Photo: Joint Secondary Video Winner, Joseph Chahine from Parramatta Marist High
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.
Held as part of Refugee Week under the 2026 theme, ‘A Million Stories’, the competition invited students to respond creatively through artwork, writing or video, sharing messages of hope and belonging for refugees and people seeking asylum.
JRS Schools and Community Engagement Officer, Kristen Lazarus, said this year’s entries were inspiring.
“We were incredibly inspired by the nearly 150 entries we received from students across Australia, each one reflecting thoughtful messages of belonging, hope, and the richness of a multicultural Australia,” said Kristen.
Photo: Primary Artwork Winner, Maria Gerges from St Patrick’s Primary Guildford
CSPD students made an outstanding contribution to the competition, their moving submissions reflecting the compassion and social justice values nurtured through Catholic education.
“We were delighted to welcome so many CSPD students and their families to our Refugee Week exhibition…a wonderful celebration of art, storytelling and community. Their creativity demonstrates how young people can help build a more welcoming and inclusive community through the stories they choose to tell,” JRS’s Kristen Lazarus said.
An impressive 14 of the 19 shortlisted works were created by CSPD students.
Among the award recipients were:
Primary School Artwork
Maria Gerges (St Patrick's Primary Guildford) - First Place
Tala Haddad (St Patrick's Primary Guildford) - Second Place
Arianna (St Mary's Primary Rydalmere) - Third Place
Ethan (St Mary's Primary Rydalmere) - Highly Commended
Rose (St Mary's Primary Rydalmere) - Highly Commended
Elina (St Mary's Primary Rydalmere) - Highly Commended
Secondary School Artwork
Bianca Mekdess (Cerdon College Merrylands) - Second Place
Kashish Bafna (Catherine McAuley Westmead) - Highly Commended
Secondary School Video
Benjamin Kalouche and Joseph Chahine (Parramatta Marist High) - First Place
Secondary School Written Work
Evanshka Jeyasotharan (Catherine McAuley Westmead) - First Place
Maryam Yamayan (Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park) - Second Place
Alexander Tran (Parramatta Marist High) - Third Place
Alphen Albert (Parramatta Marist High) - Highly Commended
Jared Caucan (St Patrick's Primary Parramatta) - Second Place
Photo: Third Place Primary Artwork by Arianna from St Mary's Primary Rydalmere
Photo: Second Place Primary Artwork by Tala Haddad from St Patrick's Primary Guildford
The shortlisted students and their families were invited to attend a Refugee Leadership Exhibition hosted by JRS Australia in Surry Hills on Friday 26 June, where their work was showcased alongside moving stories and creative pieces highlighting the experiences and resilience of refugees and people seeking asylum.
Many of the student artists, writers and filmmakers also shared personal reflections about their work, with some drawing on their own family migration and refugee experiences to create deeply meaningful entries.
The competition provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage with the stories of others, reflect on the importance of welcome and inclusion and use their creativity to advocate for compassion and justice.
Photo: JRS’s Kristen Lazarus (centre) with award recipients Kashish (L) and Evanshka (R)
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
16 Jul 2026
From Facebook
💛🧶 Kindness is Contagious 🧶💛 As part of B Kinder Week, Elora wanted to spread a little joy throughout our school community. She came up with the wonderful idea of holding a Beanie Colouring-in Competition in the lead-up to our annual Vinnies Scarf and Beanie Winter Appeal. Students from every grade enthusiastically joined in, creating fantastic and colourful entries that made choosing the winners a very difficult task! A huge thank you to Elora’s family for generously donating four beanies as prizes for our lucky winners. We are so proud of Elora for showing such wonderful initiative, creativity and compassion. Her thoughtful idea brought smiles to so many faces and reminded us all that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. Kindness really is contagious! 💙✨ #BKinderWeek #KindnessIsContagious #ChooseKindness #StudentLeadership #MakingADifference #VinniesWinterAppeal #SchoolCommunity #CompassionInAction #ActsOfKindness #ProudMoment #PrimarySchool #LearningThroughService
14 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🌱♻️ Year 3 Science – Sustainable Table Organisers ♻️🌱 Our Year 3 students have been busy in Science, designing and creating their own table organisers using recycled materials. The challenge was to create something that is practical, functional and easily accessible while helping to keep their desks organised. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, problem-solving skills and commitment to sustainability shine through in their unique designs. Well done, Year 3, on your innovative thinking and fantastic creations! #Year3 #Science #STEM #Sustainability #Recycling #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #HandsOnLearning #FutureFocused #LearningThroughDoing #CatholicEducation #PrimarySchool #SchoolLife #ProudSchoolCommunity
More News
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.
