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.
You don't need to be Catholic to belong.
Catholic schools offer character formation that respects the religious and non-religious backgrounds of all students. Day to day, faith shows up through kindness, resilience, service to others, and a genuine sense of belonging, built through learning and social justice programs that let kids make a real difference.
The curriculum looks a lot like you'd expect.
Catholic schools teach the NSW curriculum and are proud of the academic achievements of our students. Religious Education is designed for students of any religious or non-religious background. For those students who are Catholic, it aims to support them in understanding their faith. For other students, it aims to help them learn more about a Catholic understanding of life.
Academic results speak for themselves.
Catholic schools consistently punch above their weight - strong HSC results, dedicated teachers and a genuine sense of community that means every student is known and supported.
The benefits last well beyond graduation.
A 2025 study using HILDA data found Catholic school graduates were, on average, more likely to be employed, reported higher life satisfaction and better general health, were more likely to donate to charity, and earned a 4-11% wage premium vs government-school peers after controls.
And the fees question - it's more affordable than people assume.
Catholic education isn't the exclusive, expensive world some parents imagine. Fees are kept as low as possible, with families paying less each day than they'd spend on everyday essentials like lunch or parking. Sibling discounts are available, flexible payment plans are standard and schools work with families experiencing genuine financial hardship. No family is turned away simply because of their inability to pay.
The bottom line:
Catholic schools today are inclusive, high-achieving, values-driven communities. The best way to see what one is really like is to experience it firsthand. Attend an open day or speak with staff about the programs and community that make each school unique.
Curious what this looks like in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains?
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is a community of 80 schools where every family is welcomed and supported to thrive. With affordable fees, high-quality learning programs, state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on wellbeing and belonging, CSPD schools empower every child to strive for greatness.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
RELIGIOUS LIFE AT HOLY FAMILY PRIMARY EMERTON Over the past few weeks, our students have had wonderful opportunities to put their faith into action and engage with our parish community. A highlight was our annual Vinnies Winter Sleepout Event, which encouraged students to learn more about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and to respond with compassion and generosity. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the families who generously donated food. Your support helped make the event a meaningful experience for our students and demonstrated the strength of our Holy Family community. Our Upper Primary students also had the privilege of joining our parish community to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass. Students participated reverently in the liturgy, leading the Prayers of the Faithful and contributing to the celebration alongside our parishioners. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to live out their faith, strengthen their connection with the parish, and reflect on the love and compassion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We thank our students, staff, families, and parish community for their ongoing support in nurturing faith-filled hearts and a spirit of service.
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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.
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29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
RELIGIOUS LIFE AT HOLY FAMILY PRIMARY EMERTON Over the past few weeks, our students have had wonderful opportunities to put their faith into action and engage with our parish community. A highlight was our annual Vinnies Winter Sleepout Event, which encouraged students to learn more about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and to respond with compassion and generosity. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the families who generously donated food. Your support helped make the event a meaningful experience for our students and demonstrated the strength of our Holy Family community. Our Upper Primary students also had the privilege of joining our parish community to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass. Students participated reverently in the liturgy, leading the Prayers of the Faithful and contributing to the celebration alongside our parishioners. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to live out their faith, strengthen their connection with the parish, and reflect on the love and compassion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We thank our students, staff, families, and parish community for their ongoing support in nurturing faith-filled hearts and a spirit of service.
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15 May 2026
From Facebook
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?
24 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Yesterday morning, Holy Family Primary Emerton came alive with colour and excitement as families gathered for our Easter Hat Parade. Students proudly displayed their wonderfully creative hats, delighting the crowd and bringing plenty of smiles. The festivities continued with an Easter raffle that added to the fun, along with a special visit from the Easter Bunny, who was a big hit with the children. It was a fantastic morning that brought our school community together in celebration.
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Principal’s Morning Tea Term 1 2026 Once a term at Holy Family Primary Emerton we acknowledge the efforts of children who consistently try to be responsible, do the right thing and be the best they can be. These children are invited to a special morning tea with the Principal and are presented with a certificate of appreciation. Congratulations to those students who have been selected in Term 1 to attend the Principal's Morning Tea that took place earlier this week 🤩🎖
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
We’re enrolling now! At Holy Family Primary School Emerton, every member of our school community matters. We have so much to offer - discover what makes Holy Family a wonderful place to learn and grow. Learn more here: https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-day/hfemerton
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
10 Mar 2026
From Facebook
NAPLAN season is here, but how much does it really matter? 🤔 Learn what it measures, what it doesn’t and how to support your child with confidence in 2026. Read our guide (1 min read) 👉 https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/2026-03-NAPLAN-fb