In this edition of our new video series 'In The Principal's Office', Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Executive Director Greg Whitby interviews Emmaus Catholic College Principal Robert Nastasi.
Through this initiative Greg hopes to capture insights from Principals with a focus on what they learned from COVID-19.
Robert reflects on the importance of communication and trust throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, how new ways of doing things have influenced learning and teaching in 2021 and the opportunities it presented for getting to know the community better.
Listen to this great conversation here and stay tuned for more Greg Whitby 'In The Principal’s Office'.
Read more about Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
03 Aug 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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11 Jun 2026
Emmaus Catholic College celebrates teacher excellence with NSW Training Awards
Emmaus Catholic College is proud to celebrate the efforts of teacher Danielle Nevin, who was a recent finalist in the NSW Training Awards, for outstanding contribution to Vocational Education and Training (VET).
10 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
You packed the bag. You took the photos. Now what? πΈ Here's what your child is actually learning in their first 100 days of Kindergarten (1 min read) π https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/4-6-26-fb
11 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
βοΈπ WINTER APPEAL IN ACTION! πβοΈ The St John Vianney's Primary Doonside community is getting behind the Vinnies NSW Winter Appeal, collecting donations to support people in need this winter. π Take a look at some of the wonderful items already donated by students and families! For more from the school community, be sure to follow their new Instagram page π @stjohnvianneysdoonside π @vinniesnsw @vinniesaus #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #vinnieswinterappeal
10 Jun 2026
Build it and they will pray
CathWest Innovation College transformed a workshop into sacred space for a special Mass celebrating Saint Joseph, the patron saint of workers, celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv.
09 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
π₯ STEPPING INTO THE WORLD OF HEALTHCARE! π Year 10 students Willow and Zahlia from Bede Polding College South Windsor recently took part in the Health Inspirations Program at Nepean Hospital, a two day immersive experience designed for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare π The students gained valuable insight into both clinical and non-clinical healthcare pathways, shadowing professionals across eight hospital areas including the Emergency Department, Birth Unit, Children's Ward, Cardiac Cath Lab, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy and Paramedicine. They also participated in hands-on workshops and learned practical skills such as basic life support and infection control, while hearing directly from healthcare professionals about their careers and experiences. It's fantastic to see students embracing opportunities to explore future pathways, with both Willow and Zahlia describing the program as 'the best experience ever!' π
10 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
β¨ STITCHING KINDNESS ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS π From crochet keychains to knitted squares and handmade gifts, our students are showing how creativity can make a real difference ππ At Catherine McAuley Westmead, Environment Week came to life through the βRepurpose Pop-Up Stallβ, where Earth Action Committee students showcased handcrafted items made from repurposed materials - including bags, earrings, bookmarks and pouches πΏ Funds raised are supporting the Parramatta Womenβs Shelter. Meanwhile, students at Our Lady of the Nativity Lawson and Our Lady of the Angels Rouse Hill are stitching together colourful squares that will be joined into blankets for those in need this winter, as part of the Vinnies NSW Winter Appeal βοΈ Across our schools, creativity is turning into care, with small acts of craft coming together to make a meaningful impact through faith in action! πβ¨ @catherinemcauleywestmead @olnlawson @vinniesnsw @parrawomensshelter @vinniesaus #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #faithinaction
08 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
πβ¨ NETBALL STARS ON THE RISE! β¨π A huge congratulations to four talented CSPD students who have been selected in the MacKillop Netball Team following their outstanding performances representing the Parramatta Diocesan Netball Team ππ π Milana β Holy Cross Primary Glenwood π Sahara β Holy Family Primary Emerton π Athena β Holy Trinity Primary School Granville π Joanna β St. Francis of Assisi Primary School Glendenning These students have earned the opportunity to represent MacKillop at the NSWPSSA Netball Championships this July! π« We wish them all the very best as they take the next step in their representative netball journey! ππ
09 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
π SPOT THE TEACHER β LEVEL: HARD! π€β¨ Can you spot the teachers from Sacred Heart Primary Westmead? Bet you wonβt get them all rightβ¦ ππ @sacredheartprimarywestmead #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #spottheteacher
07 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
π LIFTED: RISE & UNLEASHED β¨ Year 7 & 8 students attended LIFTED Rise, while Year 9 & 10 students participated in LIFTED Unleashed, facilitated by Cyp Parramatta in partnership with the CSPD Mission Team π These powerful experiences invited students to encounter Jesus through music, testimony, prayer and discussion, while reflecting on their personal gifts and call to mission and service ππ Coming together with peers from across the Diocese, students deepened their faith, engaged in meaningful conversations and reflected on how they can live out their faith in everyday life π A vibrant celebration of faith, connection and community across our schools β¨ πΈ Bede Polding College South Windsor, St Andrews College, Marayong (Official), Marian Catholic College Kenthurst, Catherine McAuley Westmead, Cerdon College Merrylands, CathWest Innovation College Mt Druitt, Nagle College, Blacktown South, Cyp Parramatta
