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
-
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
β½ Stage 2 Soccer Gala Day β½ Following the cancellation of the Diocesan Stage 2 Soccer Gala Day, our Stage 2 students enjoyed a fun and successful St Anthony's Soccer Gala Day, ensuring everyone still had the opportunity to experience the excitement of a soccer tournament. The morning was filled with teamwork, determination, encouragement and plenty of smiles. Congratulations to all of our teams for displaying great sportsmanship and giving their best throughout the tournament. π Tournament Results π₯ 1st Place: Team 5 (McAuley) π₯ 2nd Place: Team 7 (MacKillop) π₯ 3rd Place: Team 4 (McAuley) A special congratulations to Andreas (Year 3), who was awarded the Sportsperson Award in recognition of his outstanding sportsmanship, leadership and encouragement of others throughout the day. He was a wonderful example of what it means to compete with respect and integrity. Thank you to our staff and student referees for helping make the morning such a success. It was wonderful to see our Stage 2 students enjoying friendly competition, building new friendships and creating lasting memories together. β½πππβ€οΈ #LearningUplifts #Stage2Soccer #Sportsmanship #Teamwork #StAnthonys
Latest News More news
20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
11 Aug 2026
From Facebook
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
β½ Stage 2 Soccer Gala Day β½ Following the cancellation of the Diocesan Stage 2 Soccer Gala Day, our Stage 2 students enjoyed a fun and successful St Anthony's Soccer Gala Day, ensuring everyone still had the opportunity to experience the excitement of a soccer tournament. The morning was filled with teamwork, determination, encouragement and plenty of smiles. Congratulations to all of our teams for displaying great sportsmanship and giving their best throughout the tournament. π Tournament Results π₯ 1st Place: Team 5 (McAuley) π₯ 2nd Place: Team 7 (MacKillop) π₯ 3rd Place: Team 4 (McAuley) A special congratulations to Andreas (Year 3), who was awarded the Sportsperson Award in recognition of his outstanding sportsmanship, leadership and encouragement of others throughout the day. He was a wonderful example of what it means to compete with respect and integrity. Thank you to our staff and student referees for helping make the morning such a success. It was wonderful to see our Stage 2 students enjoying friendly competition, building new friendships and creating lasting memories together. β½πππβ€οΈ #LearningUplifts #Stage2Soccer #Sportsmanship #Teamwork #StAnthonys
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
β½οΈ Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day β½οΈ Our Stage 3 students had a fantastic day at the Soccer Gala Day! All three teams represented our school with pride, demonstrating excellent teamwork, determination and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. Across the competition, our teams celebrated a few wins, fought hard for some draws and learned from a few losses. Most importantly, they encouraged one another, played with respect and gave their best in every match. Well done to all of our players for the wonderful way you represented our school. We are so proud of you! πβ½οΈ
28 Jul 2026
Action and Progress: Western Sydney Catholic Schools release 2026 Closing the Gap Report
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.
27 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Today, our school community came together to celebrate Grandparents Day, honouring the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the patron saints of grandparents. π Our beautiful liturgy was made even more special by the wonderful performances from our choir and dance group. Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration so meaningful. A special thank you to Trish and our staff for their warm hospitality and to all the families who joined us in our open classrooms, sharing in the joy of learning alongside our students. Thank you to all of our grandparents and special guests for spending the day with us. We are so grateful for the love, wisdom and support you bring to the lives of our students. πβ¨
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
π Stage 3 Touch Football π Our Stage 3 Touch Football teams had a fantastic day of competition! They gave it their all throughout the day, finishing with a mix of wins, draws and losses. Most importantly, they represented our school with pride, showing excellent sportsmanship, respect and teamwork at every game. π We are so proud of the way they supported one another and displayed such positive attitudes throughout the day. Well done, Stage 3! β
22 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Lunchtime fun across the playgrounds today! βοΈ Itβs great to see our students making the most of the different play spaces, staying active, building friendships, and enjoying time together.
21 Jul 2026
From Facebook
π¦π The Scholastic Dino-Mite Book Fair is here! ππ¦ Our Book Fair opens this morning from 8:30am and again this afternoon from 3:15pm. Come along, browse the fantastic selection of books, and help inspire a love of reading. We canβt wait to see you there! ππ
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to all colour houses for reaching their playground token reward of 400 tokens! Students receive golden tokens on the playground when they act respectfully, live responsibly and play together. It certainly was a crazy hair day!