In the second edition of a new video series, In The Principal's Office, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Executive Director Greg Whitby interviews St Canice's Primary Katoomba Principal Miriam Meaney
Through this initiative, Greg hopes to capture insights from Principals with a focus on what they learned from COVID-19.
Miriam reflects on learnings about leading in 2020, and what school has been like for students, staff and families this year too. Listen to this great conversation here and stay tuned for more Greg Whitby in the Principal’s Office.
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Greg Whitby is the executive director of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta. Follow him on Twitter @gregwhitbyLearn more about Greg |
Greg Whitby
Executive Director of Schools | Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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🚢 A VOYAGE INTO THE FUTURE Students from Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains took part in an exciting excursion, gaining a real insight into what a future with the Royal Australian Navy could look like! At the Navy Life Expo, students explored interactive exhibits highlighting careers within the Australian Defence Force - from flight simulators and firefighting demonstrations to medical simulations, advanced command systems and cutting-edge naval technology. They also had the opportunity to speak with serving Navy personnel, learning more about the teamwork, discipline and wide range of career pathways on offer. An inspiring experience that encouraged students to think about their future and discover the many opportunities available through the Australian Defence Force 👏⚓ @gilroycathcoll @penolaemuplains #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #australiandefenceforce
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⚽ SOCCER WITH PURPOSE! ✨ A huge thank you to Western Sydney Wanderers FC for partnering with us to bring the Socktober Gala Day to life! Your support helped make this event an incredible success. It was fantastic to see 180 students from 16 of our schools come together for a fun, inspiring and purpose-driven day. Laughter and cheers filled the pitch as students played football, formed friendships and celebrated their fundraising efforts for Catholic Mission's annual Socktober initiative, supporting children and families in Zambia. More than just a game, this event connected students with a global cause - showing how sport can bring people together to make a real difference. 🌍💙
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From CSPD Instagram
👶✨ Did you know SEVEN of our schools are home to Catholic Early Learning Centres? Run by Ambrose Early Learning, these centres are nurturing spaces where young children flourish, families feel supported and educators are passionate about what they do 💙 At Ambrose Early Learning Santa Sophia, a close partnership with Santa Sophia Catholic College creates meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages. The popular Year 2 Buddy Program connects primary students with younger learners, supporting classroom learning while helping children build confidence and feel at ease as they transition into school life. Students in Year 10 Child Studies are also involved, gaining valuable hands-on experience in early childhood education and a behind-the-scenes look at how an Early Learning Centre operates. Learn more about Ambrose Early Learning and this inspiring collaboration with our schools via the link in our bio 🌟 @ambroseearlylearningandcare #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
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✏️ Applications for the 2026 Teacher Scholarship Program CLOSE on 26 JANUARY! Are you a recent Year 12 graduate thinking about a future in teaching? This is your chance to take the first step towards a meaningful and rewarding career in education! 👀 Discover what’s included - this scholarship offers incredible support as you begin your teaching journey. Don’t miss out! Click the link to learn more and apply now 👉 https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/careers/teacher-scholarship-program
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From CSPD Facebook
👶✨ Did you know Catholic Early Learning Centres are located within seven of our schools? Operated by Ambrose Early Learning, these centres are welcoming environments where children thrive, families feel supported and educators love what they do 💙 At Ambrose Early Learning Santa Sophia, a strong partnership with Santa Sophia Catholic College brings learning to life through meaningful connection. Their much-loved Year 2 Buddy Program sees primary students visit the Early Learning Centre to support classroom learning while helping younger children build confidence and feel comfortable as they prepare for school. Year 10 students studying Child Studies also take part, gaining valuable hands-on experience in early childhood education and insight into the day-to-day life of an Early Learning Centre. Discover more about Ambrose Early Learning and this wonderful collaboration with our schools here 👉 https://catholicoutlook.org/buddies-create-confident-learners/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOnC9tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFDUG55VHkyU2E3T25JSWNPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkEwiVcdDU84yCxkO_PhPybiwofr_UZllgZN_VOx8fM5Y7PDOFUnVHA1yRUL_aem_4UOPyPTHRZK0pEuF6LmJ7Q
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From CSPD Instagram
🐾 FAITH, FRIENDSHIP & FURRY CUDDLES!❣️ The Faith in Action Team from St Michael's Blacktown Primary recently shared a meaningful visit with the residents of St Hedwig’s Retirement Village, creating a truly heart-warming experience for everyone involved. Intergenerational connections shone through as students and residents shared stories, smiles and plenty of laughter - a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from community and connection. Adding an extra touch of happiness, school therapy dog Inky joined the visit and delighted everyone with lots of friendly pats! 🐶 A special moment that perfectly reflects compassion, service and faith in action 🌟 @stmichaelsblacktown #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
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🤝 UNITY IN DIVERSITY 🌏 Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown proudly celebrated Multicultural Day, recognising the rich diversity that makes their College community so special! Students led dynamic workshops celebrating dance, games, songs and traditions from across our cultures, before the day finished with a colourful concert featuring performances from African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Pasifika, Indian, Thai, Filipino and Brazilian students and teachers, plus special guest performers. A joyful and inspiring way to honour diversity, build understanding and celebrate the strong sense of community at Patrician Brothers Blacktown.🌟💙
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From CSPD Instagram
⚽ KICKING FOR A CAUSE! ✨ We’re incredibly grateful to Western Sydney Wanderers for partnering with us to bring the Socktober Gala Day to life - your support played a key role in making the day such a success! 👏 It was inspiring to see 180 students from 16 of our schools come together for a vibrant, purpose-driven event filled with football, fun and connection. From the cheers on the pitch to new friendships formed, students proudly celebrated their fundraising efforts for Catholic Mission’s annual Socktober initiative, supporting children and families in Zambia. More than just football, the day highlighted the power of sport to unite communities and create meaningful change 🌍💙 @wswanderersfc @catholicmission #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #socktober
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From CSPD Instagram
🏆 MAKING HISTORY!✨ St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas is celebrating outstanding success through its gifted and talented enrichment program, with two incredible History achievements to highlight! 👏 📚 National History Challenge A huge congratulations to Kaitlyn R., who took out the Year 9 NSW title before being crowned national winner across all Year 9 entries in Australia! Kaitlyn travelled to Parliament House in Canberra to receive her medal and prize money and meet parliamentary delegates - an extraordinary accomplishment! 🌟 🧠 History Mastermind Competition Competing against 60 teams from public, selective, Catholic and independent schools across NSW, St Pat’s teams achieved impressive 4th and 6th place finishes, showcasing their depth of knowledge and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of these students’ passion for learning, commitment and academic excellence! 💙👏 #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney