In this edition of our ongoing video series 'In The Principal's Office' Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Executive Director Greg Whitby interviews St Anthony’s Primary Girraween Principal Linda Ducksbury.
Through this initiative, Greg hopes to capture insights from principals with a focus on what they learned from COVID-19.
Linda talks about the importance of communication and collaboration, how different ways of working continues to inform their work, and reflects on what she learned about herself as a leader throughout the pandemic.
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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 |
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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03 Apr 2026
From CSPD Facebook
GOOD FRIDAY ✝️ On this solemn day, we pause to reflect on sacrifice, love and the hope that endures in even the most challenging moments. Through Stations of the Cross, reenactments, liturgies and quiet reflection, our school communities engaged in meaningful experiences that brought the message of Holy Week to life. 🙏 We thank our dedicated teachers and staff for guiding students with care and intention, creating opportunities for thoughtful reflection and understanding. 🤍 📸 Bede Polding College South Windsor, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park, Catherine McAuley Westmead, Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, Holy Trinity Primary School Granville, Mary Immaculate Primary School Quakers Hill, Mother Teresa Primary Westmead, Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson NSW, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School Kellyville, Our Lady of the Way School, Emu Plains, Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains, Sacred Heart Primary School Mount Druitt, St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields & Nirimba, St Agnes CHS Rooty Hill, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood,St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley, St John's Primary, Riverstone, St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, St Monica's Primary School Richmond, St Nicholas of Myra Primary Penrith, St Patrick's Guildford, St Patrick's Parramatta, Xavier College Llandilo
04 Apr 2026
From CSPD Instagram
GOOD FRIDAY ✝️ On this solemn day, we take time to reflect on sacrifice, love and the hope that endures through even the most difficult moments. Through Stations of the Cross, reenactments, liturgies and quiet reflection, our school communities took part in meaningful experiences that brought the message of Holy Week to life 🙏 We thank our dedicated teachers and staff for guiding students with care, creating space for reflection and deeper understanding 🤍 📸 St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, St Nicholas of Myra Primary Penrith, Bede Polding College South Windsor, Mother Teresa Primary Westmead, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains, Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields, Our Lady of the Way Primary Emu Plains @stjohnxxiiicatholiccollege @bedepoldingsouthwindsor @motherteresawestmead @penolaemuplains @holycrossprimaryglenwood @stjohnpaul2cc @ourladyofthewayemuplains #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #goodfriday
02 Apr 2026
From CSPD Facebook
HOLY THURSDAY ✨ Our school communities marked Holy Thursday through meaningful moments of reflection, exploring the importance of humility, service and care for others. Through the washing of the feet and the story of the Last Supper, students reflected on what it means to put others first and lead with kindness. Holy Thursday offers us all a moment to reflect on how we can show compassion, empathy and respect in our everyday interactions ❤️ 📸 St Monica's North Parramatta, Mary Immaculate Primary School Quakers Hill, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School Kellyville, Sacred Heart Primary School Mount Druitt, Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson NSW, Our Lady of Lourdes Seven Hills, St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley, St Monica's Primary School Richmond, St Nicholas of Myra Primary Penrith, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill
03 Apr 2026
From CSPD Instagram
HOLY THURSDAY 🙏 Across our schools, students marked Holy Thursday through moments of reflection, focusing on the values of humility, service and care for others. Through the washing of the feet and the story of the Last Supper, students explored what it means to put others first and lead with kindness. It’s a meaningful reminder for us all to show compassion, empathy and respect in the way we support one another each day ❤️ 📸 St Nicholas of Myra Primary Penrith, Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill, St Canice's Primary Katoomba, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Seven Hills, Sacred Heart Primary Mount Druitt, St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary Kellyville, St Monica's Primary Richmond @gilroycathcoll @stmonicasrichmond @stcaniceskatoomba #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #holythursday
