a Consultant Neurologist and Sleep Physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a Horizon Fellow at the University of Sydney, presented his internationally recognised research on Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. His work focuses on improving early diagnosis, advancing biomarkers and preparing patients for future disease-modifying therapies. Dr Inskip, an exercise physiologist, senior lecturer and clinical educator at James Cook University, shared his research exploring the role of exercise in supporting people living with dementia. His work includes leading the first exercise trial in Lewy body dementia and helping combat frailty and strengthen the role of exercise physiology within aged care. Although they graduated six years apart, the conference brought their work together through a shared goal of improving outcomes for people living with dementia. Congratulations to Elie and Michael on their outstanding contributions to research, education and patient care. We are proud to see two Patties Old Boys making a meaningful impact both nationally and internationally.
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
It is with great excitement that we acknowledge former Patties student, Tim Hodge, as the King’s Baton Bearer for the Australian team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. A graduate of our College in 2018, Tim’s many achievements include - Commonwealth Games silver medals in 2018 while he was studying for his HSC, representing Australia as at three Paralympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024) including two gold medals and a silver at the Paris Games, and a world record for the Men’s 200m Individual Medley (SM9), a record he has shattered and subsequently shaved down multiple times, including at the 2024 selection trials. Despite his physical challenges, he has established himself as a dominant global force in para-swimming and his humility and exceptional work ethic continue to be an inspiration to younger students at our school.
20 Jul 2026
From Facebook
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
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15 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Xavier Zahra, who placed first in the Under 15 NSWCCC Cross Country. We wish Xavier the best of luck as he prepares to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools State Cross Country Championships in early August. He is running with the goal of qualifying for the NSW All Schools team to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships later this year. We also want to give a special shout out to Bernie Irvine who placed 17th in the Under 14 event and Harvey Irvine who placed 13th in the Under 13 event. They ran with determination and pride - well done to all our athletes.
13 Jul 2026
From Facebook
An incredible achievement for Charlie Xuereb, Steven Nunn, Cordell Murdock-Arama, and Cornelius Pupualii, who have been selected in the 2026 Australian Schoolboys Rugby League Team. With four Patties students earning Australian honours this year, it also marks the fourth consecutive year that Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown has had three or more players selected in the Australian Schoolboys team. The squad will assemble in October to take on the Papua New Guinea Junior Kumuls, and we can’t wait to see our boys pull on the green and gold and represent Australia on the international stage. Congratulations, boys! Your hard work has earned you this opportunity, and the entire Patties community will be cheering you on every step of the way.
11 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to former Patties student, Jared Haywood (Class of 2024), on making his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers! Jared now becomes the 97th student from Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown to play in the NRL. Jared truly embodies what it means to be a Patrician Brothers’ boy. Always smiling, he approaches life with a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute. He recently returned to the College to support our Primary Schools Gala Day, continuing to give back to the Patties community. During his time at the College, Jared was a valued member of the Schoolboy Cup teams in both 2023 and 2024, proudly co-captaining the side to a State Final victory in 2024. In his final year at Patties, Jared was named Sportsman of the Year and represented the College in Athletics, Touch Football and Cross Country. He also earned selection in the CCC Rugby League and Touch Football teams, as well as the prestigious Australian Schoolboys Rugby League team. The entire Patties community is incredibly proud of you, Jared. We wish you all the very best for your NRL career.
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
03 Jul 2026
From Facebook
This week, a select group of our Year 10 students partnered with Nagle College to lead two engaging and meaningful leadership sessions for Years 5 and 6 at St Patrick’s Primary School. Demonstrating remarkable confidence, our students served as youth ministers, delivering insightful presentations on leadership and faith, and facilitated dynamic small-group discussions. From leading prayers to energising the room with interactive games and songs, they displayed a level of maturity, warmth, and genuine care that resonated with everyone present. The primary students were truly captivated, instantly recognising the Year 10s as wonderful role models. The vibrant energy and enthusiasm throughout the sessions were a testament to the strong connections formed. The Patrician Brothers’ and Nagle students involved in this program deserve immense credit, and will certainly leave a lasting positive impact on the young leaders of tomorrow. This initiative stands as a model for collaborative student formation between primary and secondary schools across the diocese.
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
In the final week of Term 2, we gathered to recognise students who were top of their subjects along with the honour roll students for Semester 1. It was a great time to acknowledge their dedication and hard work. A big congratulations to these students and their families.