As the Catholic Church enters its Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis describes as an opportunity to “contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust”, five new principals have taken up their leadership roles in schools across the Parramatta Diocese. These new school leaders are heeding the call to action highlighted by Jack de Groot, CEO of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), who emphasises, “Hope is not some vague optimistic statement, it’s about action.”
By embracing their roles, these principals are not just dreaming of a better future—they are actively working to create it, ensuring their schools reflect the spirit of hope, trust, and excellence in education.
(L-R) Dr Gavin Hays, Principal Parramatta Marist High School and Robert Muscat, Principal St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields & Nirimba. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD)
Dr Gavin Hays begins his tenure as Principal of Parramatta Marist High School, returning to the school where he spent 13 years in various roles, including Acting Principal, after serving as Principal at Marian Catholic College Kenthurst. As a secondary school leader Gavin is aware of the vital role schools play in creating leaders of tomorrow who are filled with hope. “By fostering a supportive community where faith, learning, and service we nurture resilience and a love for knowledge…encouraging students to see their future as part of God’s plan, we empower them to face challenges with confidence and optimism.”
Robert Muscat, formerly Principal of Corpus Christi Catholic High School Oak Flats, has returned to the Parramatta Diocese to lead St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields & Nirimba. Reflecting on his leadership, Robert emphasises the importance of trust within the school community: “A Catholic school community is only as strong as the relationships that exist between the people that make up the community… if relationships are strong, then it is a high trust community. Without trust, communities will wither and fall away.”
(L-R) Attila Lendvai, Principal Holy Cross Primary Glenwood and Naomi Crowley, Principal St Aidan’s Primary Rooty Hill. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD)
Attila Lendvai, the new Principal of Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, hopes for his students to “feel safe and supported in coming to school” and to grow in both their academic and spiritual journeys. He explains, “At Holy Cross, we want our students to recognise and experience the love of Jesus through others. Jesus’ holy cross is our symbol of unconditional love that inspires our mission, to bring a welcoming, Catholic education to all in our vibrant community.”
Naomi Crowley, stepping into the role at St Aidan’s Primary Rooty Hill, envisions a future where “every student can thrive” in a learning environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and compassion. “Together, we will empower our students to become curious, confident, and compassionate leaders ready to shape tomorrow’s world,” she says.
Joanne Digwood, Principal Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Baulkham Hills. Image: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD)
Joanne Digwood, who now leads Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Baulkham Hills, reflects on her hopes for the school community: “I hope to continue building the community spirit at OLOL, creating strong, authentic community connections, and supporting our students’ learning. It is my hope that together, OLOL Baulkham Hills can take action to turn all our hopes into reality.”
These appointments reflect CSPD’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of transformational leadership, where action-driven hope becomes the cornerstone of Catholic education.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Lent & Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
