The Diocese of Parramatta is located in one of the fastest growing areas of New South Wales. The diocese is west of Sydney and reaches from Dundas Valley, west to Katoomba, south to Luddenham, and north to Richmond.

There are 76 Catholic systemic schools in the diocese (54 primary and 22 secondary) with a total student population of around 41,600 students. There are also six congregational Catholic schools which, while being independent, remain important members of the wider community of schools serving the Church.

The ongoing population shift to the west of Sydney continues to increase the demand for Catholic education in this diocese, with an average of one new school opening each year.

The final responsibility for Catholic schools in the Parramatta Diocese rests with the Bishop of the diocese, who delegates responsibilities to the Executive Director of Schools.

Catholic schools provide a comprehensive education so all students experience an equally high standard of instruction in all subject areas. For this reason there are no selective Catholic schools in the Parramatta Diocese.

Where a child shows particular aptitude or talent, the school will seek to develop that talent through enrichment programs, gifted and talented programs, or acceleration where appropriate.

Our schools have well-equipped library/resource centres and utilise the latest technology to engage students in their learning. This includes access to computers, the internet, multimedia equipment and other tools for learning. Many of our schools use data projectors, interactive white boards and other teaching aids.

The Teacher Learning Resource Centre at Mt Druitt, incorporating information technology, professional development and library services, is a focal point for enhancing teaching and learning throughout the diocese.

Contact your local Catholic school for more information regarding their specific facilities and resources.

Most schools in the Parramatta Diocese are easily reached by public transport.

Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 are automatically eligible for free public transport to and from school. Students in other years may be eligible depending on the distance from home to school. Details of public transport arrangements will be provided by the school at the time of enrolment.

Personal accident insurance is provided at no cost for all students enrolled in systemic Catholic schools in the Parramatta Diocese. The insurance policy, known as School Care, covers students while at school and includes travel between school and home, and any activities sponsored by the school (such as school organised excursions, sport and secondary work experience).

The cover is broad and includes up to $5000 towards medical and hospital costs not covered by Medicare, up to $1000 for emergency transport, up to $1000 for home tuition, and varying amounts for compensation of a range of serious injuries.

A copy of the insurance brochure is available from schools.

Catholic schools have a fine reputation for pastoral care and the positive discipline of students. Our schools believe that discipline works best when there is a partnership between parents, teachers and students.

Each school has a pastoral care policy which focuses on self-discipline. The policy sets out codes of behaviour, rights and responsibilities of students, and the consequences of inappropriate behaviour.

In addition, our schools have programs, like restorative practice, that encourage students to resolve conflict and problem solve in positive ways.

Further Informaion

• See our 'Student Management' category of the Policies and Procedures page
• Contact your local Catholic school for more information.

On four (4) days each year schools have pupil-free days so staff can undertake essential whole-school planning and professional development. On these days students are asked not to attend school. The first day of school each year is nominated as a pupil-free day and three (3) other days throughout the year. Check with your school to find out when these days have been scheduled.

Each school has an official school uniform that is agreed on by the school principal and parents.

Students are expected to wear the school uniform. Where this creates economic difficulty for parents, the parish will often assist by providing a uniform. Many schools also have 'uniform pools' where second-hand uniforms are provided at a reduced cost.

Contact your local Catholic school for more information.

Catholic schools are extremely popular. In fact, they enrol about 20 per cent of Australian school students.

Many parents say they have made their educational choice for reasons such as:

1. Catholic schools are faith-based places that are grounded in Christian values
   The Catholic faith is not just taught in Religious Education classes but is experienced within the total culture of the school. Christian values are up front and explicit.
   
   Catholic schools are intrinsically connected to the parish in which they reside and are an integral part of the mission and life of the Church.
   
2. Catholic schools strive to achieve very high standards of education
   Expectations of achievement and conduct are high. While there is a focus on the individual child, a broad curriculum caters for a wide range of interests and abilities.
   
3. They are safe yet challenging places
   Relationships are warm and friendly. Parents, students, teachers and pastors see themselves as working in partnership. The children belong to a community that really cares about each one of them.

School term dates and holidays are generally the same as government schools.

Click here for a list of school term dates.

