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
Next Tuesday at 7pm, 11 August, The Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting the First-Class Relic of St Clare of Assisi, which will be available for all to venerate as we celebrate the feast of this beloved Saint. Before Mass, there will be a talk presented by Camille Bautista, a 2020 graduate of St Clare's High School who also previously served the school as a teacher's aide. She will be sharing a reflection on the life and witness of St Clare. The evening is being hosted by Capuchin Young Adults Plumpton, who are guided by the Capuchin Friars (like Fr John) and are made up of St Clare’s HS and St Francis of Assisi Primary Shool alumni. It is a wonderful opportunity during this Jubilee Year of St Francis and the 800th anniversary of his passing to honour the deep friendship and shared spirituality of St Francis and St Clare.
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
💬 Year 6 Voice of Youth Workshop 💬 A Captivate educator came to SFA to coach the Year 6 students on being effective in speech delivery in preparation for the upcoming diocesan speech competition, Voice of Youth. A fantastic morning spent learning about the importance of us as presenters of a key message we want to send to our audience. The students engaged in activities to help build their confidence. Year 6 have walked away much more comfortable to deliver a speech about something important to them. Students will begin to prepare their speeches in class lessons upon returning to Term 3.
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.
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Next Tuesday at 7pm, 11 August, The Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting the First-Class Relic of St Clare of Assisi, which will be available for all to venerate as we celebrate the feast of this beloved Saint. Before Mass, there will be a talk presented by Camille Bautista, a 2020 graduate of St Clare's High School who also previously served the school as a teacher's aide. She will be sharing a reflection on the life and witness of St Clare. The evening is being hosted by Capuchin Young Adults Plumpton, who are guided by the Capuchin Friars (like Fr John) and are made up of St Clare’s HS and St Francis of Assisi Primary Shool alumni. It is a wonderful opportunity during this Jubilee Year of St Francis and the 800th anniversary of his passing to honour the deep friendship and shared spirituality of St Francis and St Clare.
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.
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.
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
💬 Year 6 Voice of Youth Workshop 💬 A Captivate educator came to SFA to coach the Year 6 students on being effective in speech delivery in preparation for the upcoming diocesan speech competition, Voice of Youth. A fantastic morning spent learning about the importance of us as presenters of a key message we want to send to our audience. The students engaged in activities to help build their confidence. Year 6 have walked away much more comfortable to deliver a speech about something important to them. Students will begin to prepare their speeches in class lessons upon returning to Term 3.
10 Jun 2026
From Facebook
♟️STAGE 3 CHESS COMPETITION ♟️ This term, students from Stage 3 nominated to enter the SFA Chess Tournament. Over a few weeks, students from Year 5 and 6 have been competing, after many spent last term in chess workshops refining their skills. Last week the final game was played by Cody and William with an eager audience to see who would be named Chess Champion. After a great game of focus and skill, William won! Congratulations to William! 🏆 And to all who participated! Well done!
04 Jun 2026
What Your Child Really Learns in the First 100 Days of School
One moment your child is holding your hand at the school gate and before you know it, they're walking in confidently, greeting friends by name, carrying their own bag, and coming home full of stories about 'assembly' and 'sport'. Here’s what to expect in their first 100 days of Kindergarten.
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On our way home! 🚍 Year 6 had an awesome time away at camp over the last two days. Throughout the trip they showed outstanding behaviour, supported one another, and truly embraced every opportunity that came their way. Many students stepped outside their comfort zones, challenged themselves with new activities, and demonstrated resilience and teamwork along the way. We are so proud of the courage, positivity, and maturity they showed. What a fantastic group of young people! 👏
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🏕️ YEAR 6 CAMP🏕️ Year 6 students have had a fun first day at camp stepping outside of their comfort zone participating in challenging activities such as the giant swing, flying fox and archery. The weather has been beautiful and food has been delicious. Tonight we’ll be roasting marshmallows by the campfire 🔥 and exploring the bush at night before getting to sleep to rest for more fun tomorrow.
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to the Miriam Oz Tag team who were victorious against Riley in our House Sport Championship Final. The game went to golden point and was a closely contested match. Thanks to the Year 6 Sport Leaders for their organisation and thanks to the Year 6 Technology Leaders for providing a fun vibe at each match.