5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home | CathEd Parra
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home | CathEd Parra
5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home
14 Apr 2026
The habits your child builds now will shape how they thrive in high school and beyond.
Here's what the research and local educators say actually works.
Lock in a consistent study window
Brains love routine. A dedicated block at the same time each afternoon trains your child's mind to shift into focus mode without the daily negotiation. The more predictable it feels, the easier it becomes.
Create a distraction-free zone
Phones face down, notifications off, TV off. It sounds obvious, but even background noise fragments deep thinking. A dedicated desk, not the couch, signals to your child that this time is serious.
Ask better questions at dinner
Swap "How was school?" for "What's one thing you learned today that surprised you?" Curiosity-driven conversation at home reinforces classroom learning and builds your child's ability to articulate ideas, a skill that matters deeply in secondary school.
Celebrate effort, not just results
Children who are praised for persistence (not just getting the right answer) develop resilience. When a maths problem is hard, say, "I love how you kept trying." That mindset is the foundation of lifelong learning.
Partner with your child's school
The families who stay connected, attend school information events, read newsletters and ask teachers questions consistently raise more confident, motivated learners. You are your child's first and most powerful teacher.
When families are active partners in learning, we see students arrive in Year 7 ready, not just academically, but in their identity as a learner, and sense of purpose. The transition to high school is smoother for students whose parents have already built strong learning habits at home. Small daily actions make an enormous difference.
Rebecca Birch
Head of Secondary Learning
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, we're here to partner with you.
We are committed to nurturing your child's learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Discover how our Catholic high schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains support every student, academically, emotionally and personally, from day one of Year 7.
Find a Catholic school near you
General
Written By
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
Instagram
More News
19 Apr 2026
From Facebook
⏰ WHAT’S ON AT EMMAUS IN WEEKS 1 & 2? 🗓️
We welcome our students back to school for Term 2, and hope they enjoyed their Easter break. ☺️
A friendly reminder that all students return on Tuesday, 21st April — we wish our students a productive fortnight ahead! 📚
14 Apr 2026
5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home
The habits your child builds now will shape how they thrive in high school and beyond. Here's what the research and local educators say actually works.
13 Apr 2026
From Facebook
⭐ LEARNING AT ECC: VISUAL ARTS 📚
Our Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students relished the opportunity to explore ARTEXPRESS at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 🖼️
Students viewed outstanding bodies of work created by past HSC Visual Arts students ranging from drawings, objects, photomedia, sculptures, textiles and more. 🎨
Our students walked away from the experience inspired and ready to begin their major work journey for Visual Arts. 🙌
#EmmausCatholicCollege #ARTEXPRESS #ArtGalleryofNSW
11 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟
We are incredibly proud to share that our dedicated Leader of Learning (HSIE), Mrs Danielle Nevin, has been named a finalist in the prestigious NSW Training Awards! 👏
Danielle's nomination is a testament to her passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding vocational education and training. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success make her truly deserving of this recognition. ✨
Please join us in congratulating Danielle on this incredible achievement. We wish her the very best of luck at the Regional Awards in May. 😄
#EmmausCatholicCollege #StaffSpotlight #NSWTrainingAwards
10 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🌟 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟
We are proud to spotlight Year 12 student Angelin D, who recently took part in the prestigious National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra. 🇦🇺
Bringing together some of the brightest young minds from across the country, the conference gave Angelina the opportunity to explore the Australian Constitution, debate important national issues, and experience democracy in action. Earning your place at the conference is no small feat with Angelina successfully completing the competitive selection process to attend. 👏
While in Canberra, Angelina had the honour of meeting the Governor-General of Australia, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and her local Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP — an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of the event.
Additionally, Angelina was one of two students from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese selected to attend this year’s convention. We are incredibly proud of Angelina for representing our community with such dedication and excellence. 🙌
Safe to say that the future is bright! 💫
#EmmausCatholicCollege #NationalSchoolsConstitutionalConvention #YoungLeader
08 Apr 2026
From Facebook
📣 CALLING ALL EMMAUS ALUMNI 🏫
We’re building a network of Emmaus graduates who are open to sharing their journey, offering career insights, sharing their experiences and inspiring our current students. ✨
If you’re an Emmaus alum and interested in speaking at events, mentoring or simply staying connected, we’d love to hear from you! Your experience can make a real difference in shaping the future of our community. 🥰
Please complete the Google Form by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/KzGEjYTDXd6aVGoC6
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
✝️ EASTER LITURGY 🤍
On Holy Thursday, our College community gathered to reflect upon Holy Week.
