Cerdon College Merrylands, and CathWest Innovation College Mount Druitt, were awarded $6,070 and $5,000 respectively to deliver innovative STEM initiatives designed to build student skills, confidence and pathways into future careers.
Administered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, the funding supports NSW high school and tertiary students participating in STEM- related courses, competitions and events through several programs including the Science & Engineering Challenge, the STEM Equity and Access Program and the STEM Student Competition Sponsorship Program.

At Cerdon College, the funding will support the Orbispace Initiative, a STEM workshop designed to provide Year 8 students with high-quality STEM learning experiences. As an all-girls school, Cerdon aims to encourage more young women to explore STEM education and career pathways by developing students’ skills, confidence and interest in fields where female participation continues to grow.
Meanwhile, CathWest Innovation College in Mount Druitt will launch Healthcare Foundations 5-week program: Preparing future nurses for clinical placement, employment and career success. This will provide students with a headstart in the medical industry and an introduction to the healthcare sector, equipping aspiring nurses with foundational knowledge and skills to support future study, clinical placements and employment pathways.

Delivered in the heart of Greater Western Sydney, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, the program will help develop the next generation of healthcare professionals while strengthening STEM opportunities for local students.
Through these initiatives, Cerdon College and CathWest Innovation College are creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with STEM, develop industry-relevant skills and explore pathways into careers that will shape the future. CSPD thanks the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer for its financial support and ongoing commitment to increasing access, participation and equity in STEM education across NSW.
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03 Aug 2026
07 Aug 2026
Two Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools are set to expand opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) following successful funding applications through the NSW Government’s STEM Equity & Access Program 2026 – Round 2.
07 Aug 2026
Take courage… Seoul is calling!👀🇰🇷 Come hang out, grab some Korean food 🍜, enjoy K-pop 🎶, games 🎲 and good company while finding out what World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is all about. This is the launch event for the Parramatta Diocese pilgrimage to WYD Seoul 2027. If you’re a CSPD FIAT Coordinator or Teaching Scholarship student focussing on Religious Education, and your faith is important to you, we’d love to see you there. 📍 Nagle College Blacktown 🗓 Wednesday 12 August 🕡 6.30pm @catholicyouthparra @parracatholic #WYDSeoul2027 #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #studentanimator
05 Aug 2026
📚 A RECORD CROWD FOR THE 2026 ANN D CLARK LECTURE ✨ More than 600 educators, leaders and staff from across CSPD gathered for the 2026 Ann D Clark Lecture – an evening of inspiration, reflection and professional learning centred on one shared mission: helping every student thrive. ⭐ This year’s keynote speaker, Professor Lorraine Hammond, explored ‘The Bridge to Excellence’, sharing insights into evidence-informed teaching, explicit instruction and the science of learning. The evening highlighted CSPD’s commitment to Uplift and our continued focus on high impact, evidence-informed teaching practices that support every student to reach their potential. 🔗 Read more here: https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/whats-on/latest-news/2026/08/05/04/42/ann-d-clark-lecture-challenges-educators-to-build-the-bridge-to-excellence?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
06 Aug 2026
📚 A RECORD CROWD FOR THE 2026 ANN D CLARK LECTURE ✨ More than 600 educators, leaders and staff from across CSPD gathered for the 2026 Ann D Clark Lecture – an evening of inspiration, reflection and professional learning centred on one shared mission: helping every student thrive. ⭐ This year’s keynote speaker, Professor Lorraine Hammond, explored ‘The Bridge to Excellence’, sharing insights into evidence-informed teaching, explicit instruction and the science of learning. The evening highlighted CSPD’s commitment to Uplift and our continued focus on high impact, evidence-informed teaching practices that support every student to reach their potential. 🔗 Read more at the link in our bio. #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #anndclark
05 Aug 2026
A record crowd of more than 600 educators, leaders and staff from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for the 2026 Ann D Clark Lecture, an evening of inspiration and professional learning focused on one shared mission: ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
04 Aug 2026
FAITH IN ACTION 💙❄️ The St Bernadette’s Primary Dundas Valley school community came together for a powerful day of prayer, reflection and service during their Vinnies NSW Winter Appeal and Vinnies Sleepout Experience. From Kindergarten to Year 3 learning about compassion through prayer and reflection, to Year 4–6 students stepping outside their comfort zones to better understand the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, the day was a meaningful reminder of the importance of empathy and action. Students were also privileged to welcome Pat from the Carlingford Vinnies Conference, who shared the incredible work of St Vincent de Paul and encouraged them to serve others with dignity, compassion and hope. 🤝
05 Aug 2026