08 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
πββοΈ CHASING DREAMS ACROSS THE GLOBE! β¨ What an incredible achievement for former St John XXIII Catholic College student Luke Vrataric, who has been selected to represent Australia at the Under 20 World Athletics Championships in the USA! π Adding to this exciting milestone, Luke has also secured a sports scholarship to attend Barton College in the USA, where he will continue pursuing his athletic and academic goals πβ¨ A testament to his hard work, dedication and talent, Luke's achievements are an inspiration to aspiring young athletes everywhere. We're incredibly proud to see one of our alumni achieving such an outstanding milestone. Wishing Luke every success as he represents Australia! π¦πΊ @stjohnxxiiicatholiccollege #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #cspdalumni
07 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
πββοΈποΈ BLUE MOUNTAINS TRAIL CHAMPIONS! π What an incredible result for St Columba's Catholic College Springwood students Odin and Lulu, who both took out their divisions in the UTA11 event at the Ultra-Trail Australia! ππ Taking on the challenging 11km course alongside runners from across Australia and around the world, the pair delivered standout performances through the iconic Blue Mountains trails. Year 11 student Lulu claimed first place in the womenβs division with an impressive time of 1:15:27, while Year 10 student Odin crossed the line first in the menβs division in a remarkable 58:10 β±οΈπ₯ The celebrations didn't stop there, with Year 11 student Alton securing second place overall in the UTA11, finishing just one minute behind Odin π A huge congratulations also to the many St Columbaβs and St Canice's Primary Katoomba students, staff and parents who took part in the event, showcasing the strong trail running spirit that thrives throughout the Blue Mountains community πββοΈβ°οΈ An outstanding achievement and a wonderful reflection of the dedication and passion these students bring to their sport π π Read more via the link in our bio. @ultratrailaustralia @columbasdoves @stcaniceskatoomba #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #ultratrail
05 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
π STRENGTHENING TIES! π€β¨ Wellbeing Wednesday at Parramatta Marist High School saw Year 7 students take part in a hands-on session learning how to tie a tie π Year 12 student leaders joined Year 7 Prefect Jake, visiting homerooms to demonstrate and guide students through the process. What started with a few creative knots quickly turned into success, with more than half the year group mastering the skill by the end of the session π Jake described the experience as βan engaging opportunity to connect with our buddies, fostering a strong sense of family spiritβ π What a wonderful initiative from these senior students, leading with care and encouragement while helping to build connection and community across year groups π€β¨
06 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
π LIFTED: RISE & UNLEASHED β¨ Year 7 & 8 students took part in LIFTED Rise, while Year 9 & 10 students attended LIFTED Unleashed, facilitated by Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) in partnership with the CSPD Mission Team π These powerful experiences invited students to encounter Jesus through music, testimony, prayer and reflection, while exploring their personal gifts and call to mission and service ππ Alongside peers from across the Diocese, students engaged in meaningful conversations, deepened their faith and reflected on how they can live out their beliefs in everyday life π A vibrant celebration of faith, connection and community across our schools β¨ πΈ Bede Polding College South Windsor, St Andrews College Marayong, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst, Catherine McAuley Westmead, Cerdon College Merrylands, CathWest Innovation College Mt Druitt, Nagle College Blacktown @catholicyouthparra @bedepoldingsouthwindsor @sacmarayong @mariancatholiccollege @catherinemcauleywestmead @cerdon.college @cathwestinnovation @nagleblacktown #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #lifted
04 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
π§ποΈ BUILDING FUTURES IN ACTION! π·ββοΈβ¨ Congratulations to the Year 9 and 10 students from Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill who took part in the Site Skills: Foundations of Construction Taster Day, hosted by The Management Edge in partnership with the NSW State Government (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) π Students spent the day immersed in hands-on learning, developing practical skills across a range of construction industry areas - from safe site practices to bricklaying, steel fixing, paving, precision cutting and even operating an excavator safely ποΈπ¨ Along the way, they also explored real career pathways in the construction industry and gained valuable insight into what it takes to work on a live site environment. A special congratulations to Aaron, who was named 'Apprentice of the Day' for his outstanding attitude, effort and engagement throughout the program! ππ
05 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
π A LITTLE GRATITUDE GOES A LONG WAY π What happens when you ask a school community what they're grateful for? πβ¨ Students and staff from St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes shared the people, moments and everyday blessings that bring them joy, reminding us to take a moment to appreciate the things we often take for granted. Their reflections are a simple but powerful reminder that gratitude can help us focus on what truly matters π So, what are you grateful for today? ππ @stpaulscollegegreystanes #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #gratitude