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.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On the solemnity of Good Friday, our students reverently dramatised the Stations of the Cross, recalling the passion of Jesus Christ. “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) May this sacred moment draw us into deeper reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and enduring love, with hope in the promise of the Resurrection to come. ✝️🙏
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, we remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the Cross. Through His suffering and death, He showed us the depth of God’s love and mercy for all humanity. 🌿✝️ For Catholics around the world, Good Friday is a solemn moment of reflection—a time to pause, to pray, and to unite in gratitude for the gift of salvation. Jesus bore our sins and opened the way for eternal life, fulfilling the Scriptures and God’s promise of redemption. As we contemplate His passion, may we also be inspired to live with compassion, forgiveness, and love for one another. Let us carry this hope into our daily lives, remembering that through His death comes life. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) May your hearts be touched by His sacrifice today. ❤️
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03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On the solemnity of Good Friday, our students reverently dramatised the Stations of the Cross, recalling the passion of Jesus Christ. “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) May this sacred moment draw us into deeper reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and enduring love, with hope in the promise of the Resurrection to come. ✝️🙏
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, we remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the Cross. Through His suffering and death, He showed us the depth of God’s love and mercy for all humanity. 🌿✝️ For Catholics around the world, Good Friday is a solemn moment of reflection—a time to pause, to pray, and to unite in gratitude for the gift of salvation. Jesus bore our sins and opened the way for eternal life, fulfilling the Scriptures and God’s promise of redemption. As we contemplate His passion, may we also be inspired to live with compassion, forgiveness, and love for one another. Let us carry this hope into our daily lives, remembering that through His death comes life. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) May your hearts be touched by His sacrifice today. ❤️
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today we remember Holy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper and the beginning of Jesus’ journey to the cross. We recall the gift of the Eucharist, where Jesus shared bread and wine and called us to love and serve one another. Jesus then went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. In deep anguish, He turned to the Father, surrendering to His will as His hour drew near, fulfilling the Scriptures. May we take time today to pause, pray, and stay close to Him. 🙏✨
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Last week we held our Kindergarten Family BBQ 🌭✨ and it was a wonderful community evening. It was fantastic to see families getting to know one another while the children played together and made new friends 🛝😊 A highlight of the night was the Kindergarten dance performance 💃🕺 led by Miss Anderson — the students did an amazing job and were so proud to share it with their families 👏 A special thank you to our staff who joined us on the night and gave their time to connect with our Kindergarten families 🙏
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Mark Taylor Shield cricket team on a fantastic first round win against St John’s, Riverstone! 🏏👏 A brilliant display of skill, teamwork and determination. We are so proud of your efforts and the way you represented our school. 💪✨ Well done, team! 🎉
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This week, our school community participated in the Caritas Walk for Water, a powerful experience that helped our students develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others around the world. Our FIAT Leaders and Mrs Hyson led a beautiful and reflective assembly prayer, for the ‘United Against Poverty’ Caritas initiative here at St Andrew’s. During the prayer, water was used as a symbol of the long journeys many children in Tanzania make each day to access this essential resource. Mrs Bond poured holy water that had been blessed by Bishop Vincent at the diocesan liturgy marking the launch of Caritas. This special moment connected our students not only to the global community, but also to our faith, reminding us of our shared responsibility to care for others.
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. 🌿 We remember Jesus entering Jerusalem with humility and peace, welcomed with palm branches and praise. As we journey through this sacred week, may we take time to reflect, pray, and walk with Him toward the hope of Easter. ✨
28 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Students of the Week! 🌟 We are so proud of the way you have demonstrated positive attitudes, resilience, and a commitment to your learning. 👏📚 A special congratulations also to our four Best Classes of the Week! 🏆 Your teamwork, focus, and dedication to doing your best have been outstanding. 🙌 Remember, maintaining this recognition means showing consistent effort and commitment to learning every day—keep striving to do your personal best! 💪✨
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🚶♂️💧 Walk for Water – CARITAS Australia 💧🚶♀️ Today our St Andrew’s community walked in solidarity with the children of Tanzania. Many make the long journey to collect water up to three times a day, often at the cost of their education. By taking part in our Walk for Water Day, we stood together to raise awareness, show compassion, and support CARITAS Australia’s mission to bring clean, safe drinking water to communities in need. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence, your steps, and your spirit made a real difference. 💙🌍
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌌✨ Year 5 Planetarium Incursion ✨🌌 On Wednesday 25 March, our Year 5 students experienced an exciting Planetarium Incursion led by Gary Starr, travelling through the universe in a 360° immersive theatre. They explored the wonders and dangers of our Solar System through an engaging space adventure led by “The Great Schiaparelli.” Students also learned about Indigenous Australian astronomy, discovering how Aboriginal cultures interpret the night sky and its connection to life, seasons, and spirituality. It was an inspiring experience that sparked curiosity and deepened their appreciation for both science and culture. 🚀🌠 #StAndrews #Year5 #PlanetariumIncursion
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you for your donation and for standing with us as we ‘Unite Against Poverty’ through Project Compassion this lent.
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🏊♂️🌟 Amazing Achievement! 🌟🏊♂️ A huge congratulations to William on his outstanding performance at the NSW Youth Age Championships at Homebush! Competing against the very best swimmers from across the state, William delivered incredible results: 🥇 Gold – 400m Freestyle 🥇 Gold – 200m Butterfly 🥉 Bronze – 200m Freestyle What an incredible effort at such a high level of competition! We are so proud of you, William! 👏💙 Keep chasing your goals and making waves! 🌊✨