A great school principal leaves a lasting impact on the community they serve. As the 2024 school year ends, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) farewells some exceptional leaders who have shaped many lives and wishes them every blessing in retirement.
Marian Bell, St Aidan’s Catholic Primary Rooty Hill
A respected school leader, Marian has dedicated nearly 40 years to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive. Marian was nominated for News Corp’s ‘Australia’s Best Teacher’ in 2023, her leadership characterised by deep Catholic faith, genuine kindness and compassion.
Marian has been Principal of St Aidan’s Primary Rooty Hill since 2019, previously leading St Paul the Apostle Primary Winston Hills (2014 to 2019) and St John’s Primary Riverstone (2007 to 2014).
Marian Bell, St Aidan’s Catholic Primary Rooty Hill. Image: supplied
Steven Haskins, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Baulkham Hills
Steven’s long-standing commitment to his school reflects his dedicated leadership and strong community relationships. His contributions, grounded in deep Catholic faith, focus on providing students with the best learning opportunities.
Steven has been Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Baulkham Hills since 2014, having served at the school since 2000 in various roles, including teacher, coordinator, and Assistant Principal.
Steven Haskins, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Baulkham Hills. Image: supplied
Elizabeth (Liz) Devlin, Mother Teresa Primary Westmead
Liz is a respected, faith-filled leader known for building strong relationships with staff, parents and carers, and parishes. She contributed significantly to the literacy of the school community and passionately advocated for a library space in the Westmead Catholic Community project, leaving a lasting legacy for future students.
Liz has been Principal of Mother Teresa Primary Westmead since 2018, after a 12-month secondment as a Literacy Teaching Educator at CSPD.
Elizabeth (Liz) Devlin, Mother Teresa Primary Westmead. Image: supplied
Annelise Stockey, St Matthew’s Primary Windsor
A passionate and strategic thinker, Annelise has championed continuous learning, participating in extensive research to improve staff learning and student outcomes. She also built strong relationships with her previous school community and parish, playing a key role in transforming Our Lady of the Rosary Primary Kellyville into a modern, engaging learning environment.
Annelise was appointed Principal of St Matthew’s Primary Windsor in early 2023, after seven years as Principal of Our Lady of the Rosary Primary Kellyville.
Annelise Stockey, St Matthew’s Primary Windsor. Image: supplied
Louise O’Donnell, Holy Cross Primary Glenwood
Louise achieved remarkable success in fostering a strong community spirit, ensuring that all students felt valued, heard and supported in their educational journeys. Flexible and forward-thinking, Louise cultivated a caring atmosphere that promoted a sense of belonging and motivated staff and students to excel.
Louise has been Principal of Holy Cross since 2020 including a short period as Acting Principal of St Bernadette’s Primary Lalor Park in 2022. This followed nine years as Principal of St Monica’s Primary North Parramatta.
Louise O’Donnell, Holy Cross Primary Glenwood. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Mark Pauschmann
We also extend our gratitude to Mark Pauschmann as he departs Parramatta Marist High School. From 2025, he will continue his Marist leadership in a new role as the Executive Director of Province Ministries with Star of the Sea Province (Marists of Champagnat).
Mark has served as Principal of Parramatta Marist since 2018 and is well regarded for his strategic leadership and vision, motivating others through his commitment to upholding and promoting the values of faith, service and compassion. He will be greatly missed by all members of the CSPD and Parramatta Marist communities.
Mark Pauschmann, Parramatta Marist Westmead. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
This article was originally published in the 2024 Advent & Christmas | Summer edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