From understanding the significance of Good Friday to reflecting on Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for our sins, it was a deeply touching experience that reminded our students of the authentic meaning of Easter. 🙏
What a beautiful way to end Term 1. ✨
#EmmausCatholicCollege #Lent #HolyWeek
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, our community pauses to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice at the heart of our faith. 🤍
As we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross, we are reminded of the power of compassion, forgiveness and hope, even in the face of suffering. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)
May this sacred day inspire us all to walk in faith, show kindness to one another, and live out the values that unite our College community. 🙏
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🚌 YEAR 8 CONQUER WARRAGAMBA DAM 🌊
Our Year 8 cohort enjoyed an excursion to Warragamba Dam, where they learned about Sydney’s water supply and catchment management as part of their Geography studies.💧
Students got a behind-the-scenes tour, utilising their geographical skills to prepare field sketches, determine water quality, calculate turbidity levels, work with cross sections, and interpret climate graph data. 📈
What a fantastic day it was for our students who consolidated their learning about the inner-workings of Sydney’s water system. 🙌
#EmmausCatholicCollege #WarragambaDam #Geography
31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌳 YEAR 7 EMBARK THE GREAT AUSSIE BUSH CAMP 🔥
What an unforgettable experience our Year 7 students had at Kincumber for the Great Aussie Bush Camp! From the moment they arrived, it was all about stepping out of comfort zones, building friendships, and embracing the outdoors. 🥾
Students conquered the giant slide, got messy during the mud challenges, soared through the air on the flying fox, tested their strength on the climbing walls, and paddled their way through canoeing adventures. 🛶
Beyond the thrills, camp was filled with laughter and teamwork. We enjoyed witnessing students encourage one another, and develop their self-confidence.
We thank our staff and camp organisers for making this experience special for our Year 7 cohort. ☺️
#EmmausCatholicCollege #Year7Camp #GreatAussieBushCamp
27 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Recently, Mr Pedrosa and Mrs Bozic accompanied a number of Emmaus students to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Big Water Walk, in support of Caritas Australia. 🙌
Students made it their mission to walk around Parramatta Park carrying buckets of water, mimicking the daily challenges faced by individuals in developing communities, who walk long distances to access clean water.💧
Upon raising funds and awareness, this experience enabled students to live out their Faith in action, acting as a meaningful act of solidarity, compassion, and service. 🤍
#EmmausCatholicCollege #BigWalkforWater #CaritasAustralia #CatholicSchoolsParramattaDiocese
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
🌟LEARNING AT ECC 📚
Year 7 English students have been exploring the powerful unit ‘Songs That Changed the World,’ diving into lyrics that have shaped history and inspired generations. 🎵
Students brought learning to life by creating a display of image mosaics inspired by John Lennon’s iconic song ‘Imagine.’ Spread across the College, each piece reflects themes of peace, hope and unity. 🫶
Drawing inspiration from the famous ‘Strawberry Fields’ mosaic in New York’s Central Park, our Year 7s have transformed words into visual storytelling, proving that music isn’t just heard, it’s seen and felt. 🥰
#EmmausCatholicCollege #LearningatECC #English
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our College gathered to celebrate Harmony Day. 🧡
Together, we recognised and embraced the rich cultural diversity of our community. It was inspiring to see students and staff share their traditions, stories and talents, reminding us that #everyonebelongs. 🌏
From vibrant cultural performances to engaging activities, the day was filled with joy, learning and connection. At Emmaus, we will continue to build a community of respect, inclusivity and understanding, where all individuals are valued and celebrated. 🥰
#EmmausCatholicCollege #HarmonyDay
23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌟 LEARNING AT ECC 📚
Ancient History students have stepped into the role of archaeologists, turning the classroom into an excavation site where cookies became ancient civilisations waiting to be uncovered. 🍪
Armed with toothpicks, recording sheets and determination, they carefully chipped away at their ‘dig sites.’ Like real archaeologists, they documented every ingredient through detailed reports and photographic evidence, knowing that once a discovery is disturbed the evidence can crumble away. 🖊️
This hands-on activity revealed that true archaeological success isn’t about striking gold, but about patience, precision, and the careful scientific recording that allows the stories of the ancient past to be uncovered and preserved, proving that even a simple cookie can hold the secrets of civilisation. 📜
#EmmausCatholicCollege #LearningatECC #AncientHistory
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5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home
14 Apr 2026
The habits your child builds now will shape how they thrive in high school and beyond.
Here's what the research and local educators say actually works.
Lock in a consistent study window
Brains love routine. A dedicated block at the same time each afternoon trains your child's mind to shift into focus mode without the daily negotiation. The more predictable it feels, the easier it becomes.
