We are delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Employee Excellence Awards, celebrating the outstanding people who make a difference across our schools, workplaces and wider community.
In his speech to open the awards ceremony, Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot reflected on the simple act of acknowledgment and the impact it has on the human spirit.
Jack de Groot, Chief Executive Officer during his opening remarks. Image: CSPD
“Tonight we celebrate the achievements of our finalists and winners and also celebrate the work of all our colleagues – for the values, commitment and care that they bring every day,” said Jack.
“For CSPD, excellence is not just something we celebrate; it is part of the ambition we have set for ourselves and our Board’s vision to enrich the lives of our students through education grounded in excellence, inclusivity and Catholic tradition.”
“Excellence is not something that belongs to one person, one school or one team. It is something we build together,” he said. “To deliver on this, we need people across CSPD who are committed to doing their best work, to high standards, and to continually looking for ways to make a difference.”
Following an incredible 185 nominations, the inaugural awards provided an opportunity for colleagues from across CSPD to come together, celebrate and recognise the collective efforts of our teachers, Principals, non-teaching staff and CSPD Support Teams (non-school based staff).
Congratulations to all our 2026 award recipients:
Excellence in School Leadership: Gabriela Osterlund, Principal, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek. Image: CSPD
Excellence in CSPD Support Teams Leadership: Mitch Huie, Head of Student Wellbeing & Counselling, CSPD Support Teams. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Early Career Teaching: Jackson Camporeale, Marian Catholic College Kenthurst. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Experienced Teaching: Kristina Frazer, St Canice’s Primary Katoomba. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Middle Leadership: Louise Khawaja, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill & Danielle Nevin, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Contribution to School Community: Nicole Alsemgeest, St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Contribution to CSPD Support Teams: Amanda Parnis, Senior Data Analyst, People & Technology, CSPD Support Teams. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Service to School and Community: Michael Aure, Bede Polding College Windsor South. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Service to Students through Catholic Social Teaching and Practice: Erin Smith, Parramatta Marist High School. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Initiatives Making an Impact through Collaboration
Religious Education Curriculum, CSPD Mission Team. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Commitment to Safety and Wellbeing: Sally Coppini, St Bernadette’s Primary Castle Hill. Image: CSPD
Excellence in Contribution to Student Learning
Narelle Harding, St Michael’s Primary Baulkham Hills
(award accepted by Principal Tracy Hoey)
Sabrina De La Motte is the Communications Officer at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD).
