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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
18 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
✝️ ASH WEDNESDAY Our school communities joined in prayer to observe Ash Wednesday, opening the season of Lent, a time for reflection, fasting and generosity. Through liturgies and Masses, students and staff came together to receive ashes, a powerful symbol of faith, renewal and our shared call to grow closer to God. As we embark on these 40 days, may this Lenten season inspire us to grow in faith, lead with compassion and walk together in hope. 🤍 St Margaret Mary's Primary School Merrylands, St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields & Nirimba, St Michael's Blacktown South, St Mary MacKillop Primary, Penrith South, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood, Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables, Sacred Heart Primary School Mount Druitt, Nagle College, Blacktown South, Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, Cerdon College Merrylands, Chisholm Catholic Primary Bligh Park, Caroline Chisholm College, Mary Immaculate Primary School Quakers Hill and Parramatta Marist High School.
17 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🥞✨ SHROVE TUESDAY 🥞✨ Pancakes were flipped and syrup was drizzled to celebrate Shrove Tuesday in the sweetest way! 😋 Cerdon College Merrylands, CathWest Innovation College Mt Druitt, Chisholm Catholic Primary Bligh Park, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst, Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables, Caroline Chisholm College, Our Lady of the Way School, Emu Plains, St Canice's Primary Katoomba, St Monica's North Parramatta, St Matthew's Catholic Primary, Windsor, Holy Family Primary School, East Granville, Catherine McAuley Westmead, St Bernadette's Primary, Castle Hill, St Andrews Primary School Marayong, St Patrick's Marist College and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains marked the occasion with golden stacks of pancakes - a joyful way to come together and enjoy a sweet treat before the season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. It’s inspiring to see so many schools marking the day by fundraising for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, supporting communities in need and putting faith into action. As we prepare for the beginning of Lent, Shrove Tuesday reminds us that we are called to a season of renewal, generosity and a deeper walk in faith. 💛
16 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
Choosing a school can feel like a big decision. Our simple, practical guide helps you understand what to look for, so you can choose the right school for your child and your family with confidence. 💛📚 (1 min read) 👉 https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/2026-guide-fb
14 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
❤️ HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! ❤️ As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Valentine, we celebrate our Catholic school communities built on love - love of God, love of one another and a love of learning! At Xavier College Llandilo, students marked the occasion with a beautiful Valentine’s Day fundraiser, sharing smiles, roses and chocolates throughout the community. 🌹🍫 With all proceeds supporting Caritas Australia, this initiative is a powerful reminder that living out love through service can create meaningful change. ❤️✨
12 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
LAST FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! 🥺🎓 While Kindy and Year 7 students were starting their school journey, our Year 12s were celebrating a milestone of their own - their Last First Day of School! 🥳 Students from Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek and Cerdon College Merrylands marked the occasion, with some returning to their primary school roots through classic pigtails - a fun reminder of just how far they’ve come on their school journey. Good luck to the Class of 2026 as you begin your HSC journey, we’re cheering you on every step of the way! ⭐
11 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🎉 COME AND SEE INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS! Term 1 is off to a fantastic start, with classrooms buzzing and students and teachers diving into learning with energy and enthusiasm! 😄📝 Our vibrant school communities are excited to welcome families to their upcoming Open Days. Come and experience firsthand how our schools nurture every child to grow in confidence, faith and learning. 👉 Find and register for an Open Day near you: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-days-listing Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables, Bede Polding College South Windsor, St. Aidan's Primary School, Rooty Hill, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park, St Agnes CHS Rooty Hill, Xavier College Llandilo, Christ the King Primary School North Rocks, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst, Nagle College, Blacktown South, St Luke's Catholic College Marsden Park, Holy Family Primary School, East Granville, St Michael's Blacktown South
11 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
Catholic Schools Week is nearly here 🎉 Visit a school community and see firsthand how our schools empower every child to thrive and strive for greatness. We are enrolling for 2027 and everyone is welcome! With 80 exceptional primary and secondary schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, find and register for an Open Day near you: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-days-listing
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
