CSPD Launches Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2025–2027
On Wednesday 23 July, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) proudly launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the Innovate RAP 2025–2027 at The Colebee Centre, Doonside. The event brought together community leaders including Edmond Atalla MP; Sharon Cooke, State Manager of Aboriginal Education at Catholic Schools NSW; Aunty Carol Cooper as well as school principals and staff representatives from CSPD.
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a strategic commitment made to support reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It offers a framework for building respectful partnerships, embedding cultural knowledge, and generating opportunities that promote a culturally safe and welcoming environment. For Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, this commitment to reconciliation also supports the Australian Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement 2023-2024 Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Bishop Vincent’s call to strengthen our relationship with First Nations Australians.
Building on the foundations of the Reflect RAP launched in 2021, the Innovate RAP 2025–2027 reflects CSPD’s formal commitment to listening, learning, and embedding First Nations histories and cultures into daily practices, policies, and decision-making. Closely aligned with their new system strategy to represent the diverse communities served in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, this next stage in the Reconciliation Action Plan focuses on:
- Deepening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Embedding cultural learning into all aspects of work
- Creating equitable opportunities through employment and procurement
- Strengthening respect through meaningful, two-way engagement
Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot thanked RAP Project Manager Amanda Fotheringham, RAP Officer Yvette King, the Jarara team, the RAP Advisory Committee and Working Group for leading the process with Reconciliation Australia.
“This is a practical, deliberate step forward in our reconciliation journey,” Mr De Groot said. “It is Christ’s love that calls us to recognise the dignity of every person. As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in solidarity and work for justice alongside our First Nations colleagues, students, families, and communities.”
The Innovate RAP artwork was created by artist Amy Allerton, a Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman, in collaboration with 90 First Nations students and staff from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
Learn more about CSPD’s Innovate RAP and see video highlights
View Photo Gallery View full photo gallery
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
02 Mar 2026
Catholic School Open Days
We are enrolling now! Attend your local Catholic school's Open Day to find out more.
24 Mar 2026
Raising Resilient Kids in a Fast-Paced World
Parenting in today’s fast-paced world isn’t always easy. Join author and parent educator Gen Muir for practical tips on helping children build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Instagram | CSPD
More News
19 Mar 2026
St Patrick’s Primary celebrates 100 years of learning in Parramatta
More than 600 people gathered for a special community Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St Patrick’s Primary Parramatta.
18 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
☘️ HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY! ☘️ Our schools came alive in green as students and staff celebrated St Patrick’s Day with shamrocks, smiles and plenty of festive spirit! We honour St Patrick and the lasting impact he had on Irish culture and identity through his work in building churches, monasteries and schools. 🇮🇪 From themed treats and morning teas to dress-ups and Irish dancing, it’s fantastic to see our school communities embracing the joy and tradition of the day! 💚 📸 Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Primary Rouse Hill, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst, St Angela's Primary Castle Hill, Chisholm Catholic Primary Bligh Park, Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, Our Lady of the Way Primary Emu Plains @mariancatholiccollege @st.angelas_castlehill @chisholmcp @holycrossprimaryglenwood @ourladyofthewayemuplains #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #stpatricksday
16 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
WHEN SCHOOLS CONNECT! 🏫🤝 Our primary students recently had the chance to experience a glimpse of high school life, visiting nearby secondary schools and discovering the many opportunities ahead!✨ Students from Mother Teresa Primary Westmead and St Margaret Mary's Primary School Merrylands spent a day at Delany College, Granville, stepping into the shoes of high school students as they joined classes in Science, Textiles, Art and English! Year 3 students from Chisholm Catholic Primary Bligh Park visited Bede Polding College South Windsor to explore the agricultural plot. With help from Bede Polding students, they learnt about growing crops, picked fresh produce and enjoyed meeting the sheep and adorable ducklings!🥬🐥 Students from St Canice's Primary Katoomba also attended St Columba's Catholic College, Springwood for their International Women’s Day Breakfast, where meaningful conversations inspired the girls to reflect on a future where women and girls are safe, heard and empowered. It’s wonderful to see our schools coming together and students learning from one another across our communities! 🤩
17 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
✨CONNECTING THROUGH CULTURE St Paul the Apostle Primary Winston Hills recently welcomed Uncle Ted from the Jarara Cultural Centre for a special yarning session! Students, families and staff explored the origins of Indigenous ancestral Country, family and clan totems, traditional hunting tools, musical instruments, and the importance of caring for land and waterways. It was a wonderful opportunity for Indigenous members of the school community to come together, connect and share their stories and culture. 🖤💛❤️ @stpaultheapostles #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
