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CSPD Communications
communications@parra.catholic.edu.au
Ph: 02 9840 5600
Spokesperson/s
Jack De Groot
Executive Director
School principals and office staff as appropriate. We have experts in areas such as Wellbeing, Learning, Religious Education and Indigenous Education.
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Latest Catholic Education News See more
20 May 2026
Blue Mountains teenagers dominate UTA11 races on day one
Blue Mountains teenagers Lulu Green and Odin Brennan claimed the first titles of the 2026 Ultra-Trail Australia last Thursday as they battled their way to victory in the UTAII (llkm).
20 May 2026
Powerful safety message as part of annual initiative
On Friday last week students and teachers at Holy Family East Granville prepared for National Walk Safely to School Day. The special day promotes healthy, safe habits, and reduces vehicle dependency.
16 May 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🍃 COMMUNITY PRAYER WORKSHOP 🙏🏻 St Matthew's Catholic Primary, Windsor came together for a special Community Prayer Workshop, with families creating Rosary decades that will be used throughout their school community prayer gatherings during the month of May. The workshop provided a meaningful opportunity for creativity, reflection and connection, with students and families working side by side to contribute to a shared tradition within the school community. It's lovely to see the care and collaboration that went into each creation, highlighting the strong sense of community at St Matthew’s! 💙 Learn more about how St Matthew's connects faith, learning and life here 👉 https://www.stmatthewswindsor.catholic.edu.au/school-life/our-faith-journey
14 May 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🎉 CSPD NSW TRAINING AWARDS FINALISTS 🎉 Congratulations to the 5 students and 2 teachers from across our secondary schools who have been named finalists in the NSW Training Awards! 🌟 These finalists represent the very best of Vocational Education and Training (VET), demonstrating passion, dedication and excellence across a range of industries and career pathways. Through hands-on learning and real-world experience, they are already building bright futures ✨ We also celebrate our incredible teacher finalists, whose commitment to authentic, industry-focused learning continues to empower students to thrive! 👏 VET in Schools Student of the Year • Ruby Moller - Marian Catholic College Kenthurst (Hospitality) • Andre Cauchi - Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables (Business Services) • Georgia El-Khoury - Catherine McAuley Westmead (Business Services) 🔧 School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year • Kalan Markson - CathWest Innovation College Mt Druitt (Carpentry, TAFE NSW) • Ava Schofield - Xavier College Llandilo (Retail Services, McDonald’s) 🏆 VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year • Umanda Manendri Ferdinando - St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens (Financial Services) • Danielle Nevin - Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek (Business Services) Congratulations to all finalists and best of luck for the Awards Night on 28 May! ✨ Skills NSW
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
13 May 2026
From CSPD Facebook
CRAFTED WITH PURPOSE ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS 🧶✨ From handmade creations to heartfelt contributions, our students are showing how creativity can make a real difference! 💭 During Environment Week, the ‘Repurpose Pop-Up Stall’ brought the Catherine McAuley Westmead community together, with Earth Action Committee students showcasing handcrafted items - from crochet bags and earrings to bookmarks, pouches and keychains 💚 Each piece highlighting the importance of repurposing materials and reducing waste, with funds raised supporting the Parramatta Women's Shelter. At Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson NSW, students are also stitching together kindness through the OLN Knitting Club, creating squares that will be joined into blankets for those in need this winter ❄️ proudly supporting the Vinnies NSW Winter Appeal. Across our schools, creativity becomes care - with small acts of craft coming together to make a meaningful impact 💙✨ Learn more about how our students are making a difference through our outreach programs here 👉 https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/learning/extracurricular-activities/outreach
12 May 2026
From CSPD Facebook
💛 LEARNING ROOTED IN CULTURE 🌱 Kindergarten students at Holy Spirit St Clair enjoyed a special visit from Jarara, taking part in engaging learning experiences centred on storytelling, creativity and cultural connection. 🎨✨ Working closely with Jarara, the Kindergarten team brought the Early Stage 1 syllabus to life through meaningful activities that deepened students’ understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through traditional art and hands-on learning experiences. Learn more about the important work of Jarara here 👉 https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/learning/specialised-learning/jarara
11 May 2026
From CSPD Facebook
Proud to see TEN of our schools recognised by The Sydney Morning Herald among the top 130 schools achieving the biggest gains in literacy and numeracy across NSW! 👏 These improvements reflect our system-wide focus on excellence in learning outcomes for every student. Executive General Manager - Learning Outcomes Pat Ellis said, “We’re so proud of these schools and their excellent NAPLAN results that show significant growth in student outcomes." Congratulations to: Nagle College Blacktown, St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas, Cerdon College Merrylands, Xavier College Llandilo, St Andrew’s College Marayong, Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown, St Clare’s Catholic High Hassall Grove, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek, St Agnes Catholic High Rooty Hill, Catherine McAuley Westmead. Read the full story in the Sydney Morning Herald 👉https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-top-160-high-schools-for-maths-and-literacy-growth-20260504-p5ztn2.html Nagle College, Blacktown South, St Patrick's Marist College, Cerdon College, Xavier College, St Andrews College, Marayong (Official), Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown, St Clare's Catholic High School, Emmaus Catholic College, St Agnes CHS Rooty Hill, Catherine McAuley Westmead