16 Jul 2026
From Facebook
💛🧶 Kindness is Contagious 🧶💛 As part of B Kinder Week, Elora wanted to spread a little joy throughout our school community. She came up with the wonderful idea of holding a Beanie Colouring-in Competition in the lead-up to our annual Vinnies Scarf and Beanie Winter Appeal. Students from every grade enthusiastically joined in, creating fantastic and colourful entries that made choosing the winners a very difficult task! A huge thank you to Elora’s family for generously donating four beanies as prizes for our lucky winners. We are so proud of Elora for showing such wonderful initiative, creativity and compassion. Her thoughtful idea brought smiles to so many faces and reminded us all that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. Kindness really is contagious! 💙✨ #BKinderWeek #KindnessIsContagious #ChooseKindness #StudentLeadership #MakingADifference #VinniesWinterAppeal #SchoolCommunity #CompassionInAction #ActsOfKindness #ProudMoment #PrimarySchool #LearningThroughService
14 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🌱♻️ Year 3 Science – Sustainable Table Organisers ♻️🌱 Our Year 3 students have been busy in Science, designing and creating their own table organisers using recycled materials. The challenge was to create something that is practical, functional and easily accessible while helping to keep their desks organised. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, problem-solving skills and commitment to sustainability shine through in their unique designs. Well done, Year 3, on your innovative thinking and fantastic creations! #Year3 #Science #STEM #Sustainability #Recycling #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #HandsOnLearning #FutureFocused #LearningThroughDoing #CatholicEducation #PrimarySchool #SchoolLife #ProudSchoolCommunity
09 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐️🧱 Lego Showcase Success! 🧱⭐️ In week 11 our Lego Lunch Club was buzzing with creativity as we celebrated our Lego Showcase! Students proudly displayed the incredible creations they have built throughout the term, sharing their imagination, creativity and engineering skills with others. Students also had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, get building and create even more amazing Lego masterpieces. It was wonderful to see so much creativity, teamwork and problem-solving on display as students inspired one another with their unique ideas. Congratulations to all of our talented builders on their fantastic efforts. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next! #LegoLunchClub #LegoShowcase #CreativeMinds #STEMLearning #ProblemSolving #Teamwork #Innovation #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #StudentSuccess #SchoolLife #PrimarySchool #ProudSchoolCommunity
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.
07 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🎨🖌️ Year 6 Art Exhibition 🖌️🎨 Last week Year 6 proudly hosted their Art Exhibition, showcasing a stunning series of artworks inspired by renowned Australian artist Sidney Nolan. Throughout the term, students explored Nolan’s distinctive style by experimenting with simplified shapes, visible brushstrokes and bold colours, while incorporating a personal theme that gave each series unique meaning. It was wonderful to see students confidently share not only their creative talents but also the deeper stories and inspiration behind their artworks. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, creativity and thoughtful reflections throughout this project. Congratulations, Year 6, on a truly inspiring exhibition! #Year6 #ArtExhibition #SidneyNolan #CreativeArts #StudentCreativity #VisualArts #AustralianArt #LearningThroughArt #StudentVoice #CreativeLearning #ProudSchoolCommunity #PrimarySchool #FutureArtists #StMatthewsWindsor
05 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🙏🏻 💫 Faith in Action Awards - Term 2, Week 11💫 🙏🏻 Congratulations to our learner who put their Faith in Action this week by letting their light shine. Through their kindness, compassion, service and commitment to living out our school values, they have been a wonderful role model for others. #FaithInAction #LetYourLightShine #BeTheLight #CatholicEducation #LivingOurFaith #GospelValues #FaithAndLearning #StudentAchievement #SchoolCommunity #CelebratingSuccess #KindnessInAction #StMatthews
04 Jul 2026
From Facebook
✈️🪽 Flying High Awards and Wings – Term 2, Week 11 🪽✈️ Congratulations to this week’s Flying High Award and Wing recipients! These learners have consistently demonstrated what it means to be Safe, Respectful and Responsible Learners. We are incredibly proud of their positive attitude, dedication and commitment to our school values. Keep up the fantastic work! #FlyingHighAwards #FlyingHighWings #SafeRespectfulResponsible #StudentSuccess #SchoolValues #PositiveLearners #ProudSchoolCommunity #CelebratingSuccess #StudentAchievement #StMatthews
