Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has released its Closing the Gap Report 2026, detailing efforts to enhance educational equity, community engagement, and cultural capability across its 80 schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The introduction of fee-free education for First Nations families is a particular highlight, resulting in a 14% increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolments.
CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot said the report demonstrates how CSPD continues to measure progress, identify opportunities for growth, and share the impact of its reconciliation journey.
"Education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, culturally responsive education is fundamental to fostering a strong sense of identity, belonging and achievement while supporting lifelong learning and success beyond school," Jack said.
The 2026 Report highlights key initiatives and achievements across education, procurement, digital inclusion, and social justice advocacy:
- Enrolment Growth & First Nations Fee Offering: Enrolments have grown from 863 First Nations students in 2021 to 1,382 in 2026. The introduction of the fee-free education offering from 1 January 2026 directly contributed to a 14% increase in First Nations enrolments this year alone.
- Academic & Senior Retention Gains: More than double the number of students achieved HSC Bands 5 and 6 over the past five years, while Year 10–12 retention rose significantly from 44.4% in 2020 to 64.5% in 2025.
- First Nations Digital Inclusion Working Group: Established with representation across the Jarara Cultural Centre, Student Support, IT, Finance & Infrastructure, Growth, Communications & Engagement, and a parent representative, the group is working to address gaps in device access, home connectivity, and digital literacy.
- Inclusive Procurement & Economic Participation: CSPD contracted VDG Indigenous Services—a certified First Nations supplier—for cleaning services across multiple schools under a contract valued at approximately $1.5 million per annum.
- Advocacy for Justice (Raise the Age): CSPD officially signed up to the Raise the Age campaign in NSW, advocating for justice system reforms that support and nurture vulnerable young people through community-led solutions rather than criminalisation.
Cultural Safety & Wellbeing: Fostered culturally responsive environments through the Jarara Cultural Centre, embedding dedicated yarning spaces, cultural immersion opportunities, cultural groups such as Birraygal Pillars of Culture Boys’ Mentoring Program and Strong Sisters Cultural Leadership Program and targeted pastoral support to strengthen identity, belonging, and wellbeing for First Nations students and families across all schools.
Looking ahead, CSPD remains committed to sustaining this trajectory through the ongoing implementation of its Innovate RAP 2025–2027, the rollout of its organisation-wide Cultural Learning Strategy, and deeper collaboration with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Our Lady of the Rosary Feast Day Liturgy and Gold and Star Awards Today, our school community came together in prayer to celebrate and honour Our Lady of the Rosary, our patron saint. Although her feast day falls during the school holidays on the 7th of October, we took the opportunity to draw closer to Mary through prayer. A special thank you to Stage 1 for organising and preparing our beautiful liturgy and helping our students celebrate this special feast day. It was wonderful to see our students beginning to pray the Rosary together around our Mary Garden, growing in prayer and faith as a school community. ๐๐ Congratulations to all the students who received a Gold or Star Award at our Awards Assembly following the liturgy. ๐ Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.03 Sep 2026
From Facebook
A big thank you to all of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures who joined us for our Picnic Recess and Liturgy today. It was wonderful to see so many of our families celebrating together. May God bless these very special men today and every day. ๐
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Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
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22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Our Lady of the Rosary Feast Day Liturgy and Gold and Star Awards Today, our school community came together in prayer to celebrate and honour Our Lady of the Rosary, our patron saint. Although her feast day falls during the school holidays on the 7th of October, we took the opportunity to draw closer to Mary through prayer. A special thank you to Stage 1 for organising and preparing our beautiful liturgy and helping our students celebrate this special feast day. It was wonderful to see our students beginning to pray the Rosary together around our Mary Garden, growing in prayer and faith as a school community. ๐๐ Congratulations to all the students who received a Gold or Star Award at our Awards Assembly following the liturgy. ๐ Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.
03 Sep 2026
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A big thank you to all of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures who joined us for our Picnic Recess and Liturgy today. It was wonderful to see so many of our families celebrating together. May God bless these very special men today and every day. ๐
02 Sep 2026
From Facebook
๐ฟ Year 6 Retreat Day ๐ Today, our Year 6 students took time away from the busyness of school life to be still, reflect and deepen their understanding of prayer. Guided by the words of Psalm 46:10, โBe still, and know that I am God,โ students explored the Catholic understanding of how prayer can help us to listen to God, make wise decisions and guide our actions. A special part of the day was hearing from Father Jeff, who spoke to the students about Mary as a model of prayer. Through Maryโs example of trust, openness and willingness to say โyesโ to God, students reflected on how prayer can shape the choices we make and the way we live our lives. It was a beautiful day of quiet reflection, prayer, connection and faith as our Year 6 students prepared to take the next step in their journey. ๐๐ โBe still, and know that I am God.โ โ Psalm 46:10
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30 Jun 2026
From Facebook
On Monday we celebrated our End of Term Liturgy, reflecting on the reminder that God is always with us, loving us, caring for us, and calling us to trust in His mercy and hope. A big thank you to our wonderful Stage 2 students for leading such a meaningful liturgy. Congratulations also to all of our Gold and Star Award recipientsโwe are so proud of your achievements. ๐ ๐
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Winter Vinnies 2026 Stayout On Wednesday afternoon our Yr 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to take part in the Vinnies Stayout. The afternoon began with Yr 6 students sharing information about homelessness and poverty and we were blessed to have the local conference members from Vinnies join us to share how they support our community. We joined together in a liturgy before students got to work collating snack packs - a hands-on reminder that small acts of kindness can make a real difference. As night fell, students experienced the dark and cold of the playground, a small glimpse into what it feels like to have no warm place to sleep. The evening ended with a simple dinner of noodles and sandwiches just like many people in our community experience night after night. We are incredibly proud of the maturity and generosity our students showed throughout the afternoon/evening. Thank you to our Vinnies guests, students, teachers and all families who supported this experience. If you are able to make a financial contribution to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal please use this link. https://tinyurl.com/mr34y2ny
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