3 CSPD students wearing Traditional Aboriginal Paint

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has released its first annual Closing the Gap report. This report outlines its contribution to improving socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly students and their families.

CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot said the report reflects the dedication of CSPD’s 6 500 staff in fostering reconciliation and equity through the organisation’s 80 outstanding school across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

“We’re strongly committed to great outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through education grounded in excellence and inclusion,” Jack said. “Our Catholic tradition puts people in need first and there is still so much more to do to Close the Gap for First Nations people in Australia, including in our Catholic schools.”

The annual report is an additional commitments CSPD has included in its forthcoming Reconciliation Action Plan. While not exhaustive, the report highlights some of the meaningful efforts being made through CSPD schools and services across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Some highlights include:

  • a year-on-year increase of approximately 7.5% enrolment growth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to 1,217 total)
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students maintained an attendance rate above 87% in both 2023 and 2024, compared to 85.1% in 2022
  • increasing HSC participation with 65 HSC candidates in 2025, in contrast to 10 HSC candidates in 2016
  • steady improvement in HSC results, with the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieving top-band awards rising from 7.69% in 2016 to nearly 30% by 2024
  • achievements in Vocational Education and Training such as St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields student Tataya Curry-Jones being named NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill student Jewel Osborne won the prestigious Aurora Award at the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains Region at the 2024 NSW Training Awards.

The report celebrates the strengths-based work of the CSPD Jarara team based in Mount Druitt and Family Liaison Officer Aunty Roz Webb, an Aboriginal Elder embedded within CSPD’s Student Support Directorate. Other successful initiatives include the Murama Youth Ambassador Program, cultural learning programs such as Sky Country Dreaming and the Up and Go Bus that provides students with transport to school (and brekky on the road), an initiative to support student attendance.

Looking ahead, opportunities to increase CSPD’s contribution to national efforts to close the gap include considering scaling the Family Liaison Officer model, expanding transition support, and strengthening vocational pathways will be key priorities. Deepening partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, universities, and employers while increasing access to targeted wellbeing services will further enhance student outcomes. By refining exisiting programs and fostering strong community collaborations, CSPD can continue to make a contribution to sustained progress towards parity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Closing the Gap report

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

Facebook | OLOR

  • 16 May 2025

    Photos from Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys's post
    🌟 Year 6 Formation Day at Mt Schoenstatt ✝️🌿 Yesterday, our Year 6 students took part in a special Formation Day at Mt Schoenstatt Mulgoa, joining with students from St Joseph’s Kingswood, St Mary MacKillop South Penrith, and St Finbar’s Glenbrook. The day focused on the theme of living with purpose—understanding how we are called to promote both our own flourishing and the flourishing of others. Students started the day with a liturgy, participated in engaging formation activities, and worked collaboratively to explore the mission of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). Together, they brainstormed ways to be voices for dignity, social justice, and hope—especially for refugee families in Western Sydney. It was a meaningful day of faith, reflection, and leadership for our Year 6 students!

    16 May 2025

    Photos from Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys's post
    🎉 A Day to Remember! 🎶✝️ On Wednesday, the Year 6 Mission Team attended LIFTED Jnr at West HQ, an event hosted by the Catholic Schools Diocese of Parramatta (CSPD) and Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP). Students from primary schools across the diocese came together for a powerful day filled with music, personal testimonies, and meaningful discussions. It was an inspiring opportunity for our young leaders to grow in faith, connect with others, and be reminded of the presence of God in their lives. 🙌

Latest news More news

 

X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.