Catherine McAuley Westmead student Shanaya Donovan featured in the ABC NSW back to school news coverage on Friday 29 January. Shanaya, a Dharug traditional owner and activist, shared her hopes for the future and reflected on the experience of COVID-19 as a student.
The bulletin included moving footage of Shanaya's Welcome to Country at Catherine McAuley's inspirational opening assembly for the 2021 school year. This occasion also was the first whole school assembly at Catherine McAuley since COVID-19 restrictions were recently eased.
Behind the scenes during the ABC filming
Learn more about Catherine McAuley Westmead
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02 Mar 2026
Catholic School Open Days
We are enrolling now! Attend your local Catholic school's Open Day to find out more.
Instagram | CSPD
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04 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
OPEN DAYS ARE HERE!β¨ Our schools are loving welcoming new families around their grounds during Catholic Schools Week! From classrooms to playgrounds, thereβs so much to see and experience. Havenβt visited yet? Thereβs still time to explore how your local Catholic school empowers every child to strive for greatness! π π Find an Open Day near you: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-days-listing πΈ Xavier College Lllandilo, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School Kellyville, St John XXIII Catholic College Schofields, St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley, Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown, St Canice's Primary Katoomba
03 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
HIGH ENERGY AT ENCOUNTER! β‘πΆ Our Year 6 students had an amazing time at Encounter, a special formation day where they deepened their faith alongside students from other CSPD schools - and just by these photos, you can see the joy, energy and sense of community that filled the room! π₯Ή Throughout the day, students engaged in meaningful conversations, reflected on their faith journeys, sang together in worship and shared a beautiful time of Adoration. A standout moment for many (students and teachers alike!) was meeting the inspiring Gen Bryant, whose music encouraged everyone to connect with their faith in a joyful, authentic way. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, itβs wonderful to see the enthusiasm and openness of our school communities as they embrace experiences that bring prayer and community to life. ππ«
04 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
A Memorable Visit from Bishop Vincent πβ¨ The community of St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields was privileged to welcome Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta. Bishop Vincent spent time chatting with students and staff, hearing firsthand how they bring the Gospel to life each day through learning, leadership and service. He was especially impressed by the students involved in the Diocesan Catechist Programme, who generously share their faith with younger students in local state primary schools, and by the amazing work of the Faith in Action team in championing social justice initiatives. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, moments like these show what makes our school communities so special - faith in action, compassion at the heart and students making a real difference every day. π @stjohnpaul2cc #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #catholicschoolsweek
03 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
π Itβs Catholic Schools Week! π From 2β8 March, weβre proudly celebrating our 80 exceptional primary and secondary schools - and weβd love for you to be part of it! Join us during Catholic Schools Week and discover how our schools empower every child to strive for greatness. π« Visit your local Catholic school β¨ Experience our vibrant learning communities firsthand π See how we support every student to grow and succeed Donβt miss out - register now via the link in our bio! @maryimmacqhill #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #westernsydney #parracatholic #catholicschoolsweek
01 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
β¨ STUDENTS UNITE AGAINST POVERTY! β¨ Our school communities came together for the launch of Project Compassion 2026, in a powerful commitment to Unite Against Poverty this Lenten season. ποΈπ€ Students were inspired by stories of hope, resilience and real-world impact - hearing how compassion and action can help create meaningful change for vulnerable communities here and around the world. ππ From brainstorming creative fundraising ideas to walking together in solidarity, our students are stepping up to make a real difference. Read more about the Project Compassion Launch here: https://catholicoutlook.org/students-unite-against-poverty-for-project-compassion-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQMXEVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeOaJGi8DVP5w67SF-HAhlfk0b3NzFs7NBd_RkyGiPYx8wJiaeyuNcv22Sk44_aem_DFZiHvCqdSuZUKO6QwTOzA
02 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
