News & Events

28 Sep 2026

Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice

Six Year 6 students from 58 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Primary schools came together at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens on 22 September for the Voice of Youth Grand Final, showcasing their public speaking skills through a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.

11 Sep 2026

From Facebook

💙 Moving forward with social media at Bethany We love sharing and celebrating the wonderful moments that make our Bethany community so special. As the digital world continues to change, we’re making some small changes to how we share these moments online. Please read the update below to learn more.

28 Aug 2026

Our schools are cracking the reading code

Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.

25 Aug 2026

From Facebook

📚✨ Bethany’s Book Character Parade is coming! Come dressed as your favourite book character and join us for an afternoon celebrating the wonderful world of stories! 📅 Friday 28th August ⏰ 12:30pm – 1:30pm Don’t forget to bring along your character’s book if you have it! 📖 Please note: For safety reasons, students are asked not to wear inflatable costumes. We can’t wait to see Bethany filled with some of our favourite book characters! 🌟

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.

17 Aug 2026

From Facebook

📚 Book Week Author Visit | Jodie McLeod On Monday 24th August, we are excited to welcome award-winning Blue Mountains children’s author Jodie McLeod to Bethany to talk with our students about her books and creative writing! Jodie’s beautifully written picture books, illustrated by Eloise Short, celebrate the birds, nature and landscapes of the Blue Mountains. Copies are available to view in our Library and Book Week window display. 📖 Purchase a personalised signed copy Families can purchase any of Jodie’s books for the special school price of $25 (RRP around $30) through her Etsy store. When checking out, please apply both coupon codes: SCHOOL – to receive the school discount LOCAL – to waive postage fees Jodie will bring all ordered books to Bethany when she visits. If you would like a personalised message in your book, simply add a note when ordering with your child’s name, class and school. Find out more about Jodie and her books: www.jodiemcleod.com/books https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/JodieMcLeodWriter

08 Aug 2026

From Facebook

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (1842–1909) Today we celebrate the feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. In 1866, Mary began the first Catholic school in Penola in a renovated stable. She went on to start the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who opened many schools, orphanages and charitable institutions throughout Australia, continuing their mission of serving those most in need.Mary MacKillop was canonised as Australia’s first saint in 2010. Throughout her life, Mary offered words of wisdom that continue to inspire us today: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” “We are but travellers here.” Today, we celebrate Mary’s holy life, her courage and her enduring legacy. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – Pray for us.

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.

24 Jul 2026

From Facebook

Our annual Book Fair is in full swing at Bethany! 📚 It's open for parents before and after school on Monday so come on in and check it out with your child (they may have had a sneak peak already)! 😝

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.

17 Jul 2026

From Facebook

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.