Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has officially welcomed almost 100 beginning teachers and nine new principals at its 2026 Commissioning Ceremony, held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
The annual ceremony marks a significant moment in the life of the Diocese, recognising the vital role educators and leaders play in the ministry of Catholic education. This year’s celebration also welcomed new Executive General Manager – Learning Outcomes, Pat Ellis.
A Liturgy of the Word was concelebrated by Fr Peter Williams, Vicar General and Moderator for the Curia; Fr Robert Riedling, Dean and Administrator of St Patrick’s Cathedral; Monsignor Ron McFarlane; and Fr Kevin Redmond from St Andrew the Apostle, Marayong.
In his homily, Fr Robert reflected on the example of St Joseph, encouraging educators to embrace the quiet strength of lived faith.
“St Joseph reminds us that in a world full of noise, it is in silence that we hear God most clearly,” he said. “As educators, our witness – how we live, the kindness, compassion and mercy we show each day – speaks just as powerfully as anything we teach.”
CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot affirmed the profound impact educators have on students and communities.
“You bring our vision of education grounded in excellence, inclusivity and Catholic tradition to life. Excellence in teaching is more than achieving outcomes; it is about creating learning experiences that are meaningful, engaging and transformative,” he said.
Jack de Groot, CSPD Chief Executive Officer delivers his address at the 2026
Commissioning Ceremony. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
For Pat Ellis, the ceremony was a meaningful return to the Diocese. “The commissioning ceremony was a beautiful occasion to be welcomed into the Diocese of Parramatta and to voice our commitment to the wider CSPD community to lead through worship, vocation and action,” he said.
“Growing and strengthening our system is always a time to pause and reflect on our shared belief that we can make a difference for every one of our 46,500 students, supporting them to reach their God-given potential and positively impact the world around them.”
Pat Ellis, EGM Learning Outcomes was commissioned alongside CSPD’s new
principals (Gene Ramirez/CSPD)
Among those commissioned were the new principals leading the two secondary school communities in Blacktown.
Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown Principal Chris Browne reflected on the significance of the moment.
“To be commissioned as a leader in this Diocese adds a significant dimension to the work we do in Catholic schools – it speaks to why we exist,” he said. “It is a collective endeavour on behalf of Bishop Vincent, providing Catholic education for all.”
Deborah Scollard, Principal of Nagle College Blacktown, described her role as both a privilege and a calling.
“The Commissioning Ceremony acknowledges that the work we do in Catholic schools is more than just a job – it is a vocation that calls us to share the good news that all people are sacred and loved by God,” she said.
Chris Browne, commissioned as the Principal of Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown.
Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Deborah Scollard, Nagle College Blacktown’s new Principal. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
As this year’s cohort of beginning teachers starts their journey, those who stood in their place just a few years ago now offer the perspective that only experience can bring. Interviewed at their own commissioning in 2024, these teachers – now in their third year – reflected on how their vocation has taken shape, and the advice they would offer those just starting out.
Rosie Walklate, teaching at Chisholm Catholic Primary Bligh Park, said she has found the relationships formed in the classroom are what give teaching its meaning.
“Teaching has shown me just how much of an impact educators truly have on their students – from the ‘lightbulb’ moments when learning clicks, to being a safe, supportive space where they feel valued and cared for,” she said. “Those moments are what give me my purpose.”
Early career teacher Rosie Walklate, working with her students at Chisholm Catholic Primary Bligh Park. Image: Supplied
Fellow teacher Diana El-Shammas from Holy Family Primary Granville, echoed this sentiment.
“I love seeing students grow and feel proud of themselves,” she said. “I value the relationship I build along the way and I believe the children value it as much.”
Kurtis Dodds from St Matthew’s Primary Windsor highlighted the importance of professional support in the early years of teaching.
“Working closely with experienced colleagues and engaging in coaching has been invaluable in developing my practice,” he said.
Reflecting on her first years in the classroom, Year 2 teacher Georgia Ashkar from St Patrick’s Primary Guildford said she would offer her early-career self this advice: “Don’t be afraid to communicate with parents – they want to know how their child is doing. Make the call to share good news, not just concerns. It builds strong relationships and a positive classroom community.”
Georgia Ashkar, two years into her teaching career, working with her Year 2 class at St Patrick’s Primary Guildford. Image: Supplied
Special guests at the ceremony included Sr Patty Andrew, Sr Venera Nikolosi, and Directors of the CSPDL Board, Emeritus Professor Marea Nicholson and Greg Jones.
Each year, the Commissioning Ceremony is both a starting point and a reminder that the work of Catholic education is more than a profession. It is a shared mission to nurture, inspire and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
CSPD welcomes new leaders at this year’s Commissioning Ceremony. Image: Gene
Ramirez/CSPD
The 2026 Commissioning Ceremony for CSPD educators is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Formation and the objective of being An Inclusive and Welcoming Church. Visit Synodality to learn more.
Samantha Rich is a CSPD Communications and Media Specialist.
