Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Earlier this year, we were proud to announce that Alison Morley from St Canice’s Primary Katoomba was the winner of Teacher Magazine's 2024 Special Contribution Award. Alison was nominated by her principal Miriam Meaney and recognised by the Judging Panel for her positive impact on the school community. Teacher Magazine recently published a profile of Alison and why she is such a worthy recipient of this award. Read it here: https://buff.ly/3V8d1Kr #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd #awards

Robert Beetson was recently appointed as CSPD's Executive General Manager - Legal, Governance & Risk. Rob is new to CSPD and the education sector, coming from long career in health, most recently with Catholic provider St Vincent's Health Australia. The Legal, Governance & Risk Directorate brings together legal services, accrediation, internal audit, risk and the Strategic Project Management Office. Rob is also the Company Secretary, ensuring good communication between the office, our schools and our Board. Find out more about Rob and the work of his team in this short video. #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd

Well done to a number of our schools who got to showcase their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) projects at the STEM MAD Nationals in Brisbane. Their projects not only highlighted the students' impressive STEM skills and knowledge, but showed how young people can create impactful solutions to make a difference in the world. Congratulations to Marian Catholic College Kenthurst’s Fun Guyz Project team who won the Arakoola Conservation Award with their fungi-based solution to reduce CO2 and boost plant growth. St Margaret Mary's Primary Merrylands (ACTZ), St Michael's Baulkham Hills (PRT Project) and Santa Sophia Catholic College Gables (Wind Project) also made us all proud. #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd #stem #stemmad

We are so proud of the students from Cerdon College Merrylands, Parramatta Marist High School and Catherine McAuley Westmead who volunteered at the recent Parramatta Street Feast hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta, PAYCE Foundation, Paynter Dixon and St Merkorious Charity. Now in its fourth year, the Street Feast offers a communal feast, conversation and live music for those doing it tough, responding to Pope Francis’s call to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society. “It’s very lively, everyone’s coming together to enjoy their time. It’s nice to see everyone helping each other, especially with Christmas coming up,” said Yr 10 student Ella from Catherine McAuley. These beautiful photos capture the community, friendship and support at the heart of this special event. See more pics and read the story in Catholic Outlook here: https://buff.ly/4eB5jPD #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd

CSPD is proud to partner with the University of New England (AU) (UNE) to support Bachelor of Education students on their professional placement journey in our schools. This partnership offers these future educators valuable mentorship, hands-on experience, and a supportive environment to help them grow. With UNE's new George Street, Parramatta campus opening in 2025, CSPD students will gain access to a variety of undergraduate certificates and Bachelor degrees, alongside diverse entry pathways to higher education. Thank you to Sue-Ellen Hogan, Director, UNE Sydney and Associate Professor Anna Elizabeth Du Plessis PhD, SFHEA, Director of the Office for Professional Learning, School of Education, (pictured with our Early Talent Manager Jane Nethery and Partnerships Specialist Stephanie Campanale) for collaborating with us to build a strong pipeline of future educators. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of teachers. Year 12 students in CSPD schools who plan to study for a Bachelor of Education also have the opportunity to apply for our CSPD Teacher Scholarship Program to further support their career journey. #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd #partnership

Mark Smith was recently appointed as CSPD's Executive General Manager - Mission. Mark has been with CSPD since 2018, initially as Head Mission and then a period as Acting Director Mission. An experienced educator, Mark is passionate about the role our Catholic schools play in supporting children and young people to grow in their faith and learning. In this video, Mark talks about the influence of his own Catholic upbringing and the work of the Mission team to support our Mission strategic pillar: "Catholic by nature, not by name only". #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd

It was a new chapter for the Parramatta Parent Representative Council (PRC) earlier this week as parents and carers from across the Diocese had the opportunity to meet the new PRC President, George Giovas. Hosted by St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes, the Term 4 meeting also featured a presentation from CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot about our new strategic direction and an informative panel discussion with experts on student wellbeing and school transitions sharing tips on how to help children through the different stages of their school journey. CSPD's Family Engagement Officer, Steve Batchelor, also unveiled a new approach to parent groups in schools - the CAFE Club - a more informal group model with a focus on education opportunities for parents and carers and a forum for their voices on issues that concern them most. For information on the PRC and parent groups in CSPD schools visit our website: https://buff.ly/4fUsMMY #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd

On Monday, CSPD launched an exciting new partnership with Western Sydney Wanderers FC which will see our students have the opportunity to be trained by the A-League stars at their schools, starting next year. Taking on 100 students from CSPD schools in his 'official' return from injury was Wanderers captain and recent Socceroos goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas, who also happens to be an alumni of St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes. Lawrence and his teammates had a fantastic time playing against our Primary kids from from Sacred Heart Primary Mount Druitt, Holy Family Primary Emerton, Good Shepherd Plumpton and St Aidan's Primary Rooty Hill. Students also enjoyed a training session with Wanderers coaches and were supported by five of our star secondary students including Akol Akon from Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek who plays for the Wanderers and recently played in the Australian Joeys U19s team. Like Akol, Thomas Cutuk from Marian Catholic College Kenthurst and Allegra Rademeyer from St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields & Nirimba are also on the books with Western Sydney Wanderers, while Sebastian Kukucka from St Pauls plays for Sydney United and Andrea Plaatjes from St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill is with Spirit FC. We're excited to share more details on this partnership in the coming weeks. #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd #partnership

Congratulations to the 2024 CathWest Innovation College School Captain, Sarah Iacono, for being named School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year by My Gateway. Sarah, who recently graduated with a Certificate III in Electrotechnology, has been a standout both in the classroom and on the job this year having also been a finalist at the Apprenticeship Employment Network Awards and NSW Training Awards (Western Sydney & Blue Mountains). Starting her journey at CathWest in Year 10, Sarah’s hard work and passion for her apprenticeship in partnership with CathWest, My Gateway and STOWEAustralia have truly paid off. We’re incredibly proud of her achievements and can’t wait to see where her career goes next. My Gateway employs apprentices and trainees and places them with a host business to receive training in their chosen industry - see more on their website: https://buff.ly/2Yje12Y #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd #awards

Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park alumni returned to the school last week for a Careers High Tea to inspire the next generation. Spanning a wide range of careers, speakers included interior designer Blaire Marchand, exercise physiologist Isabella La Malfa, Clinique and Aveda GM Corinne Duffy, nurse Alana Blowers, and Ray White sales associate Ava Musumeci. Former College Captain and ABC News journalist Chantelle Al-Khouri gave a keynote address, sharing her journey of determination and passion. The event featured a dynamic panel discussion, followed by personalised breakout sessions where students explored their own career aspirations. You can read more about the event in this Western Weekender story: https://buff.ly/4hRFjSY #CSPD2024 #education #catholiceducation #educationleaders #educationleadership #leading #school #teacher #learning #transforminglearning #enrichingprofessionallives #mission #wellbeing #ourteachersmakethedifference #workwithus #workwithcspd #inthenews