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
-
02 Feb 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic start to the year for our Years 5 and 6 students! Classrooms were buzzing with energy this morning as everyone settled in, reconnected with friends, and embraced the fresh start that a new school year brings 🤩 A special shout‑out goes to our Year 6 students - today marks their last first day of Primary School! 🥹 We are so proud of the leaders they are becoming, and we can’t wait to see them shine throughout their final year. Our Stage 3 team is feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready for an exciting year of learning, growth, and new opportunities. Here’s to a brilliant 2026 together! 🌟📚
Latest News More news
02 Feb 2026
From Facebook
02 Feb 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic start to the year for our Years 5 and 6 students! Classrooms were buzzing with energy this morning as everyone settled in, reconnected with friends, and embraced the fresh start that a new school year brings 🤩 A special shout‑out goes to our Year 6 students - today marks their last first day of Primary School! 🥹 We are so proud of the leaders they are becoming, and we can’t wait to see them shine throughout their final year. Our Stage 3 team is feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready for an exciting year of learning, growth, and new opportunities. Here’s to a brilliant 2026 together! 🌟📚
02 Feb 2026
From Facebook
There was a buzz in the air at the gates this morning! Excited parents dropping off their children, friends eager to see each other after the holiday break… and the Channel 7 news crew 🎥 🎤 interviewing families and teachers about the first of school for 2026. Watch the 4pm and 6pm news tonight to see our famous little faces!
30 Jan 2026
From Facebook
The staff at St Andrew’s began the week by gathering for Mass with St Andrew’s College, celebrated by our Parish Priest, Fr Kevin. We reflected on the example of St Andrew the Apostle and the call to serve with faith, courage and generosity 🙏✨ Throughout the week, our teachers engaged in professional learning focused on best practice and effective learning and teaching 📚. Staff have also been busy preparing classrooms and learning experiences for our students — but it’s just not the same without them 💙 We can’t wait to welcome our students back next week 😊🎒
28 Jan 2026
From Facebook
25 Jan 2026
From Facebook
25 Jan 2026
From Facebook
18 Jan 2026
From Facebook
We are looking forward to welcoming back St Andrews students for 2026! Year 1 to Year 6 students return Monday 2nd Feb **Kindergarten Students** Group A: Monday 2nd Feb (9am-12pm) Group B: Tuesday 3rd Feb (9am-12pm) All Kindergarten students: Wednesday 4th Feb 8:50am (First full day of school)
12 Jan 2026
Transitioning smoothly into ‘big school’: What parents need to know
The first day of Kindergarten! It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.
18 Dec 2025
From Facebook
The school choir brought joy to the residents of the Holy Family services nursing home with their beautiful singing! They even met Sister Irene who is a past principal of our school! 🎶💖😊
16 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Pt 2 (Classes cont./Awards/Captain's Speech/Song) Our 2026 Year 6 graduating students celebrated the completion of their primary school journey last night with a very special Graduation Mass. We wish all our graduating students every success in the future and hope they carry many fond memories of their time at St Andrews.