It is estimated the energy saved as a result of installing solar panels at 10 Catholic Schools in the Parramatta Diocese would result in 45% reduction of electricity consumed, resulting in a saving of $495k per annum.
Up to 10 Catholic Schools in the Parramatta Diocese will play a pivotal role in getting schools powered solely by renewable energy and teaching students about sustainability.
The Diocese has engaged corporate energy experts Verdia to conduct detailed site assessments and project scoping at 10 pilot schools in a bid to instal rooftop solar panels and upgrade the LED lighting.
Merrylands, Cerdon College Principal Patricia Baker said they are delighted to have been selected as a pilot school for this project.
"Given the rising cost of electricity in a school's limited budget, Cerdon College hopes to be able to make savings on its power bills while at the same time teaching students significant lessons on ways of reducing electricity consumption, efficient and renewable ways of producing electricity, whilst at the same time encouraging students to understand peak energy consumption times and relative costs of producing electricity," Mrs Baker said.
"The College hopes this program will enhance the existing STEM curriculum within the College and encourage a change in student's ideas regarding electricity usage."
Inspections of all the sites have just been completed. The focus for the inspections was to identify lighting equipment already installed, confirm technical feasibility and assess structural suitability of roofs to install recommended solar photovoltaic systems.
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Infrastructure Program Manager David Cosgrove said the proposal would be to eventually roll the project out to all 80 schools in the Diocese.
"The lighting equipment recommended during our assessment is suitable for replacement of the existing fittings and will improve the school’s learning environment," Mr Cosgrove said.
"This change provides reduction in glare, colour rendering improvement, reduction in electricity consumption.
"In addition, the lighting replacement program will reduce maintenance across all sites."
The schools on the pilot list include:
- Chisholm Primary School Bligh Park
- Xavier College Llandilo
- St Michael’s Primary School Baulkham Hill
- St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas
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10 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Join the Council of Catholic School Parents for the FREE CCSP eSafety Term 1 Webinar π Wednesday 18 March β° 7:00pmβ7:45pm Supporting Healthy Tech Use as Your Child Transitions into Secondary School: https://register.gotowebinar.com/ #chisholmcatholicprimaryschool #TechSafe #councilofcatholicschoolparents
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?
09 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Kaydence who competed at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival at Blacktown Pool. She came first in her age improving her time from last week by over 2 sec. She will now competed for Chisholm and the Parramatta Diocese later in the term at the MacKillop Swimming Trials at Homebush. Best of luck at the next level. We are very proud of you! #chisholmcatholicprimaryschool #chisholmsports #personalgrowth
06 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Catholic Schools & Wellbeing Week This week at Chisholm we celebrated Catholic Schools Week and Wellbeing Week. Throughout the week, our students focused on learning and practising emotional regulation strategies to support positive interactions, strengthen relationships and help everyone feel connected within our school community. Students enjoyed a range of wellbeing activities including mindfulness colouring, drawing, bead making, and the exciting opportunity to challenge staff in games of Newcomb Ball and Handball. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and teamwork across the school. We look forward to celebrating Wellbeing Week again next term in Week 6. #chisholmcatholicprimaryschool #catholicschoolsweek #wellbeingweek #studentvsteacher
06 Mar 2026
From Facebook
We are back home safe! π Our final day at Camp Collaroy was the perfect way to finish an incredible few days together. The students took on archery, high ropes, giant swing and abseiling today, showing courage, teamwork and determination right to the very end. Throughout camp the students challenged themselves, supported one another and stepped outside their comfort zones. We made wonderful memories, formed new friendships and saw so many students conquer their fears with confidence and pride. A huge congratulations to our amazing Year 5 students for the way they represented our school. What a fantastic camp experience! π
05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Year 5 have had another incredible day at Camp Collaroy! Today we conquered the Giant Swing, worked together to strategise and problem-solve during our team initiatives, and showed plenty of courage abseiling down the mammoth wall. We also enjoyed some time down at the beach soaking up the sunshine and having a ball in the sand and surf. Tonight weβre getting ready to battle it out in Bingo and Family Feud for games night. Itβs been a huge day filled with fun, teamwork and a few brave moments β and there are definitely some very tired (but very happy!) campers tonight. πβοΈπ―
04 Mar 2026
From Facebook
π±β¨Year 3 Visit Bede Polding College! π± Our Year 3 students recently visited Bede Polding College to explore their agricultural plot. With the support of Mr Heath and Bede Polding students, they learnt about growing crops and even picked some fresh produce. π π₯¬ They also loved patting the sheep and meeting the cutest little ducklings β a definite highlight of the day! Experiences like this bring learning to life and help our students better understand farming. ππ¦ A big thank you to Bede Polding College for welcoming us so warmly and sharing your knowledge. We are so grateful for the opportunity! #chisholmcatholicprimaryschool #ChisholmLearners #HandsOnLearning #CommunityConnections
04 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Year 5 have had an amazing first day at Camp Collaroy! π― Students had a blast taking part in archery, conquering the high ropes course, and enjoying some action-packed laser tag. There were plenty of smiles, laughter and challenges conquered along the way. We are definitely feeling exhausted after such a big day, but everyone is already excited and ready for another fun-filled day tomorrow! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
03 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our students took part in an AFL Clinic where they played some new games and practised skills like handballing and kicking a drop punt. It was a great chance for everyone to have a go and build their confidence. The clinic was also a taster for the After School AFL Program starting next Wednesday, 11th March, on the Chisholm Oval. We hope to see lots of students back out there giving it a go! π #chisholmcatholicprimaryschool #chisholmsport #auskick #tryafl
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
π Cheering on Bonnie - World's Greatest Shave! Bonnie is very passionate about helping others and is participating in The Worldβs Greatest Shave to support people affected by blood cancer β what an inspiring effort! Support Bonnieβs fundraiser: https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/bonniet/2026 Every donation helps make a difference β go Bonnie! πβοΈ
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Social Media Manager is out today, so our third grade students are in charge. The students are excited to share why families should enrol their children at Chisholm. We are accepting applications, contact our school office on 45 733200 for more details. #chisholmcatholicprimaryschool #chisholmproud #studentvoice #joinourcommunity
28 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Well done to the Chisholm Swim Team who participated in the Hills Zone Swimming Carnival at Parramatta Aquatic Centre. Congratulations to Kaydance who came 2nd in the 50m Freestyle. Next week she will represent Chisholm and the Hills Zone at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival at Parramatta Pool. Good luck at the next level! πββοΈπ¦ #chisholmcatholicprimaryschool #chisholmsport #chisholmproud