As part of this challenge, students explored the lives and legacies of remarkable women whose faith inspired them to serve others and bring about positive change.
Students researched and wrote podcast scripts on significant women of faith including Saint Mary MacKillop, Venerable Catherine McAuley, Edith Stein, Professor Marie Bashir and Eileen O'Connor, examining how their beliefs and values shaped their actions and influenced the communities around them.
Using the podcast rooms, students collaborated to record their episodes, developing their communication, research and digital literacy skills while sharing the inspiring stories of these extraordinary women.
This innovative learning experience encouraged students to recognise the power of faith in action and to reflect on how compassion, courage and service can make a meaningful difference in the world.
We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism demonstrated by our Year 8 students as they brought these stories to life through podcasting.
Catherine McAuley Westmead
www.mcauleywestmead.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!
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Catholic School Open Days
We are enrolling now! Attend your local Catholic school's Open Day to find out more.
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25 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
🌺💙 FIAFIA NIGHT 2026 💙🌺 CSPD’s second Pasifika FiaFia Night brought together school communities for an unforgettable evening of culture, pride and celebration. Students from Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, Nagle College Blacktown, St Agnes Catholic High Rooty Hill and St Clare’s Catholic High Hassall Grove lit up the stage with vibrant performances, sharing their cultural heritage through traditional music and dance 🎶✨ From the incredible performances to the delicious food and strong sense of community, the evening showcased the rich diversity that makes our school communities so special. A heartfelt thank you to St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens for hosting another fantastic event, and to the staff, families and friends whose support helped make the night such a success! FiaFia means “happy” or “celebration” in Samoan and this joyful evening was a beautiful reflection of both! 🤩 📸 Head to our Facebook page to see the full gallery! @nagleblacktown @stclareshassallgrove @stagnesrootyhill_2766 @patsblacktown @stjohnxxiiicatholiccollege #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #fiafia
24 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
What happens before students even sit down can make a BIG difference to their learning. 💭 At Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek, teachers are using structured entry routines to create calm, focused classrooms from the moment students arrive. With clear expectations and a learning activity ready to go, students are settling faster, staying focused and maximising valuable learning time. 📚 As teacher Mark Leahy explains, "We don't have to focus on behavioural issues. We can start the learning straight away." It's a simple change that's helping students feel ready to learn from the very first minute of every lesson. 🔗 Head to the link in our bio to read the full story. @emmauscspd #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #entryroutines
22 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🌺✨ FIA FIA NIGHT 2026 ✨🌺 Culture, community and celebration were on full display at CSPD's second Pasifika FiaFia Night! Students from Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown, Nagle College, Blacktown South, St Agnes CHS Rooty Hill and St Clare's Catholic High School Hassall Grove captivated the audience with vibrant performances that proudly showcased their cultural heritage through traditional music and dance 🎶💃 With delicious food, joyful performances and a strong sense of belonging, the evening was a powerful celebration of the diversity that enriches our school communities. A huge thank you to St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens for hosting this special event and welcoming a full house, and to the staff, families and friends whose support helped make the night such a success! Fia Fia means 'happy' or 'celebration' in Samoan, and this unforgettable evening truly lived up to its name! 💙🤩
23 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
💯 DAYS UNTIL GRAD! 🎓 The countdown is officially on for the Class of 2026, with less than 100 days remaining until graduation! Year 12 students from Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park and Cerdon College Merrylands recently marked this special milestone, celebrating how far they’ve come and looking ahead to all that’s still to come 🙌✨ As they enter the final chapter of their school journey, there are memories to make, milestones to celebrate and exciting opportunities waiting beyond the school gates. Wishing the Class of 2026 every success as they make the most of these final months - embracing every moment, supporting one another and finishing strong 💙🌟 @carolinechisholmglenmorepark @cerdon.college #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #classof2026
22 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
⚖️ YOUNGEST-EVER LAW BURSARY RECIPIENT! 🎓 A huge congratulations to Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park alum Nishika (Class of 2025), who has made history as the youngest recipient of the prestigious Bateman Battersby Complete Legal Law Bursary! 👏✨ At just 16 years old, Nishika is the youngest recipient in the bursary's history and the 36th winner overall 🌟 After completing her HSC in 2025 and achieving an outstanding ATAR of 99.75, the highest ever recorded by a student at Caroline Chisholm College, Nishika has commenced a combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Nishika's dedication, perseverance and academic excellence. We wish her every success as she embarks on this exciting next chapter and pursues a future career in law ⚖️💙 🔗 Read more in the Western Weekender via the link in our bio. @carolinechisholmglenmorepark #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #lawbursary