Catholic schools teach the same curriculum as government schools. Expectations of achievement and conduct are high. With a strong focus on the individual, a broad curriculum caters for a wide range of interests and abilities.

The curriculum covers:

• Religious Education
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology and Applied Studies (TAS)
• English
• Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
• Creative and Practical Arts
• Personal Development
• Health and Physical Education
• Languages other than English

Secondary schools also offer a range of vocational education courses, some of which have industry accreditation. These are delivered by specially trained teachers. Students also have access through their schools to TAFE delivered vocational programs, and in some cases, university courses.

For further information see the Teaching & Learning section of our website.

Our teachers are highly qualified and trained. Most teachers in our schools are four-year trained and many have post-graduate qualifications. The Catholic Education Office considers the professional development of teachers to be very important and offers them more than 200 courses each year.

Religion has a very important role in the life of a Catholic school and all primary and secondary students study Religious Education. The schools share in the mission of the Church which is based on a rich heritage of faith and tradition.

Teachers are specially trained and accredited to teach the diocesan Religious Education program, Sharing Our Story. This comprehensive program was developed in the Parramatta Diocese and is approved by the Bishop. Senior secondary students (Years 11-12) can undertake either Sharing Our Story or Studies of Religion as a HSC subject.

All students in Catholic schools also take part in activities such as regular prayer, liturgy and retreat programs to develop their faith.

Each school develops a homework policy in consultation with parents. Generally homework begins about halfway through Kindergarten when the children are given very simple and enjoyable activities that usually involve reading.

The amount of homework given, and level of difficulty, naturally increases with each year of schooling. In Years 11 and 12 students will have a more demanding homework schedule to assist them to achieve their personal best in the Higher School Certificate. Homework is most effective when parents take an active interest.

• Aboriginal education
  Aboriginal education is incorporated into the curriculum from Kindergarten through to Year 12. Many schools also have special Aboriginal study units such as Aboriginal Languages and Aboriginal Cultural Experiences.
  
• Literacy and numeracy
  The schools in the Parramatta Diocese place particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Extra teachers, special reading programs and professional development courses for teachers ensure that the literacy and numeracy needs of the children receive constant attention.
  
• Help with English
  English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are available for those children whose parents' first language is not English.
  
• Gifted and Talented
  Many schools have Gifted and Talented programs which provide students with the opportunity to extend themselves.
  
• Children with special needs
  All schools in the Parramatta Diocese strive to provide for students with special needs. If your child needs special consideration discuss this with the principal at the time of application for enrolment.

Each school has a designated Special Education teacher who is able to assist children with disabilities, whether visual, hearing, intellectual, physical, communication, learning or behavioural.

Children whose fifth birthday occurs on or before 31 July are eligible for enrolment for Kindergarten that year.

Enrolment preference is given, in order, to:

• children of Catholic families who live in the local parish
• children of Catholic families from other parishes
• non-Catholics

Catholic schools have a strong religious dimension and people of other faiths who wish to enrol in Catholic schools should be willing to participate in the religious activities of the school.

Non-Catholic students are accepted into Catholic schools in accordance with each school's enrolment vacancies. Check with the principal of the school you are interested in.

Siblings of children already enrolled in the school are considered by the same criteria above. However, within each of these categories, a sibling of a child already enrolled will have preference over an applicant who does not have a sibling enrolled in the school.

Special consideration may be given to children of non-Catholic families for:

• compassionate reasons
• family situations requiring a special pastoral approach
• parents' intentions regarding their own and their children's faith development
• family circumstances involving family relocation
• enrolment of siblings

Yes, but please note the current enrolment policy, see: Who can attend a Catholic school? 

Contact the school you are interested in to ask for an enrolment package. Each school has its own enrolment procedure, which generally includes an interview at the school.

Most schools require the following when enrolling your child:

• birth certificate (or naturalisation certificate)
• record of baptism
• passport (if not an Australian citizen)
• school reports (where relevant)
• medical record (especially if there has been any special medical condition such as epilepsy or physical or intellectual disabilities)
• any reference you may wish to provide (for older students)

The school will let you know what documentation is needed.

For further information see Enrolments  

Schools administered by the Catholic Education Office, Parramatta, accept overseas students under the registration of the Catholic Education Commission, NSW (provider 03169C).

