2016 New Leaders’ Breakfast

New REC at St Bernadette’s Primary, Dundas Mary Elliot with her students.

On Wednesday 24 February 2016, more than 20 newly appointed Principals, Assistant Principals, Religious Education Coordinators (RECs) and Team Leaders attended the annual New Leaders’ Breakfast held at the Catholic Education Office in Parramatta.

The New Leaders’ Breakfast provided an opportunity for newly appointed school leaders to meet with System Leaders and Directors of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Parramatta.

New Assistant Principal at St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas Jason Scanlon with students.

Executive Director of Schools Greg Whitby said the breakfast provided a great opportunity for new leaders to meet with their peers and be reminded of the importance of their roles in Catholic schooling.

'I'm so excited for our new leaders,’ Greg said. ‘Our school communities will thrive on the fresh approach they bring to our work of learning and teaching.’

New leaders heard from Delegate to the Diocesan Administrator and Vicar for Education, Rev Chris de Souza PP about the expectations of being a leader in Catholic education.

‘In leading the learning, questions will arise and collectively we can find answers together, if we remain focused on the mission,’ Fr Chris said. ‘I am my work made in the image and likeness of God.’

New REC at St Bernadette’s Primary, Dundas Mary Elliot said she was reminded of what a privilege it is to work in a Catholic school.

‘Fr Chris reminded us that we are the face of mercy to all those we meet and reiterated the importance of working collaboratively with others "to lead all people in love",’ Mary said.

New Principal at St Oliver’s Primary, Harris Park Barbara Young said the breakfast offered a meaningful occasion to connect and engage professionally with her peers.

‘As a new leader, and as part of the system I am connected to, I am challenged to re-imagine Catholic education for the contemporary world,’ Barbara said. ‘This can only be achieved through collaboration with my faith and learning community on a local, diocesan and global level.’

‘Through this collaboration we can “give saints to the world”’, she said.

New Assistant Principal at St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas Jason Scanlon instructing students.

New Assistant Principal at St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas Jason Scanlon said the opportunity to lead as part of team of educators in the Diocese of Parramatta is a challenge that both engages and inspires.

‘As Fr Chris de Souza reflected this morning, we lead the common mission of the Church... and we do this, as Greg Whitby stated, by forming saints in our young people,’ Jason said. ‘My new role is all about this journey of learning for both teachers and students, so that we can build in each young person strong minds and gentle hearts.’