20 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🤝💙 REFUGEE WEEK - CONNECTION THROUGH COMMUNITY 💙🤝 As we mark World Refugee Day and the end of Refugee Week, it is inspiring to see partnerships like Parramatta Marist High School and Marist180 creating genuine connection, belonging and opportunity for young people. Through the METWELL program, students and young people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds come together each week to learn, play and connect. What begins with shared activities such as sport and conversation grows into friendship and a strong sense of belonging. METWELL is a powerful example of how simple moments of connection can build understanding, inclusion and hope. This Refugee Week, we recognise the resilience and contributions of refugees and the communities that support them 💙 Read more about the partnership here 👉 https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/whats-on/latest-news/2026/06/19/04/29/refugee-week-highlights-impact-of-parramatta-marist-and-marist-180-partnership
21 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
🤝💙 REFUGEE WEEK - CONNECTION THROUGH COMMUNITY 💙🤝 As we mark World Refugee Day and the end of Refugee Week, it’s inspiring to see partnerships like Parramatta Marist High and Marist180 creating real connection, belonging and opportunity for young people. Through the METWELL program, students and young people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds come together each week to learn, play and connect. What starts with sport, conversation and shared activities grows into genuine friendships and a strong sense of belonging. METWELL shows how simple moments of connection can build understanding, inclusion and hope. This Refugee Week, we recognise the resilience and contributions of refugees and the communities that support them 💙 🔗 Read more about the partnership at the link in our bio. @parramatta.marist @marist180 #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #refugeeweek
19 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
✈️🌤️ TAKING OFF INTO AVIATION! 🌤️✈️ What does it take to keep an airport running? And what careers exist beyond being a pilot? 🤔 Students from CathWest Innovation College, St Andrews College, Marayong (Official), St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields & Nirimba, Nagle College, Blacktown South, Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown, St Columba's Catholic College, Springwood and Caroline Chisholm College recently explored these questions and more through a two-day Micro-Credential in Introduction to Aviation Operations at Western Sydney University, delivered in partnership with Western Sydney International Airport. From learning about airport operations to exploring the wide range of careers available across the aviation industry, students gained valuable firsthand insight into one of Australia's fastest growing sectors ✈️💡 With Western Sydney International Airport set to transform the region, experiences like these are helping students discover future focused pathways and imagine where their skills and interests could take them. A huge thank you to Western Sydney University and Western Sydney International Airport for inspiring the next generation of aviation, transport and infrastructure professionals! 💙
20 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
💙 A SPECIAL VISIT FROM BISHOP VINCENT 🙏 Students at St Mary’s Primary Rydalmere recently had the privilege of welcoming Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv for a special pastoral visit filled with conversation, reflection and connection ✨ Sharing stories from his childhood, refugee journey and vocation, Bishop Vincent encouraged students to live with compassion, courage and hope, while answering thoughtful questions and spending time with the school's Faith in Action Team. The visit was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about Bishop Vincent's life, faith and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. As Year 4 student Rafael summed it up: “It felt like someone famous had come to our school, and that was Bishop Vincent.” 🤩 🔗 Read more at the link in our bio! @stmarysrydalmere @parracatholic #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
20 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
Meet Jaie Skinner! 👋 Jaie has been appointed as the new Principal of St Clare's Catholic High Hassall Grove! 🤩 @stclareshassallgrove #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
19 Jun 2026
Refugee Week highlights impact of Parramatta Marist and Marist180 partnership
A meaningful partnership between Parramatta Marist High School and Marist180 is fostering connection and opportunity for young people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds.
18 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
⏳ 100 DAYS TO GO! 🎓 The COUNTDOWN is officially on for the Class of 2026, with just 100 days left of school! Year 12 students from Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park and Cerdon College Merrylands marked this significant milestone this week as they begin the final stretch of their school journey, with exams, celebrations and exciting new opportunities on the horizon 🙌✨ Wishing the Class of 2026 every success as they make the most of these final school days, working hard, supporting one another and creating lasting memories along the way 💙🌟
19 Jun 2026
From CSPD Instagram
🌍 THE WORLD CUP SPIRIT IS ALIVE! ⚽ The FIFA Club World Cup may be underway, but at St John Vianney's Primary Doonside, students are creating their own excitement with the SJV World Cup! 🙌 Check out some of the highlights from the competition so far 👀 What a fantastic way to get active, celebrate teamwork and good sportsmanship both on and off the field! 💙🏆 @stjohnvianneysdoonside #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #worldcup
17 Jun 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🩵🏉 READY FOR ROUND 2! 🏉🩵 In the spirit of Game 2 of State of Origin kicking off tonight, we're celebrating the incredible experience enjoyed by students from St Patrick's Guildford, who had the honour of representing their school in the Ampol Little Origin experience at Game 1 at Accor Stadium! ✨🏟️ From the jersey presentation and League Stars clinic to running onto the field at half-time in front of a packed stadium of passionate Blues supporters, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity our students will never forget 🙌 To top it all off, they witnessed a NSW victory, making the experience even more special! 💙👏 Shoutout to the NRL, Play Rugby League Western Sydney and Ampol Australia for providing such an amazing opportunity for these young rugby league fans. Good luck to the Blues tonight! 💙 Can they bring home the series? 👀🏆