04 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 🏆 Principal Awards - Term 2, Week 11 🏆 ⭐️ Mr Ticehurst is proud to recognise this week’s Principal Award recipient, who has demonstrated positive learning habits and maintained a growth mindset. We celebrate their achievement and consistent effort as they strive for their personal best. #PrincipalAwards #StudentAchievement #GrowthMindset #PositiveLearning #LearningExcellence #StudentSuccess #SchoolPride #CelebratingSuccess #PersonalBest #FutureLeaders #StMatthews
03 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🌟🏫 100% Attendance Afternoon Tea 🏫🌟 Congratulations to our student who enjoyed a special afternoon tea with Mr Ticehurst to celebrate an incredible achievement of 100% attendance for Semester 1! Your commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning are truly inspiring. Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve. Well done on this fantastic accomplishment! #AttendanceMatters #100PercentAttendance #StudentSuccess #WellDone #SchoolCelebration #EveryDayCounts #LearningEveryDay #SchoolPride
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 👨🏫 Principal’s Afternoon Tea 👨🏫 ⭐️ Congratulations to our Principal’s Award recipients for Term 2 who enjoyed an afternoon tea with Mr Ticehurst today. We are very proud of all their achievements. #PrincipalsAward #AfternoonTea #StudentAchievement #CelebratingSuccess #ProudPrincipal #StudentExcellence #WellDone #SchoolPride #LearningAndGrowing #PositiveRoleModels #CatholicEducation #PrimarySchool #SchoolCommunity #Term2 #Congratulations
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
💙🤝 Vinnies Encounter Day 🤝💙 Last Monday, our school representatives attended the Vinnies Encounter Day, where they explored the realities and causes of homelessness through a range of interactive scenarios and activities. The day challenged students to develop a deeper understanding of the complex issues that can lead to homelessness and inspired them to think about how they can make a difference. Our students returned filled with enthusiasm and compassion, sharing their ideas with Mr Ticehurst about ways our school community can support the work of Vinnies. We look forward to putting many of these ideas into action as we continue to live out our Gospel values of service, empathy and justice. #VinniesEncounterDay #VinniesNSW #FaithInAction #ServiceLearning #CatholicEducation #LivingTheGospel #Compassion #Empathy #SocialJustice #MakingADifference #StudentLeadership #CatholicSchools #SchoolCommunity #TogetherWeCan #ServingOthers
01 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🙏💙 Community Prayer 💙🙏 Last Thursday, our school community gathered in the beautiful St Matthew’s Prayer Garden for a special Parents and Grandparents Led Community Prayer, celebrating the Nativity of John the Baptist. Together, parents and grandparents prayerfully led their children in reflecting on the life of John the Baptist, whose mission was to prepare the way for Jesus. “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” — Luke 1:76 Just as John lovingly prepared people’s hearts to welcome Christ, parents and grandparents are called to prepare the hearts of their children to know, love and follow Jesus. Thank you to all of our parents, grandparents and children who shared in this beautiful morning of prayer. May we continue to walk together in faith, preparing the way for Christ in our homes, our school and our community. #CommunityPrayer #CatholicEducation #FaithInAction #JohnTheBaptist #PreparingTheWay #GrowingInFaith #PrayerGarden #FamilyFaith #ParentsAndGrandparents #SchoolCommunity #WalkingTogetherInFaith #StMatthews #CatholicSchools #FaithHopeLove
30 Jun 2026
From Facebook
🤸♀️💃🏼 Hawkesbury Show! 💃🏼🤸♀️ We are so proud of our Senior Dance, Gymnastics Group and Junior Dance students for their amazing performances at the Hawkesbury Show at the beginning of the term. Every single performer represented our school beautifully with confidence, energy and huge smiles. They all looked absolutely wonderful out on the floor and should be so proud of themselves. Thank you to our families and supporters for getting the girls show-ready and cheering them on every step of the way! #HawkesburyShow #SchoolPride #DancePerformance #Gymnastics #JuniorDance #SeniorDance #StudentSuccess #PerformingArts #SchoolCommunity #ProudMoment #ConfidenceAndTeamwork #CelebratingSuccess #PrimarySchoolLife #OurStudentsShine
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
🐾 🐶 Responsible Pet Program K–2 🐶 🐾 In week 9 our Kindergarten to Year 2 students participated in the Responsible Pet Program, where they learnt important skills for interacting safely and responsibly with dogs. Through engaging information sessions, singing, role-playing and dancing, students discovered how to recognise safe behaviours around dogs, understand a dog’s feelings and body language, and make positive choices when meeting or spending time with dogs. It was wonderful to see our students actively involved in the learning and building valuable knowledge that will help keep both children and pets safe. #ResponsiblePetProgram #DogSafety #SafeAroundDogs #PetEducation #LearningThroughPlay #StudentLearning #PrimarySchool #SchoolLife #RespectAndResponsibility #KeepingSafe #Kindergarten #Year1 #Year2 #ProudToLearn #SchoolCommunity