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.’
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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From Facebook
On Friday, our school community came together for a meaningful day of prayer, reflection and action as part of our Vinnies Winter Appeal and Vinnies Sleepout Experience. During the school day, our Kindergarten to Year 3 students explored the importance of compassion, kindness and caring for those in need through prayer and reflection. In the evening, our Year 4–6 students participated in the Vinnies Sleepout Experience, spending time outdoors with minimal comforts, sharing a simple meal of rice, and reflecting on the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in our community. We were also privileged to welcome Pat McArdle from the Carlingford Vinnies Conference, who shared valuable insights into the work of St Vincent de Paul and the importance of serving others with dignity and compassion. #faithinactioncspd
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✏️🎓 📚100 days of kindergarten! What a wonderful achievement and celebration today. Dressed as little old man and little old ladies the children celebrated 100 days of learning, and fun. Congratulations kindergarten. 🎓✏️📝
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03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, our school community came together for a meaningful day of prayer, reflection and action as part of our Vinnies Winter Appeal and Vinnies Sleepout Experience. During the school day, our Kindergarten to Year 3 students explored the importance of compassion, kindness and caring for those in need through prayer and reflection. In the evening, our Year 4–6 students participated in the Vinnies Sleepout Experience, spending time outdoors with minimal comforts, sharing a simple meal of rice, and reflecting on the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in our community. We were also privileged to welcome Pat McArdle from the Carlingford Vinnies Conference, who shared valuable insights into the work of St Vincent de Paul and the importance of serving others with dignity and compassion. #faithinactioncspd
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From Facebook
✏️🎓 📚100 days of kindergarten! What a wonderful achievement and celebration today. Dressed as little old man and little old ladies the children celebrated 100 days of learning, and fun. Congratulations kindergarten. 🎓✏️📝
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Thank you to our wonderful Year 5 parents for the delicious Canteen food today. What a wonderful treat 🍜
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This morning, we were delighted to welcome our wonderful grandparents to our school for a special celebration. Our Stage 2 students led a beautiful liturgy. Grandparents also joined in some fun games that highlighted the generation gap, creating plenty of laughter and memorable moments. Afterwards, grandparents visited classrooms before enjoying a cup of tea together to conclude the celebration. A heartfelt thank you to all our grandparents for sharing this special morning with us. We are truly blessed to have you as part of our school community.
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From Facebook
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming 36 students from Tokyo Minami Tama High School to St Bernadette's for a wonderful day of cultural exchange and connection. Our students enjoyed working alongside our visitors throughout the day, sharing learning experiences, building new friendships, and discovering more about each other's cultures. We also enjoyed a delicious meal together, providing the perfect opportunity to chat, laugh, and connect. A highlight of the day was being entertained by our Japanese visitors, who delighted us with beautiful singing, patiently taught us the art of origami, and introduced us to the fun and fast-paced chopstick game! Experiences like these remind us that friendship, kindness, and curiosity transcend language and distance. We are incredibly grateful to the students and staff from Tokyo Minami Tama High School for sharing their culture and creating such special memories with our school community.
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From Facebook
Today, our staff put our Faith into Action at Ronald McDonald House, Westmead. ❤️💛 We began the day in prayer, reflecting together and deepening our understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, reminding us of our shared call to serve others with compassion and dignity. We were privileged to tour the incredible house and see firsthand the wonderful support and facilities provided for families caring for their sick or injured children. Throughout the day, our staff served in different ways. Some took part in the Cook & Connect program, preparing a delicious lunch for the families staying at the house, while others rolled up their sleeves to tidy the gardens and clean the hired strollers, helping to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone. We concluded our day with a Faith in Action reflection, making meaningful connections between our acts of service and Scripture and recognising how even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2 We are grateful for the opportunity to serve, to learn, and to live out our faith. Thank you to Ronald McDonald House Westmead for the warm welcome and for the incredible work you do to support families when they need it most. 💙
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From Facebook
🎶 Join the Choir 🎶 We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr Nicholas Ng —composer & performer —leading the choir, sharing his incredible expertise with our students. He would love to welcome some extra voices to this wonderful group. Whether your child is an experienced singer or simply enjoys singing, everyone is encouraged to come along. Choir Practice: Fridays Time: 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Location: St Bernadette's Church The choir will be preparing to perform at our Whole School Mass & Baptism in Week 3, making this a wonderful opportunity for students to share their gifts through music. If your child is interested in joining, please email: Miss Carly: clake@parra.catholic.edu.au Nicholas Ng: nicholas.ng@sydney.edu.au We look forward to welcoming many new voices to the choir! 🎵
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From Facebook
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From Facebook
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