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.
Now in its 40th year, Voice of Youth continues to encourage students to think critically, speak confidently and share their perspectives on issues that matter to them, while developing skills that will support them well beyond the classroom.
Selected from approximately 2,600 students who competed across CSPD’s diocesan clusters, the six Grand Final finalists were:
- Archer N. from Sacred Heart Primary Westmead, “The Unknown Terrain of High School”
- Priya I. from St Matthew’s Primary Windsor, “The World's Greatest Superpower is Empathy”
- Saraya W. from St Angela's Primary Castle Hill, “The Unknown Soldier: The Voice We Carry Forward”
- William O. from St Bernadette’s Primary Castle Hill, “Be Your Best Friend, Not Your Worst Enemy”
- Dominic B. from Trinity Catholic Primary Kemps Creek, “Look Up - The Negative Impacts that Technology Has on Our Social Life”
- Sienna L. from St Luke's Catholic College Marsden Park, “The Effects of Social Media on our Health”
Voice of Youth organiser and MC Attila Lendvai, Principal of Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, has been involved with the competition for many years and continues to see the value it provides students.
“Voice of Youth is about much more than just public speaking, it's about nurturing the skills that sit beneath effective communication,” Attila said. “And in a world that increasingly demands clear, courageous and compassionate communication, the ability to express ideas effectively has never been more important.”
Students are judged across a range of criteria, including the quality of their thesis statement, speech delivery, gestures, tone of voice and overall effect.
Archer from Sacred Heart Primary Westmead was named the 2026 Voice of Youth winner for his speech, “The Unknown Terrain of High School”, which compared the transition to high school to starting a new video game:
“Every great game starts with an unexplored map. The challenge seems difficult at first, but with every step we gain experience and skills. High school may be unknown terrain today, but one day we will look back and realise it was never about knowing the whole map. It was about being brave enough to press start.”
For Archer, the topic also reflected his own experience of change this year, following the merger of his former school, Mother Teresa Primary, into a new Sacred Heart Primary Westmead.
“The original school I was at was Mother Teresa Primary, and at the beginning of this term there's a new building on site and we've actually merged the schools to become Sacred Heart Primary,” Archer said. “It's a bit like the experience of going to high school and finding new friends as well.”
The overall runner-up was Priya from St Matthew’s Primary Windsor, recognised for her speech, “The World's Greatest Superpower is Empathy”:
“The best superheroes don't just save cities, they save confidence, friendships and sometimes they save someone from feeling completely invisible. And here's the best news: you don't need a cape, you don't need muscles, you don't need to be popular. Every person here already has the superpower, you just have to choose it.”
Special guest Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv applauded the finalists for their talent, creativity and ability to engage with important issues.
“I was in awe of the depths of their talent, their creativity, and their ability to think critically,” said Bishop Vincent. “I think that's something that I am so encouraged by. They are able to reflect on the many issues that they care about.”
For 40 years, Voice of Youth has provided generations of young people across CSPD with an opportunity to find their voice, build confidence and engage with issues affecting their communities and the wider world.
“This has been a long-standing tradition that inspires, challenges and empowers young people across our diocese,” Attila said. “For four decades, this competition has proved a unique opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate their voice.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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27 Sep 2026
From Facebook
2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.24 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Holy Family on achieving your whole school reward for Term 3! 🎉🏆 Students celebrated today with a session of Putt Party! ⛳️ It was wonderful to see all our students using their grit and teamwork to cheer each other on as they completed different themed courses. 👏 This day was to celebrate the way the students have worked hard to live safely, learn daily and love respect while navigating such a busy term. 🌟📚 Keep up the good work Holy Family! 🙌✨
More News
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.
27 Sep 2026
From Facebook
2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.
