Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot feels that consistent restrictions with clear parameters are necessary to support both students and staff.
“Though the majority of our schools already have a phones-off-and-away approach, it’s important to make clear that this is the right approach for all our students,” Jack said. “Of course, there is a place for mobile phones in our lives, but that’s not at school.”
Parent representative George Giovas agrees that school is not the place for mobile phones.
”It is important to have a consistent, proactive and collaborative approach to the issue of mobile phones,” George said.
The safety and wellbeing of all our children and teachers during school is paramount. This is something that needs to be understood, respected and adhered to.
With the social media ban for children and young people under 16 coming into effect in December, the move to restrict phone use feels particularly timely. It also provides an opportunity to encourage students to prioritise real-world interactions and build social skills accordingly. School staff will receive support in implementing this policy throughout the school day, including guidance on appropriate consequences for breaches.
Of course, a small number of carefully considered exceptions to these rules will be allowed. For example, some students with diabetes use mobile phone apps to monitor their blood sugar levels and require access to a phone for safety reasons. Digital literacy will continue to be valued, but the ban certainly supports boundary-setting and perspective.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
2025 Christmas Musical – “Jesus is the Light” Last night we celebrated the Season and Advent and Christmas with our St Mary MacKillop Christmas Musical – ‘Jesus is the Light’. It was a wonderful night full of praise to God through prayer, community partnership, colour, fabulous acting, singing and dancing. A big thank you to everyone who was able to attend. We hope the evening really kick started your Christmas celebrations and reminded you of the joy that Jesus brings to the world – He truly is the reason for the season. A night like this does not come together without lots of preparation and great teamwork, and we have a great team here at St Mary MacKillop. Huge thanks must go to: - Mr Brown, our Musical director and script writer. His talent and vision is incredible! - Miss Gillespie for her creativity, especially in the areas of costumes, props, dance troupe and stage setting. - Penrith Light and Sound for the great sound on the night. - Mrs Gillard and Mrs Jarrett for all their work behind the scenes. - The choir and Mr Brown who wrote the finale song “Jesus is the Light” - All our wonderful teachers for preparing the children so well - Our students for their acting and singing - Our super P & F for feeding the teachers and setting up the beautiful - Christmas photo booth - And finally, our wonderful audience for their presence on the night. We hope the peace and joy of Christmas has been placed in your hearts!
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
REMINDER - St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers & Mufti Day Just a friendly reminder that St Vincent de Paul Hamper donations can be sent to school anytime before Monday 8th December. Students are invited to wear their Christmas themed clothes on Monday and the P & F will also be giving away free iceblocks! Thank you, Mrs White and Mrs Gillard
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04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
2025 Christmas Musical – “Jesus is the Light” Last night we celebrated the Season and Advent and Christmas with our St Mary MacKillop Christmas Musical – ‘Jesus is the Light’. It was a wonderful night full of praise to God through prayer, community partnership, colour, fabulous acting, singing and dancing. A big thank you to everyone who was able to attend. We hope the evening really kick started your Christmas celebrations and reminded you of the joy that Jesus brings to the world – He truly is the reason for the season. A night like this does not come together without lots of preparation and great teamwork, and we have a great team here at St Mary MacKillop. Huge thanks must go to: - Mr Brown, our Musical director and script writer. His talent and vision is incredible! - Miss Gillespie for her creativity, especially in the areas of costumes, props, dance troupe and stage setting. - Penrith Light and Sound for the great sound on the night. - Mrs Gillard and Mrs Jarrett for all their work behind the scenes. - The choir and Mr Brown who wrote the finale song “Jesus is the Light” - All our wonderful teachers for preparing the children so well - Our students for their acting and singing - Our super P & F for feeding the teachers and setting up the beautiful - Christmas photo booth - And finally, our wonderful audience for their presence on the night. We hope the peace and joy of Christmas has been placed in your hearts!
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
REMINDER - St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers & Mufti Day Just a friendly reminder that St Vincent de Paul Hamper donations can be sent to school anytime before Monday 8th December. Students are invited to wear their Christmas themed clothes on Monday and the P & F will also be giving away free iceblocks! Thank you, Mrs White and Mrs Gillard
04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Whole School Advent and Christmas Prayer Celebration At Advent and Christmas Catholics pray to celebrate the birth of Jesus - the greatest gift of God’s love, and to reflect on the deeper meaning of the season beyond gifts and festivities. Jesus himself prayed often, demonstrating the importance of communication with God the Father. Through prayer, we can ask God to fill our hearts with hope, bring peace to a troubled world, and inspire us to love others as God has loved us. We can never underestimate the power of prayer and we would like to thank all our families who participated in The Christmas Prayer Celebration by writing a prayer that was either a wish for our community, thanks and gratitude, a family intention, a prayer for another or a message of peace and hope. These prayers have been linked together to create a magnificent display that is a meaningful symbol of our Catholic community this Advent and Christmas. A big thank you must go to Mrs Joseph for her organisation and to our P & F for their support!
02 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Friday, 5th December the P & F will be holding another Zooper Dooper pop up as we are expecting a very hot day. All Zooper Doopers are $1.00 each and are limited to one per child - Cash only! Thank you for your support. P & F Committee
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Year 5 had a great time at their incursion, learning all about forces and electricity. We built our own solar ovens and electric windmills.
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our P & F were busy over the weekend! Thanks to our awesome P & F and the Nepean Men’s Shed for adding to our garden. It looks amazing ❤️
24 Nov 2025
From Facebook
What's on this Week at St Mary MacKillop... Monday, 24 November Year 5 Ranger Jamie Incursion Wednesday, 26 November 9:00am-10:45am- Kindergarten 2026 Orientation Friday, 28 November P & F Zooper Dooper Day (one each per student, $1.00 each - CASH ONLY) 2pm - Whole School Prayer 2:20pm - Whole School Assembly
19 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Participate in our Christmas Prayer Celebration. Today, a note will come home from the eldest child detailing our Christmas Prayer Celebration initiative. Write a prayer on the paper strip, decorate and return to school by 28th November. The strips will be collected and will be part of our school's Christmas decorations. Thank you to the P&F for supporting this initiative and providing some of our decorations. We look forward to reading your Christmas prayer intentions.
19 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our students had an amazing time at the Basketball Gala Day today with everyone enjoying a fun filled day on the court and displaying incredible sportsmanship in every game. We’re so proud of how they supported one another and represented our school with enthusiasm and respect. A huge thank you to the wonderful parents who volunteered their time or stayed to watch and cheer on our kids. Your support made the day even more special!
18 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Good luck to Frankie S and Zeek L who are trialling for the Parramatta Diocesan Basketball Team today. We wish you all the best!
18 Nov 2025
Western Sydney Catholic Schools hold the phone
Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
17 Nov 2025
From Facebook
What's on this Week at St Mary MacKillop... Monday, 17 November Year 1 Fizzics Incursion Wednesday, 19 November Stage 2 & Stage 3 Basketball Gala Day - Penrith Valley Regional Sports Stadium 9:00-9:45am - Kindergarten 2026 Playgroup Session (4) 10:00-10:45am - Kindergarten 2026 Playgroup Session (4) 6:30pm - P & F AGM - School Hall (all parents welcome) Thursday, 20 November 9:15am - Year 5 Liturgy Friday, 21 November 2:00pm - Whole School Prayer 2:20pm - Whole School Assembly