St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley students with their award.
St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley has won the NSW Space Discovery Program Industry Award.
The award was presented at the recent showcase event, which included 14 schools from around the state, with St Bernadette's and St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood representing Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD).
Judges were very impressed with the project from the St Bernadette's team, which focused on addressing problems faced by people in war torn countries. The students identified access to food supplies during times of conflict as an area of need. Inspired by freeze dried foods originally developed for space missions, the innovative young thinkers designed a drone delivery system powered by solar energy.
The NSW Space Discovery program is a space education program for NSW primary schools delivered by The Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) and technology education (EdTech) company Makers Empire, in partnership with the NSW Government.
"The level of student engagement was amazing,” said the St Bernadette’s teachers.
St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley sent two teams of students from Years 5 and 6 to the showcase, while St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood sent two teams from Years 4 and 5.
Participation in the program includes professional development for teachers, 3D design software, hardware, tools and resources from Makers Empire, a new Space Discovery Challenge Course in the Makers Empire app, and a student showcase for students to come together and share their learning.
The St Thomas Aquinas Springwood team with their final design.
“We enjoyed discovering more about space, learning about the 3D design process, and seeing the creative ideas that other schools had,” said Nele, a student at St Thomas Aquinas. “It allowed us to collaborate with other students who had similar interests, making it a rewarding learning experience," added Bede.
"It was inspiring to see how engaged the students were and how much they grew from the experience," said teachers from St Thomas Aquinas. "They learned to collaborate effectively and became more confident in sharing their ideas with professionals and peers from other schools.”
Students worked tirelessly all term and with the support of their teachers, used Makers Empire 3D design software, to bring their ideas to life.
"These programs are so beneficial," said Clare Willemse, CSPD Digital Learning Specialist Teacher. "It has been a privilege for my colleague Rachael Usher and I, supporting these wonderful schools and seeing their projects come to life. I was so proud seeing the students present their amazing designs and projects. It was a wonderful experience to see students grow in their problem solving, digital learning and stem skills to share their creativity to answer a need linked to Space."
"All the designs and research were fascinating, and even though only two groups won, we were all winners in the end,” said Alice, a student at St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood.
View the photos from this event
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This term, our Year 3 and 4 students have had the wonderful opportunity to learn about Darug culture through their involvement with the Jannawi Dance Clan. Over the past six weeks, students have been guided in both traditional and contemporary cultural dance practices, exploring storytelling through movement with a focus on the Australian Native Honeybee. Today, they were excited to share a dance that communicates the significance of the Native Honeybee and highlights the sustainable practices of the Dharug People when sourcing honey. Throughout the program, students have also developed an understanding of how music, props, and language play an important role in cultural storytelling.
Latest News More news
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This term, our Year 3 and 4 students have had the wonderful opportunity to learn about Darug culture through their involvement with the Jannawi Dance Clan. Over the past six weeks, students have been guided in both traditional and contemporary cultural dance practices, exploring storytelling through movement with a focus on the Australian Native Honeybee. Today, they were excited to share a dance that communicates the significance of the Native Honeybee and highlights the sustainable practices of the Dharug People when sourcing honey. Throughout the program, students have also developed an understanding of how music, props, and language play an important role in cultural storytelling.
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
On Monday our Year 4 students participated in a Passover Incursion as part of their Religion learning this term. This experience supported their Scripture focus by helping them deepen their understanding of the Jewish celebration of Passover and its connection to the story of Exodus.
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today our FIAT and SRC leaders joined thousands of students at The Halogen National Young Leaders Day, where they were inspired by remarkable life stories from diverse speakers and equipped with valuable guidance on how to become exceptional leaders, amidst an exciting day of dance, games and reflection.
20 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This morning we celebrated Harmony Day with a beautiful liturgy and vibrant cultural celebration. Today we are reminded that our unique differences make us truly special and our community stronger 🧡
17 Mar 2026
From Facebook
☘️💚Wearing a touch of Green we are celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day! A big thank you to our Year One parents for supporting our first canteen day for 2026. The Saint Patrick’s Day treats were a hit! Thank you to the parents who came and set up and served this morning.☘️💚
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today our FIAT and SRC students participated in the Big Water Walk💧A Caritas Project Compassion event that raises awareness and funds for communities facing water scarcity. The children developed empathy and a deeper understanding of global inequality by physically experiencing a small part of the daily challenges others face as they carried their buckets of water around the Parramatta area. 🪣 #faithinactioncspd
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A great day for a run! The boys and girls ran the cross country with spirit and determination last Friday. Well done to all of the children.
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
07 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A wonderful afternoon of rug reading! It was a hot afternoon but it didn’t stop us from getting our rugs out and enjoying a book with great company. Thank you to those who joined us to finish off a wonderful Catholic schools week.
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Tonight several of our Year 3 students celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. It was a beautiful and prayerful celebration. We are so proud of the reverence, faith and reflection our students showed as they took this important step in their sacramental journey. Thank you to the families and to Rita who supported and prepared the children for this special Sacrament.