24 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Holy Family on achieving your whole school reward for Term 3! 🎉🏆 Students celebrated today with a session of Putt Party! ⛳️ It was wonderful to see all our students using their grit and teamwork to cheer each other on as they completed different themed courses. 👏 This day was to celebrate the way the students have worked hard to live safely, learn daily and love respect while navigating such a busy term. 🌟📚 Keep up the good work Holy Family! 🙌✨
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
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From Facebook
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09 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Year 2 has been exploring time in Maths! ⏰ We looked at clocks 🕰️ learning how to read o'clock, half past, quarter-to, and quarter-past times. 🕘 Halfway through, we switched gears! ⚙️ Now we are looking at the duration of different events ⏱️ and will be exploring a calendar 📅 to countdown to different events... we might start with working out how many school days until the holidays!! 🎒➡️🏖️ 🎭 Year 3 Drama Literacy 🎭 During Drama Literacy, Year 3 explored the idea of accidents through the familiar story of Humpty Dumpty 🥚✨. Students used their bodies to embody different types of accidents, thinking creatively about how each situation might look and feel. They then explored the emotions of shock, determination, terror and pride 😲💪😱🌟, using facial expressions, body movements and poses to communicate each feeling — all without saying a word! 🎭👏
06 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Heavenly Father, You entrusted Your Son Jesus to the care of Joseph, an earthly father. Bless all fathers and father figures as they care for their families. Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience. Support them in their daily work, and let Your face shine upon them with grace and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏻 Wishing all the special men in the Holy Family community a happy Father’s Day⭐️💙⭐️
04 Sep 2026
From Facebook
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From Facebook
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01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Celebrating Our School Community, Safely 💙 You may begin to notice some changes in the way we share photos of our students on our public social media pages. We love giving our families a glimpse into school life and celebrating the learning, achievements, friendships, faith experiences and special moments that make our community so wonderful. However, as technology continues to evolve, particularly with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and the ways images can be accessed, altered and shared online, we are becoming increasingly mindful of how we share identifiable images of our students publicly. Our students’ privacy and online safety must always come first. Don’t worry, our socials aren’t disappearing! We will continue to celebrate all the wonderful things happening across our school, from learning and sporting achievements to liturgies, excursions, performances and special events. You may simply notice fewer full-face or individually identifiable photographs of students appearing on our public social media pages. 📱 Families won’t miss out! More photos and special moments will be shared directly with our families through Compass, providing a more appropriate space for us to celebrate and share our students’ experiences. The way we share may be changing, but there will certainly be no shortage of wonderful things to celebrate. 💙 Thank you for supporting us as we continue to navigate an ever-changing digital world while keeping the safety, privacy and wellbeing of our students at the centre of our decisions. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
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27 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🎶📚 A SYMPHONY OF STORIES! 📚🎶 Today, our school was filled with characters, creativity and a whole lot of BOOK WEEK MAGIC! ✨📖🎭 In celebration of Children’s Book Week 2026 and this year’s theme, ‘Symphony of Stories’, our students brought the pages of their favourite books to life! 🌟 Just like a symphony brings together different instruments to create something wonderful, stories bring together different characters, voices, adventures and ideas to create a world of imagination. 🎶📚💫 From magical creatures and courageous heroes to much-loved storybook characters, our school was certainly making some beautiful literary music today! 🧙♀️🦸♂️🐻📚 A huge thank you to our wonderful families and staff for helping make today such a special celebration of the joy of reading. 💛 🎶 Every story has a voice. Every book has an adventure. Together, they create our Symphony of Stories! 📖✨ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
25 Aug 2026
From Facebook
In Maths, Year 2 has been learning about 2D shapes 📐. We explored the language of quarter-turns, half-turns and full-turns 🔄. We used the Beebots 🐝 to strengthen our understanding of the language and compared it to the clock ⏰ to discuss clockwise and anticlockwise. Check out our Year 2 mathematicians hard at work! 🗺️ Mapping Our Way! 🧭✨ Year 3 students have been learning how to draw and read maps using legends and symbols! 🌏📍 They have been practising how to use symbols to represent different features and using a legend to work out what each symbol means. 🔎🗺️ They’re becoming confident little mapmakers! 👏✨
23 Aug 2026
From Facebook
📚✨ BOOK WEEK IS HERE! ✨📚 Get ready to celebrate Children’s Book Week 2026 – Symphony of Stories! 🎶📖 We have a fantastic week ahead filled with books, imagination and plenty of fun, including our Book Performance, Book Fair, Author Visit, family picnic and our much-loved Character Parade! 🌟 📅 Thursday 27 August is our BIG celebration! 🧺 1:40pm – Families are invited to bring a picnic blanket or cushions, find a spot on the grass and share a book with your child. 🎭 2:30pm – Stay and enjoy our Character Parade on P2! Students are invited to come dressed as a favourite book character and don’t forget to bring your completed Character Profile with you! We can’t wait to see our school come alive with a Symphony of Stories! 📚🎶✨