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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17 Jun 2026
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.
10 Jun 2026
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!
09 Jun 2026
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.
09 Jun 2026
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:
08 Jun 2026
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
06 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Our very own Year 11 student, Kalisi Aualiitia, was selected to represent Australia at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin last month. This followed his impressive 2nd place result in the Hammer Throw at the National Championships in QLD during the school holidays. Kalisi competed in the U/18 Age group (one year above his own) and threw 62.96m with the 5kg hammer to win a silver medal. To represent your Country at a young age is a phenomenal achievement, and to win a silver medal in an age group above you is a testament to not only his skill but also his resilience and mental fortitude. Congratulations Kalisi, we're very proud of your achievement!
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.”