Create a distraction-free zone
Phones face down, notifications off, TV off. It sounds obvious, but even background noise fragments deep thinking. A dedicated desk, not the couch, signals to your child that this time is serious.
Ask better questions at dinner
Swap "How was school?" for "What's one thing you learned today that surprised you?" Curiosity-driven conversation at home reinforces classroom learning and builds your child's ability to articulate ideas, a skill that matters deeply in secondary school.
Celebrate effort, not just results
Children who are praised for persistence (not just getting the right answer) develop resilience. When a maths problem is hard, say, "I love how you kept trying." That mindset is the foundation of lifelong learning.
Partner with your child's school
The families who stay connected, attend school information events, read newsletters and ask teachers questions consistently raise more confident, motivated learners. You are your child's first and most powerful teacher.
When families are active partners in learning, we see students arrive in Year 7 ready, not just academically, but in their identity as a learner, and sense of purpose. The transition to high school is smoother for students whose parents have already built strong learning habits at home. Small daily actions make an enormous difference.
Rebecca Birch
Head of Secondary Learning
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, we're here to partner with you.
We are committed to nurturing your child's learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Discover how our Catholic high schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains support every student, academically, emotionally and personally, from day one of Year 7.
Find a Catholic school near you
General
Written By
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
More News
19 Apr 2026
From Facebook
⏰ WHAT’S ON AT EMMAUS IN WEEKS 1 & 2? 🗓️
We welcome our students back to school for Term 2, and hope they enjoyed their Easter break. ☺️
A friendly reminder that all students return on Tuesday, 21st April — we wish our students a productive fortnight ahead! 📚
14 Apr 2026
5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home
The habits your child builds now will shape how they thrive in high school and beyond. Here's what the research and local educators say actually works.
13 Apr 2026
From Facebook
⭐ LEARNING AT ECC: VISUAL ARTS 📚
Our Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students relished the opportunity to explore ARTEXPRESS at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 🖼️
Students viewed outstanding bodies of work created by past HSC Visual Arts students ranging from drawings, objects, photomedia, sculptures, textiles and more. 🎨
Our students walked away from the experience inspired and ready to begin their major work journey for Visual Arts. 🙌
#EmmausCatholicCollege #ARTEXPRESS #ArtGalleryofNSW
11 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟
We are incredibly proud to share that our dedicated Leader of Learning (HSIE), Mrs Danielle Nevin, has been named a finalist in the prestigious NSW Training Awards! 👏
Danielle's nomination is a testament to her passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding vocational education and training. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success make her truly deserving of this recognition. ✨
Please join us in congratulating Danielle on this incredible achievement. We wish her the very best of luck at the Regional Awards in May. 😄
#EmmausCatholicCollege #StaffSpotlight #NSWTrainingAwards
10 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🌟 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 🌟
We are proud to spotlight Year 12 student Angelin D, who recently took part in the prestigious National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra. 🇦🇺
Bringing together some of the brightest young minds from across the country, the conference gave Angelina the opportunity to explore the Australian Constitution, debate important national issues, and experience democracy in action. Earning your place at the conference is no small feat with Angelina successfully completing the competitive selection process to attend. 👏
While in Canberra, Angelina had the honour of meeting the Governor-General of Australia, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and her local Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP — an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of the event.
Additionally, Angelina was one of two students from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese selected to attend this year’s convention. We are incredibly proud of Angelina for representing our community with such dedication and excellence. 🙌
Safe to say that the future is bright! 💫
#EmmausCatholicCollege #NationalSchoolsConstitutionalConvention #YoungLeader
08 Apr 2026
From Facebook
📣 CALLING ALL EMMAUS ALUMNI 🏫
We’re building a network of Emmaus graduates who are open to sharing their journey, offering career insights, sharing their experiences and inspiring our current students. ✨
If you’re an Emmaus alum and interested in speaking at events, mentoring or simply staying connected, we’d love to hear from you! Your experience can make a real difference in shaping the future of our community. 🥰
Please complete the Google Form by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/KzGEjYTDXd6aVGoC6
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
✝️ EASTER LITURGY 🤍
On Holy Thursday, our College community gathered to reflect upon Holy Week.