15 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🧡 WORLD'S GREATEST SHAVE ✂️ The Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek community recently came together in support of this year’s World's Greatest Shave. Year 12 student Angelina D, alongside staff members Mr Pincevic, Ms Battah, Mr Edwards and Mrs Cooke, bravely took part to raise awareness and vital funds for blood cancer. 👏 With the support of the school community, they raised an incredible $4,474! These funds help provide families with accommodation, financial and transport assistance, access to treatment, and support important research projects. 🙌 A powerful reminder of how our school communities live out the spirit of service, always stepping up to support and care for others. 💙
16 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
DON’T WORRY MUM & DAD! With more than half the term already behind us, the Kindies from St Monica’s Primary Richmond wanted to let you know that they’re doing just fine - in fact, they’re having a ball at school! 🤩 @stmonicasrichmond #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
15 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
💬 Parenting today can feel overwhelming - but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Join author and parent educator Gen Muir from Connected Parenting for a practical and insightful session on helping children build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing in today’s fast-paced world. You’ll leave with simple, effective strategies to support your child through big emotions, friendship challenges, sibling conflict and the everyday ups and downs of growing up. Raising Resilient Kids: A Free Parent Workshop 📅 Tuesday 24 March ⏰ 7:00pm – 8:30pm 📍 St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens Connect with other parents, gain valuable insights and learn more about CSPD’s new Family Partnership Council - FPC. 🔗 Register now at the link in our bio! @connectedparentingau #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #fpcevent
13 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
CONNECTING WITH COUNTRY AND CULTURE 🌿 St Paul the Apostle Primary Winston Hills recently welcomed Uncle Ted from the Jarara Cultural Centre for a special yarning session! ✨ Together, they explored the origins of Indigenous ancestral Country, family and clan totems, traditional hunting tools, musical instruments, and the importance of caring for land and waterways. It's so special to see Indigenous members of the school community come together to connect and share their stories and culture. 🖤💛❤️
14 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
🧡 WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE ✂️ The Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek community showed incredible courage and generosity during this year’s World’s Greatest Shave! Year 12 student Angelina D joined staff members Mr Pincevic, Ms Battah, Mr Edwards and Mrs Cooke in bravely taking part to raise awareness and vital funds for blood cancer. 👏 Thanks to the support of the Emmaus community, they raised an amazing $4,474 to help families access accommodation, financial and transport assistance, treatment support and vital research. 🙌 A beautiful reminder of how our school communities step forward with generosity and compassion for those who need it most. 💙 @emmauscspd @worldsgreatestshave #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #worldsgreatestshave
13 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
Let’s check out a school tour! 👀 From visiting buzzing classrooms to roaming the playgrounds and meeting the friendly staff and students, there’s no better way to experience a school than seeing it in action! ✨ Head to the link in our bio to register - there are still plenty of Open Days coming up that you won’t want to miss! 🏫 @stbernadettesprimarylalorpark #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #westernsydney #parracatholic #openday
11 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
KINGS IN THE CLASSROOM! 👑🏀 What a huge day for students at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Primary School Rouse Hill and St Angela's Primary School Castle Hill, who were treated to a special visit from Sydney Kings stars Bul Kuol and Keli Leaupepe! 🤩 Fresh from training, the Kings players brought their energy, passion and plenty of inspiration - encouraging students to follow their dreams, work hard and never give up. From the court to the classroom, their message was clear: believe in what’s possible. 💜💛 A huge thank you to the Sydney Kings for inspiring our students! 👏🔥
12 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
CRICKET STARS ON THE RISE! ⭐🏏 Move over Glenn Maxwell… there’s a new all-rounder making waves! 😱 Arjun Singh from St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields has been selected for the Australian All Schools Cricket Team after an incredible showing for NSW at the All Schools Cricket Championships in WA. 🇦🇺👏 Shoutout to Kyra Prajapati from Catherine McAuley Westmead, who helped NSW secure second place in the tournament. Back home, the St John Paul II team also impressed with a run to the NSWCCC Berg Shield Final, with standout performances from Parth and Jeyaan, who both scored half-centuries, and Aleena and Om, who each took three wickets in a fantastic semi-final win. Plenty of talent and plenty to celebrate - the future of cricket is bright! 🌟🏏 @stjohnpaul2cc @catherinemcauleywestmead #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #sportsexcellence
10 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
NAPLAN season is here, but how much does it really matter? 🤔 Learn what it measures, what it doesn’t and how to support your child with confidence in 2026. Read our guide (1 min read) 👉 https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/2026-03-NAPLAN-fb
11 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
NAPLAN season is here, but how much does it really matter? 🤔 Learn what it measures, what it doesn’t and how to support your child with confidence in 2026. Read our guide at the link in our bio (1 min read). #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #NAPLAN
11 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
FREE Parent Event: Raising Resilient Kids in a Fast-Paced World 💬 Parenting in today’s fast-paced world isn’t always easy. Join author and parent educator Gen Muir for practical tips on helping children build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing. You’ll walk away with helpful ideas to support your child through big emotions, friendship challenges, sibling conflict and the ups and downs of growing up. 📅 Tuesday 24 March ⏰ 7:00pm – 8:30pm (doors open 6:30pm) 📍 St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens Come along, connect with other parents and learn more about CSPD’s new Family Partnership Council - FPC. 🔗 Register now at the link in our bio! @connectedparentingau #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #fpcevent