We are pleased to release our Closing the Gap Report 2026, detailing efforts to enhance educational equity, community engagement and cultural capability across our 80 schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The Report highlights key initiatives and achievements across education, procurement, digital inclusion and social justice advocacy, including: 👉 enrolment growth and First Nations fee offering 👉 academic and senior retention gains 👉 First Nations Digital Inclusion Working Group 👉 inclusive procurement and economic participation 👉 advocacy for justice (Raise the Age) 👉 cultural safety and wellbeing Read more and access the full Closing the Gap Report 2026 at the link in our bio. #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #closingthegap
03 Aug 2026
We are pleased to release our Closing the Gap Report 2026, detailing efforts to enhance educational equity, community engagement and cultural capability across our 80 schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The Report highlights key initiatives and achievements across education, procurement, digital inclusion and social justice advocacy, including: 👉 enrolment growth and First Nations fee offering 👉 academic and senior retention gains 👉 First Nations Digital Inclusion Working Group 👉 inclusive procurement and economic participation 👉 advocacy for justice (Raise the Age) 👉 cultural safety and wellbeing Read more and access the full Closing the Gap Report 2026 here: https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/whats-on/latest-news/2026/07/28/00/05/action-and-progress-western-sydney-catholic-schools-release-2026-closing-the-gap-report
04 Aug 2026
PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION 💙❄️ Compassion was at the heart of a meaningful day of learning at St Bernadette’s Primary Dundas Valley during their Vinnies Winter Appeal and Vinnies Sleepout experience! From Kindergarten to Year 3 exploring what it means to care for others, to Year 4–6 students gaining a deeper understanding of the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness, students were encouraged to reflect on how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The school community was also privileged to welcome Pat from the Carlingford Vinnies Conference, who shared the inspiring work of St Vincent de Paul and reminded students that serving others with dignity, compassion and hope is one of the most powerful ways to live their faith. 🤝💙 @vinniesnsw @vinniesaus #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #vinnieswinterappeal
02 Aug 2026
LEARNING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS 🌿💙 Year 1 students from Our Lady of the Way School, Emu Plains, swapped their desks for the great outdoors as they explored the beauty of the Blue Mountains! Along the way, students connected with Country and discovered more about their local Aboriginal culture and history. Through hands-on experiences like these, students are building curiosity and bringing their learning to life beyond the classroom. 🍃 Learn more here: https://www.olowemuplains.catholic.edu.au/school-life/beyond-the-classroom
03 Aug 2026
GAME ON! 🏅 The Commonwealth Games came to life at St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood, with a day packed full of energy and teamwork! 🎉 From the Opening Ceremony to the final event, students gave it their all, competing with determination, cheering on their classmates and celebrating every achievement along the way. A gold medal day all round! 🥇👏 #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #commonwealthgames
01 Aug 2026
THE GAMES ARE ON! 🏅 The Commonwealth Games spirit is alive and well at St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood! 🏅🎉 From an exciting Opening Ceremony to a full day of friendly competition, teamwork and plenty of laughs, students embraced the true spirit of the Games. Whether they were competing, cheering from the sidelines or celebrating each other’s achievements, it was a day full of sportsmanship and school spirit. Now that’s going for gold! 🥇👏
02 Aug 2026
Who knows? Today’s workshop could spark tomorrow’s career 👷🔨 Students from Parramatta Marist High explored the world of construction at the James Hardie x Parramatta Eels Trade Careers Pathways Workshop, where they connected with industry leaders and discovered the many opportunities the trades have to offer. From apprenticeships to lifelong careers, students gained firsthand insights into the skills, qualifications and pathways that can help build a bright future ⭐ A hands-on experience that’s opening doors and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals 👏 @parramatta.marist #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #futurepathways
31 Jul 2026
What does a career in the trades really look like? 👷🔨 Students from Parramatta Marist High School got a firsthand look at the possibilities during the James Hardie x Parramatta Eels Trade Careers Pathways Workshop. From hearing directly from industry leaders to exploring the many pathways into construction, students discovered how their interests and skills could lead to rewarding careers in one of Australia’s fastest growing industries. A valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real world futures and start thinking about where their next steps could take them 👏
01 Aug 2026
LEARNING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS 🌿💙 Year 1 students from Our Lady of the Way Primary Emu Plains stepped outside the classroom to explore the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains. Through bushwalking and meaningful learning experiences, students connected with Country, deepened their understanding of local Aboriginal culture and history and discovered the stories held within the land. These moments of exploration and discovery help students build curiosity, make connections and see learning in a whole new way. 🍃✨ 🔗 Learn more at Our Lady of the Way Primary’s website. @ourladyofthewayemuplains #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #learningbeyondtheclassroom
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