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
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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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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
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