Parents wishing to enrol an overseas student should contact the principal of the particular school they are interested in.

Overseas students need to meet the following criteria:

• full-fee paying overseas students are enrolled only if vacancies exist
  
  
• overseas students are subject to the same enrolment preferences as Australian students see: Who can attend a Catholic school? 
  
  
• overseas students accepted into schools in the Parramatta Diocese are expected to pay a full fee – for details contact us here.
  
  
• enrolment will only proceed if the student’s language and academic needs can be met by the school and if the school is satisfied that appropriate care and supervision for the student will be available during his or her stay in Australia
  
  
• the principal will consider applications from overseas students who have compassionate reasons for wanting to enrol

Please note that school principals decide whether or not to accept enrolments from overseas students in their school.

Children who have completed their primary school education within the Parramatta Diocese are given priority of enrolment for the designated Catholic secondary school in their area or in another secondary school in the diocese.

A growing number of our schools provide before and after school care or are close to council or private before and after school care centres. Contact the school you are interested in to find out if before and after school care is available at the school or close by.

While schools accept enrolment applications at any time during the year, the main enrolment period is from February to May for the following school year.

Contact the Catholic school you are interested in for more information about their enrolment period and to enquire about availability.

For further information see Enrolments 

Where possible, provision is made to enrol children with disabilities or special needs - whether visual, hearing, intellectual, physical, communication, learning or behavioural.

Parents of students with disabilities are encouraged to begin the enrolment process at least a year in advance of the normal enrolment period to allow for assessment of the support and adjustments required for your child.

Initial contact should be made with the principal of your local Catholic school. You may be asked to provide copies of assessments or reports concerning your child’s needs. It may be suggested that further assessments be undertaken by the special education teacher at the school or by staff from the Catholic education office.

The enrolment process involves consultation and clarification of student needs. Available support and resources are investigated with parents, school personnel and special education division members.

Parents unable to pay school fees because of financial hardship are invited to confidentially approach their principal who will respond to their situation with care and sensitivity.

No student will be refused enrolment because of a family’s genuine inability to pay fees.

Annual tuition fees in Catholic systemic schools range from $996 in primary schools to $2,256 in senior secondary. There are very significant discounts for the second and third children enrolled from the one family. There are no fees for the fourth and subsequent school children.

In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Diocesan School Building Levy of $615 per family per year. A service fee is also set by each school. Contact the school to find out what service fees are payable.

For more detailed information see our section on Fees.

There is some confusion in the community about the issue of funding of both government and non-government schools.

To clarify this issue you need to take into account both Federal and State funding, as well as contributions from parents, to get the full story about how governments fund schools.

• In the 2002-2003 financial year, the Federal government allocated 67% of its education budget to non-government schools (including Catholic schools). The remaining 33% was allocated to government schools.⁺
  This meant that Catholic schools received more Federal funds than government schools.
• In the same period, the NSW State government allocated 7.3% of its education budget to non-government schools. The remaining 92.7% was allocated to government schools. ⁺
  This meant that government schools received more State funds than Catholic schools.
• When Federal and State funding are combined, the average student in a government school receives considerably more funding than a student in a Catholic school.
• In the 2003-2004 financial year, NSW government schools received $8,227 per student from Federal and State sources. By contrast, NSW Catholic systemic schools received $5,933 per student from Federal and State sources (2004 calendar year). (Schools owned and operated by the Religious Orders are funded using a different formula.)
• In other words, each NSW Catholic systemic school student received, on average, $2,294 less in government funding than a student in a government school. This gap is partly offset by fees, building levies and other charges paid by parents, as well as by support from parishes.

Please click on the Sibling Discount Applicable Schools attachment to see if your school is listed:

Searchable spreadsheet version
PDF version

If your school is listed with the comment Discount Automatically Applied in the Advice Required column, you do not need to do anything further.
 
If any of your children attend a school listed with the comment Sibling Advice Notice Required in the Advice Required column please take the following action:

1. Open and print out the Sibling Registration for Diocesan Tuition Fees form;
   
   
2. Complete the form in full, listing all children attending Catholic Schools in 2012; and
   
   
3. Post the completed form to the address at the bottom of the form.

If your school is not shown in the attachment list we are unfortunately unable to grant a sibling discount in relation to your child's attendance at that school.