FROM CHRIST THE KING TO CAPTAINING! πππ There was plenty of excitement at Christ The King Primary North Rocks as the school community welcomed back alumnus Mitchell Moses, Captain of the Parramatta Eels! Mitch returned to his old primary school to share stories from his journey - from playground sports at CTK to leading to the Parra Eels on the NRL stage! π A special thank you to Mitchell Moses and Jordan Samrani from the Parramatta Eels for inspiring our students - a powerful reminder that big dreams can begin right here π«π @theparraeels #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #parramattaeels
28 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
TEACHERS IN THE MAKING! ππ We were thrilled to welcome the 2026 Teacher Scholarship Program cohort to their official Orientation Day! Thirty Year 12 graduates from across our schools have been selected to take part in this exciting initiative, designed to support and nurture future educators as they begin their professional journey. β¨ As part of the scholarship, participants will receive: β’ $5,000 per year for four years β’ a new laptop β’ paid work opportunities in CSPD schools β’ mentoring and professional development β’ priority pathways into teaching roles Weβre proud to invest in the next generation of teachers and canβt wait to see these talented young people grow, learn and lead within our school communities. π
01 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
β¨ UNITED IN COMPASSION β¨ Our school communities proudly gathered to mark the launch of Project Compassion 2026, standing together in a shared commitment to Unite Against Poverty this Lent. ποΈπ€ Through powerful stories of hope and resilience, students discovered how small acts of compassion can lead to meaningful change for vulnerable communities both locally and globally. ππ Inspired and energised, theyβre already taking action - planning fundraisers, showing solidarity and putting faith into action. Learn more about the Project Compassion launch via the link in our bio! #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #projectcompassion
28 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
Find an Open Day near you π https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-days-listing
28 Feb 2026
From CSPD Instagram
β»οΈ LETβS CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA! Today weβre celebrating Schools Clean Up Australia Day! The amazing students from Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables are already leading the way - cleaning up their school grounds and spreading the message that itβs cool to care for our planet. π Check out their school-produced hit βPut Your Stinkinβ Rubbish in the Bin!β πΆ - created by their 2025 Student Leaders and now played as the bell at the end of recess and lunch, reminding everyone to tidy up before heading back to class. Now thatβs a legacy that inspires real change! πβ¨ Gloves on, rubbish bags ready! Donβt forget the main Clean Up Australia Day event is this Sunday, 1 March. Grab your family and friends, take a stroll around your neighbourhood and pick up 5 pieces of rubbish to help #cleanupaustralia β€οΈ Want to hear the full song? Click the link in our bio! π @santasophiacc @cleanupaustralia #cspd2025 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
26 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
π PARRAMATTA EELS TAKEOVER! ππ Our school communities had an action-packed day with a visit from some of the Parramatta Eels players! The students from Christ the King Primary School North Rocks, St Monica's North Parramatta, St Patrick's Guildford and OLQP Primary Greystanes loved every minute - meeting their footy heroes, joining in fast-paced drills, learning about physical and mental wellbeing and even grabbing some signed merch! ππ₯ A big thank you to the Eels for inspiring and motivating our students! Can you spot your favourite Parra Eels player? πππ
26 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
27 Feb 2026
From CSPD Instagram
MEET THE NEXT GEN OF TEACHERS! ππ We were thrilled to welcome the 2026 Teacher Scholarship Program cohort to their official Orientation Day! Thirty Year 12 graduates from across our schools have been selected to take part in this exciting initiative, designed to support and nurture future educators as they begin their professional journey. β¨ As part of the scholarship, participants will receive: β’ $5,000 per year for four years β’ a new laptop β’ paid work opportunities in CSPD schools β’ mentoring and professional development β’ priority pathways into teaching roles Weβre proud to invest in the next generation of teachers and canβt wait to see these talented young people grow, learn and lead within our school communities!π #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #teacherscholarship
25 Feb 2026
From CSPD Facebook
Catholic Schools Week is nearly here π 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 π https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-days-listing
26 Feb 2026
From CSPD Instagram
Catholic Schools Week is nearly here π 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 at the link in our bio. #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #catholicschoolsweek