The Executive Team is responsible for the development and execution of the CSPD system strategy in relation to:
- Mission and Purpose (Our Catholic Narrative)
- Strategic Intent
- Alignment
- Stewardship and Accountability
The Executive Team
The Executive Team is comprised of the Executive Director and six directors:
Executive Director
Jack de Groot
Jack de Groot has more than 20 years of experience leading some of Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations. His working life has included social and public policy advocacy in Victoria, supporting school leadership teams for the Catholic Education Office in Western Australia, addressing global injustice at Caritas Australia and leading the St Vincent de Paul Society. Jack brings to CSPD a strong focus on Catholic values, social outreach and mission.
Director Strategic Delivery
Christine Howe
As a Director, Christine is committed to ensuring that each student has the opportunity to participate in engaging and challenging learning experiences provided by leaders and teachers who have a personal commitment to ongoing learning.
Director Learning
Maura Manning
As Director Learning, Maura leads the System Learning Team who support learning and teaching in schools by working with teachers in learning spaces; in partnership with school leadership teams on the goals of formation, literacy or numeracy.
Director Data Intelligence
Raju Varanasi
Raju is the CSPD Chief Information Officer. In his current role, Raju has already overseen the introduction of a range of innovative enterprise platforms that have resulted in major system improvements and efficiencies. Raju’s work continues to assist CSPD to develop a better understanding of the needs of its students and staff.
Director of Finance and Infrastructure
Gerard Giesekam
Gerard is a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer and Head of Finance who has worked extensively in the finance, technology and professional services industries, as well as in the education sector. Gerard is a Fellow of the Australian Society of Practising Accountants.
Director Mission
Monica Officer
The partnership between Church and Mission sits at the heart of our work at CSPD and Monica provides leadership in supporting schools in maintaining and enhancing Catholic identity and mission.
Director Wellbeing
Greg Elliott
Greg has worked in Catholic education for over 30 years, with 20 years in school leadership across three dioceses. In 2020 Greg was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy in the field of psychology. This work links his passion for the mission of Catholic education to the wellbeing of students and educators.
The work of the Executive is supported by the Head of the Executive Office and the Chief Governance and Strategy Officer. Meetings are held weekly. In addition to regular Executive Team Meetings, each individual Director meets with the Executive Director twice a term in a formal capacity.
Eight Strategic System Leadership meetings are held each year as well as two half-day meetings. The meetings are attended by CSPD Directors, Heads, Chiefs and Learning Leaders, as well as all school Principals. They provide opportunities for collaborative engagement between CSPD and school leaders.
Our Strategy
We are committed to transforming the learning of each student in Catholic Schools.
Schools Council
The advisory body supporting the strategic work across the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.
Compliance
Find out how we manage the school compliance, accreditation and improvement processes for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Parramatta.