Emmaus Catholic College is celebrating outstanding academic growth after being recognised among the top performing secondary schools in New South Wales for improvements in literacy and numeracy.
In a comparison of Year 7 and Year 9 results (2023-2025), Emmaus recorded an impressive average NAPLAN improvement of 36 points and was recognised by The Sydney Morning Herald as one of the top 160 schools achieving the biggest gains in literacy and numeracy in NSW.
The result places Emmaus among ten Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools recognised in the list and reflects a strong and sustained commitment to educational excellence across the system.
Executive General Manager – Learning Outcomes, Pat Ellis, praised the accomplishment and the dedication of staff and students.
“We’re so proud of these schools and their excellent NAPLAN results that show significant growth in student outcomes, ” Mr Ellis said.
In 2025, CSPD introduced the Effective Learning and Teaching Model, as part of their overall Uplift approach to build on strong classroom practice and strengthen explicit teaching strategies through evidence-based research about how students learn best.
With a focus on enriching the lives of students through education grounded in excellence, inclusion and Catholic tradition, CSPD is committed to uplifting teaching and learning outcomes for all 80 schools across the Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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25 May 2026
Emmaus Catholic College Celebrates Outstanding NAPLAN Growth
Emmaus Catholic College is celebrating outstanding academic growth after being recognised among the top performing secondary schools in New South Wales for improvements in literacy and numeracy.
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💙 AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA 🫖 In support of Cancer Council Australia, Emmaus staff hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, raising funds for people impacted by cancer. 🥰 The funds raised will be invested into research, support for families impacted by cancer and into preventative campaigns, helping us take one step closer to a cancer-reduced future. 🙌 A special thank you to Emmaus HSIE teacher, Mr Jack Murphy for organising and coordinating our morning tea, as well as our friends over at Bakers Delight St Marys and Woolworths Marayong who donated a number of baked goods for our event. 😊 #EmmausCatholicCollege #AustraliasBiggestMorningTea #CancerCouncil
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🔥LET’S GO AKOL ⚽ We are bursting with excitement for Year 12 student, Akol A, who will be playing in Saturday’s A-League Grand Final against Auckland FC! 💪 Akol is the youngest player to compete in a football A-League Grand Final - saying we are proud of him is an understatement. 🥰 You can watch Akol on Channel 10 at 6:10pm, and can read more about Akol’s Grand Final debut by clicking the link: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/akol-akon-eyes-aleague-championship-as-perfect-17th-birthday-present/news-story/c8b2c1032ee149eef80a124cc05bc349 Best of luck Akol, your Emmaus community is cheering you on! 👏 #EmmausCatholicCollege #AkolAkon #SydneyFC
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🔥 HOLY SPIRIT PARISH, ST CLAIR FEAST DAY 🎉 You’re invited to attend the Holy Spirit Parish’s Pentecost Feast Day: 📅 Sunday, 24th May, 2026 ⏰ 9:30am 📍 5 Todd Row, St Clair NSW 2759 The Parish will host face painting, a jumping castle, games, zumba, a sausage sizzle and other entertainment. Feel free to bring a dish of food to share and wear something red to celebrate the occasion. 😊 If you would like to volunteer to help with the coordination of the event or have any questions, please contact Trina on 0411 344 613.
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🌟STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Year 12 student, Claudia D, recently participated in the Ronald McDonald House’s ‘Dance for Sick Kids’ initiative, where she danced to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House. 💃 The Ronald McDonald House supports thousands of children and their families enabling them to stay together while promoting healing and connection. It is individuals like Claudia who help support the sustainability of the Ronald McDonald House and the families who access the service. 🙌 We commend Claudia for participating in this worthy cause blending her passion for advocacy and dance. You can donate to the Ronald McDonald house by following the link: https://www.danceforsickkids.com/fundraisers/claudiad/dance-for-sick-kids-2026 #EmmausCatholicCollege #StudentSpotlight #DanceforSickKids
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🌟 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Year 12 student, Angelina D, is participating in the Walk for Autism this May! 🚶👣 So far, Angelina has taken over 39,000 steps in support of the 70% of people with Autism who face mental health challenges. Her participation in this initiative aligns with her advocacy for mental health, people with disabilities and youth, whom she advocates for through the Youth Parliament program. 🙌 We congratulate Angelina for her continued advocacy efforts. If you would like to support Angelina and the Walk for Autism cause, please click the following link: https://www.walkforautism.org.au/fundraiser/angelinadicenso/walk-for-autism #WalkforAutism #EmmausCatholicCollege
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From Facebook
We are excited to share that our College has been recognised in the top 160 schools for school improvement growth in NAPLAN. 😀 This is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff members who deliver quality teaching and a genuine care for student growth. 🙌
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From Facebook
🤍 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 💐 This Sunday, we recognise the irreplaceable role mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers and mother-like figures play in our everyday lives. They provide a guiding light, strength, inspiration and unconditional love as we walk our life journeys. ☀️ Our students were asked to write words that describe their mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers and mother-like figures. The words written encapsulates their immense love, care and appreciation for these special women. ✨ Happy Mother’s Day! 🥰
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💙 Emmaus is going BLUE for ‘Do It For Dolly Day’ 💙 This year, Emmaus will be supporting Do It For Dolly Day in remembrance of 14-year-old Australian girl Dolly Everett, who tragically lost her life after experiencing bullying. As part of a Jordan House initiative, on Wednesday, 13th May students are encouraged to get involved by wearing a blue accessory to show support, spread kindness and help create a community where everyone feels safe, valued and included. ✨ To celebrate the day, the College will also be holding a house basketball game, with everyone invited to get involved, show their House spirit and stand together against bullying! 🏀 Let’s all do our part to make a stand against bullying and encourage everyone to be kind, speak up and make a difference. 🙌 #DoItForDollyDay #EmmausCatholicCollege
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⏰ WHAT’S ON AT EMMAUS IN WEEKS 1 & 2? 🗓️ We welcome our students back to school for Term 2, and hope they enjoyed their Easter break. ☺️ A friendly reminder that all students return on Tuesday, 21st April — we wish our students a productive fortnight ahead! 📚