Schools Council
Role of the Parramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools Council
The Parramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools Council (PDCSC) was established in 2004 by Most Reverend Kevin Manning, Bishop of Parramatta, to assist and advise him in all matters pertaining to the administration and conduct of systemic schools in the diocese, as well as Religious Education within all Catholic schools in the diocese. The PDCSC replaced the Parramatta Diocesan Schools Board which operated from 1988 until 2004.
Core Functions of the PDCSC
- Strategic direction
to discern and develop for the Bishop’s consideration broad policies, advice and strategic directions for the Catholic school system in the diocese;
- Stewardship and accountability
to assess and monitor outcomes so as to advise the Bishop for the ongoing enhancement of the quality of Religious Education in all Catholic schools in the diocese, the overall quality of Catholic schools and the administration of the school system and its resources.
Tasks
- identification and annual review of long term strategic directions for the diocesan school system and for Religious Education in all Catholic schools in the diocese
- assessment of the extent to which the annual plan of three-year priorities developed by the Executive Director serves the identified long-term strategic directions and goals for the system schools and for Religious Education in all Catholic schools and is supported by the annual budget
- identification of selected strategic priorities within the core mission and operation of diocesan Catholic schools and advice on reports against those priorities at agreed times
- monitoring selected areas of educational and administrative compliance with a view to promote quality education, minimise risk to the diocese and to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of operation
- advice on the effectiveness of system operations through the analysis of data on education and financial performance
- advice on educational performance through the analysis of school review and other relevant data
- advice on strategic matters concerning recruitment, employment and employment relations
- advice on provision of new schools, restructuring or closure of schools and effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructure provision
- identification and development of statements of broad policy or understanding
- development of a strategic approach for promotion of the interests of Catholic schools in the diocese in political and other arena
Members: Parramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools Council
- Chair: Bishop Kevin Manning - Bishop of Parramatta
- Executive Officer: Mr Gregory B. Whitby - Executive Director of Schools, CEO
- Rev Paul Slyney - Vicar for Education
- Mr John Spillane - Parramatta Diocesan Financial Administrator
- Mr Alan Zammit - Director, UPDM Pty Limited
- Dr Annette Cunliffe rsc - Head, School of Educational Leadership, ACU
- Rev Joseph Sobb SJ - Rector, Canisius College
- Sr Vivienne Keely - Research Officer, Parramatta Diocesan Office
- Ms Margery Jackman - Principal, Catherine McAuley, Westmead
- Dr Mary Mooney - Senior Lecturer, School of Education, University of Western Sydney
- Mr Ross Tarlinton - Headmaster, St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill
- Ms Angela Littleford, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services, Parramatta
Committees
There are two committees to assist the council:
System Educational Accountability Committe
The System Educational Accountability Committee provides advice to the council on governance and strategic matters relating to the educational performance of diocesan schools. As such, the terms of reference are to provide advice and develop recommendations on:
- enhancement of the Catholic identity of diocesan schools