Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot feels that consistent restrictions with clear parameters are necessary to support both students and staff.
“Though the majority of our schools already have a phones-off-and-away approach, it’s important to make clear that this is the right approach for all our students,” Jack said. “Of course, there is a place for mobile phones in our lives, but that’s not at school.”
Parent representative George Giovas agrees that school is not the place for mobile phones.
”It is important to have a consistent, proactive and collaborative approach to the issue of mobile phones,” George said.
The safety and wellbeing of all our children and teachers during school is paramount. This is something that needs to be understood, respected and adhered to.
With the social media ban for children and young people under 16 coming into effect in December, the move to restrict phone use feels particularly timely. It also provides an opportunity to encourage students to prioritise real-world interactions and build social skills accordingly. School staff will receive support in implementing this policy throughout the school day, including guidance on appropriate consequences for breaches.
Of course, a small number of carefully considered exceptions to these rules will be allowed. For example, some students with diabetes use mobile phone apps to monitor their blood sugar levels and require access to a phone for safety reasons. Digital literacy will continue to be valued, but the ban certainly supports boundary-setting and perspective.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
12 Mar 2026
From Facebook
As we head into the grand final of the 2026 CSDA Public Speaking tomorrow. We want to congratulate the three students who progressed through the first round to this preliminary final round last week. The competition was held at All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. All three performed brilliantly, and we are thrilled to announce that one student, Jay Pandya of Year 9, has now progressed to the grand finals, to be held at St Patrick's Strathfield tomorrow, Friday the 13th of March. Congratulations and good luck to Jay on this outstanding achievement, and a huge thanks to the staff who have supported all our public speakers this year.
Latest News More news
12 Mar 2026
From Facebook
As we head into the grand final of the 2026 CSDA Public Speaking tomorrow. We want to congratulate the three students who progressed through the first round to this preliminary final round last week. The competition was held at All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool. All three performed brilliantly, and we are thrilled to announce that one student, Jay Pandya of Year 9, has now progressed to the grand finals, to be held at St Patrick's Strathfield tomorrow, Friday the 13th of March. Congratulations and good luck to Jay on this outstanding achievement, and a huge thanks to the staff who have supported all our public speakers this year.
09 Mar 2026
From Facebook
04 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week we had our Open Night where we welcomed prospective 2027 students and parents and provided tours of our College. We successfully showcased our excellent facilities and, more importantly, the enthusiasm and pride of our wonderful students and staff. Both tour sessions attracted strong turnouts of excited and curious students and parents. It was a joy to host our visitors, and we look forward to welcoming many of them as future Patties Boys and parents!
03 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, the first round of the 2026 CSDA Public Speaking competition was held at St Andrew’s Marayong. We had 12 boys representing the College, from Year 7 through to Year 12. Our students spoke about their chosen topics with enthusiasm and passion and they all represented the College with distinction. Congratulations to the three boys who successfully progressed through to Round 2: Jake Laidlaw - Year 7 Jay Pandya- Year 9 Jordan Laidlaw - Year 11
27 Feb 2026
From Facebook
This week our Year 10 and 11 students attended a presentation given by Service NSW about how to obtain your drivers licence. This is the first year that Service NSW has offered such presentations and Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown was privileged to be the first school in our region to attend. In the career pathways space, obtaining your drivers licence is a valuable process. Some post school pathways may require young people to have their licence. Additionally, being able to drive can open up opportunities for tertiary education as well as employment options, without reliance on public transport. The presentation outlined some significant changes to the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), the different identification documents required and the importance of bringing the right identification on the day.
26 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Remember, our Open Evening is next Tuesday, the 3rd of March! Come for a tour and enjoy a Sausage Sizzle afterwards. Make sure to register using the QR code, see you there!
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Join us on the 3rd of March for a tour of the school! With everyone who registers, a sausage sizzle will be provided.
24 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Last week, a group of our Year 12 Pasifika students attended a conference on Future Student Engagement Programs at Western Sydney University. The Pasifika Achievement to Higher Education (PATHE) team hosted the event, providing students with important information and advice about their futures. They participated in a number of exciting workshops that explored educational and career pathways and helped prepare them for life beyond school.
20 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Patties old boy, Tevita Alatini, on his Super Rugby debut. Playing for the ACT Brumbies this past weekend. Tevita was part of our graduating class and the NRL Schoolboy Cup Team in 2021.
20 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Last week, our Year 12 students attended venues at Springwood, Mulgoa and Grose Vale for their Senior Retreats, which were all led by our talented and generous College staff. The activities involved in the Retreats encouraged students to reflect on their lives, their relationships with family and friends, where God might be leading them as they embark upon their final year of school, and how they might use their God-given talents to live their lives to the fullest. We commend our students for committing fully to the Retreat, and extend our gratitude to the staff who facilitated the program, and to families for all of the preparation and prayers that happen behind the scenes.
18 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today we mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. As we receive the ashes, we are reminded of our humanity and called to turn our hearts toward Christ, who leads us through this season of repentance and renewal. Throughout Lent, our community will embrace opportunities for compassion, generosity, and selflessness as we reflect on the example of Jesus' journey towards the events of Holy Week. May this Lenten journey draw us closer to Him and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.