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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05 Jun 2026
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.
04 Jun 2026
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.
Latest News More news
05 Jun 2026
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.
04 Jun 2026
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.
04 Jun 2026
From Facebook
This week, as part of our Student Wellbeing program, we welcomed renowned motivational speaker and author Daniel Merza to work with our junior students. His presentation for Year 7 was titled “Beat Bullying” and the Year 8 session was “Thriving Resilience.”
03 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, the College Hall was transformed into a sea of colour and conversation for the annual Patties Careers Market! The College hosted over 30 stalls with a wide variety of industry providers, tertiary institutions and apprenticeship and traineeship training organisations in attendance. It was fantastic to see our boys from Years 10, 11 and 12 engage with the stallholders and have meaningful discussions about their post-school pathways options.
02 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday, Patrician Brothers' Blacktown competed in the Western Sydney Wanderers Schools Cup. Congratulations to the Junior A's team and their coach, Mr Alex Walczak, for progressing to the next round. A big thank you to all of the students who proudly represented our College, along with the Coaching staff Mr David Nammour and Mr Vincenzo Stramandinoli.
01 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Make sure to sign up to our rugby league day for students in Years 4-6! Welcome to all boys who are interested in meeting and talking to some of our Schoolboy Cup boys and coaching staff!
29 May 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to former Patties student, Niwhai Puru, on being called up for his NRL debut for the Cronulla Sharks tonight! Niwhai was a key member of our star-studded 2019 NRL Schoolboy Cup team and he was also the proud recipient of our 2019 Jarara Award. This honour is presented to an Indigenous student whose resilience and capacity for growth enable them to consistently build on their strengths - qualities that Niwhai has truly embodied in all aspects of his life. We are incredibly proud to see Niwhai reach this milestone. It will be a special moment as he takes the field alongside his brother, Hohepa Puru. We wish you all the very best for tonight, Niwhai!
28 May 2026
From Facebook
In Round 3 of the Bill Turner Cup, Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown faced off against St Dominic’s College. In a hard-fought match, where the boys truly left their hearts on the field, the team unfortunately fell 2-0, bringing their 2026 tournament campaign to an end. We extend a massive thank you to the entire team and their coach, Mr. James Bunoza, for their incredible dedication and spirit throughout the competition. You’ve done us proud!
22 May 2026
From Facebook
Over the last 4 weeks students have competed in our 2026 PBB Chess Tournament, going head to head each day in the Resource Centre, hoping to progress to the finals. Our final match was held on Tuesday 19th May with a large crowd of spectators in attendance to watch Alex Thuaux and Osborn Chen play for the top spot in a nail biting match that went down to the wire. Congratulations to Alex, who was crowned our 2026 champion and thank you to all students who participated. It was great to see Patties’ sportsmanship shining brightly through every game.
21 May 2026
From Facebook
On Wednesday, 20th May, Patrician Brothers' competed against Gilroy Catholic College from Castle Hill in Round 5 of the CSDA Debating Competition. We had a very successful night with 4 wins - namely Years 7, 9, 10, and 12. Year 12 and Year 7 teams are to be particularly commended on their great season so far, with 5 wins for Year 12 and 4 for Year 7. All of the teams have been exemplary in the way they have represented the College in this competition.