From understanding the significance of Good Friday to reflecting on Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for our sins, it was a deeply touching experience that reminded our students of the authentic meaning of Easter. 🙏
What a beautiful way to end Term 1. ✨
#EmmausCatholicCollege #Lent #HolyWeek
03 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today, our community pauses to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice at the heart of our faith. 🤍
As we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross, we are reminded of the power of compassion, forgiveness and hope, even in the face of suffering. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)
May this sacred day inspire us all to walk in faith, show kindness to one another, and live out the values that unite our College community. 🙏
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🚌 YEAR 8 CONQUER WARRAGAMBA DAM 🌊
Our Year 8 cohort enjoyed an excursion to Warragamba Dam, where they learned about Sydney’s water supply and catchment management as part of their Geography studies.💧
Students got a behind-the-scenes tour, utilising their geographical skills to prepare field sketches, determine water quality, calculate turbidity levels, work with cross sections, and interpret climate graph data. 📈
What a fantastic day it was for our students who consolidated their learning about the inner-workings of Sydney’s water system. 🙌
#EmmausCatholicCollege #WarragambaDam #Geography
31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌳 YEAR 7 EMBARK THE GREAT AUSSIE BUSH CAMP 🔥
What an unforgettable experience our Year 7 students had at Kincumber for the Great Aussie Bush Camp! From the moment they arrived, it was all about stepping out of comfort zones, building friendships, and embracing the outdoors. 🥾
Students conquered the giant slide, got messy during the mud challenges, soared through the air on the flying fox, tested their strength on the climbing walls, and paddled their way through canoeing adventures. 🛶
Beyond the thrills, camp was filled with laughter and teamwork. We enjoyed witnessing students encourage one another, and develop their self-confidence.
We thank our staff and camp organisers for making this experience special for our Year 7 cohort. ☺️
#EmmausCatholicCollege #Year7Camp #GreatAussieBushCamp
27 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Recently, Mr Pedrosa and Mrs Bozic accompanied a number of Emmaus students to Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Big Water Walk, in support of Caritas Australia. 🙌
Students made it their mission to walk around Parramatta Park carrying buckets of water, mimicking the daily challenges faced by individuals in developing communities, who walk long distances to access clean water.💧
Upon raising funds and awareness, this experience enabled students to live out their Faith in action, acting as a meaningful act of solidarity, compassion, and service. 🤍
#EmmausCatholicCollege #BigWalkforWater #CaritasAustralia #CatholicSchoolsParramattaDiocese
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
🌟LEARNING AT ECC 📚
Year 7 English students have been exploring the powerful unit ‘Songs That Changed the World,’ diving into lyrics that have shaped history and inspired generations. 🎵
Students brought learning to life by creating a display of image mosaics inspired by John Lennon’s iconic song ‘Imagine.’ Spread across the College, each piece reflects themes of peace, hope and unity. 🫶
Drawing inspiration from the famous ‘Strawberry Fields’ mosaic in New York’s Central Park, our Year 7s have transformed words into visual storytelling, proving that music isn’t just heard, it’s seen and felt. 🥰
#EmmausCatholicCollege #LearningatECC #English
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our College gathered to celebrate Harmony Day. 🧡
Together, we recognised and embraced the rich cultural diversity of our community. It was inspiring to see students and staff share their traditions, stories and talents, reminding us that #everyonebelongs. 🌏
From vibrant cultural performances to engaging activities, the day was filled with joy, learning and connection. At Emmaus, we will continue to build a community of respect, inclusivity and understanding, where all individuals are valued and celebrated. 🥰
#EmmausCatholicCollege #HarmonyDay
23 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌟 LEARNING AT ECC 📚
Ancient History students have stepped into the role of archaeologists, turning the classroom into an excavation site where cookies became ancient civilisations waiting to be uncovered. 🍪
Armed with toothpicks, recording sheets and determination, they carefully chipped away at their ‘dig sites.’ Like real archaeologists, they documented every ingredient through detailed reports and photographic evidence, knowing that once a discovery is disturbed the evidence can crumble away. 🖊️
This hands-on activity revealed that true archaeological success isn’t about striking gold, but about patience, precision, and the careful scientific recording that allows the stories of the ancient past to be uncovered and preserved, proving that even a simple cookie can hold the secrets of civilisation. 📜
#EmmausCatholicCollege #LearningatECC #AncientHistory
Browse Categories
Aboriginal Education
Achievements
Agriculture
Alumni
Assistant Principal
Building Works
Careers
CSPD News
CELC News
COSHC News
Coronavirus
Creative Arts
Enrolment
Chief Executive Officer
Extracurricular
FPC
Garden
General
HSC
ICT Trainees
In The Media
Learning and Teaching
Library
Literacy
MLZ
Partnerships
Prayer and Reflection
PRC
Primary News
Principal
Promotions
School Events
School Excursions
Science
Secondary News
Social Justice
Sport
Technology and Media
Uniforms
VET
Wellbeing
WYD
X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm