Leaders from 80 Catholic schools came together in Rooty Hill recently for the announcement of the new Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) strategy focused on enriching the lives of students through education grounded in excellence, inclusivity and Catholic tradition.
CSPD has 80 great schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and serves one of the fastest-growing areas of NSW. Previously known as Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, since 2023, CSPD is led by a dedicated Board and Executive Director Jack de Groot.
With a strong focus on serving the community, Jack has led some of Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations including Vinnies NSW and Caritas Australia.
“Our new strategy is detailed, earnest and ambitious,” said Jack. “It is a response to the ‘sign of the times’ and to the needs of our communities that will set a shared direction and common goals that will unite us.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Executive Director Jack de Groot announces CSPD’s new strategy. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Jack said the plan identifies six strategic priorities that will guide CSPD over the next five years, captures the core mission of Catholic education in Western Sydney and identifies clear commitments for the future.
“We have engaged extensively with Principals, staff and families across our system to inform and directly shape a strategy that captures the aspirations and needs of our community,” he said.
“It is a commitment to every child, every family. It is a demanding thing to deliver, but our strategy seeks to set a sensible standard for all CSPD schools.”
Embracing the NSW Government curriculum and with a stronger focus on explicit teaching and a move away from an ‘open learning’ classroom design, the new strategy is committed to ensuring student learning gains are underpinned by best practice that enables all students to achieve their potential.
Jack said the education landscape is evolving faster than ever and the new strategy will build on the strengths of CSPD, while also acknowledging the need to deliver ‘more’.
“There are areas of excellence ranging from award-winning programs and early entry offers which the new CSPD strategy aims to enhance and expand across the system,” he said.
“These choices will help us to deliver the best outcomes for our students, teachers and communities and will support us to serve students that represent our local communities, inspired by our Catholic mission and as we walk together towards a synodal Church.”
You can visit www.parra.catholic.edu.au to see a great video from CSPD about this new strategy that’s all about enriching the lives of students through education grounded in excellence, inclusivity and Catholic tradition.
Olivia O’Connor is Communications Manager at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
This article was originally published in the 2024 Season of Creation | Spring edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