01 Apr 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🚲 NATIONAL RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY! 🛴 Last week, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School Kellyville celebrated National Ride to School Day, continuing a much-loved tradition within the school community! The bike racks were filled with bikes and scooters as students embraced the opportunity to ride to school, with many families getting involved and parents joining in on the ride or supporting along the way 🚴♀️ It's wonderful to see the community come together to promote active travel, wellbeing and sustainability in such a fun and engaging way! 👏✨
02 Apr 2026
From CSPD Instagram
SUIT COMPLETION CEREMONY 🎓 Year 12 students, together with their families, CSPD Pathways & Careers Advisors and school leaders, came together to celebrate a significant milestone. 👏 A total of 79 students from the 2025–2026 cohort have successfully completed the Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program, securing early entry into their preferred teaching degree at Australian Catholic University (ACU). Through this valued partnership between ACU and CSPD, students began their tertiary journey early - completing two university units while finishing their HSC and gaining valuable insight into the teaching profession. 💬 The experience has strengthened students’ confidence, supported a smooth transition to university and inspired a clear pathway into a future in education. Congratulations to all students on this outstanding achievement - we are proud of your commitment and look forward to the impact you will make in your communities! ✨ @acuimages #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
31 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
SUIT COMPLETION CEREMONY 🎓 Year 12 students, alongside their families, CSPD Pathways & Careers Advisors and school leaders, recently gathered to celebrate an important milestone in their learning journey. 👏 A total of 79 students from the 2025-2026 cohort successfully completed the Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program, receiving early offers into their preferred teaching degree at Australian Catholic University (ACU). Through the strong partnership between ACU and CSPD, students were provided with the opportunity to begin their tertiary studies while completing their HSC, undertaking two university units and gaining valuable insight into the teaching profession. 💬 This experience has supported a confident transition to university and fostered a strong sense of purpose as students prepare for a future in education. Congratulations to all students on this significant achievement - your dedication and achievement are something to be truly proud of! ✨
01 Apr 2026
From CSPD Instagram
ON YOUR MARKS… GO! 🏃♂️✨ Cross country season was in full swing, with students across our schools showing incredible resilience, determination and sportsmanship! With cheers from the sidelines, students gave it their all - pushing through every step to reach the finish line 🏁 🙌 From start to finish, the energy was high, participation was strong and there were plenty of exciting moments along the course! A fantastic display of perseverance and school spirit all round 🤩✨ Head to our Facebook page to check out the full gallery! @maryimmacqhill @stmonicasrichmond @stcaniceskatoomba @gilroycathcoll @mariancatholiccollege #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #crosscountry
31 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
✝️ BISHOP VINCENT’S EASTER MESSAGE 2026 In this Easter season, as we reflect amidst a world facing conflict, hardship and uncertainty, we are reminded of the enduring hope found in the Risen Christ. May this Easter be a time to open our hearts, allowing Christ to renew us with His peace and love. Through His wounds, we are healed - bringing light, joy and hope into our lives and communities. Wishing our community a blessed and joyful Easter ✨ @parracatholic #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #easter
31 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
🌿 PALM SUNDAY 🌿 Our schools have marked Palm Sunday, beginning the journey of Holy Week with faith, reflection and celebration. Through prayer, liturgies, song and reflection, students honoured this special time - waving palm branches and creating palm crosses as a sign of faith ✝️ A beautiful reminder to carry peace, humility and hope in our hearts throughout Holy Week ✨ 📸 Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, St Madeleine's Primary Kenthurst, St Patrick's Primary Guildford, St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood, Mary Immaculate Primary Quakers Hill @holycrossprimaryglenwood @stpatricksprimaryguildford @maryimmacqhill #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #palmsunday
30 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
🌿 HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST 🌿 In celebration of Palm Sunday, our schools marked the beginning of Holy Week with reverence and joy. Through prayer, liturgies, songs and reflection, students came together to honour this special time, waving palm branches and creating palm crosses as a symbol of faith ✝️ Palm Sunday reminds us to welcome peace, humility and hope into our hearts as we journey through Holy Week.✨ 📸 Holy Cross Primary Glenwood, St Madeleine's Primary, Kenthurst, St Patrick's Guildford, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood, Mary Immaculate Primary School Quakers Hill
29 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
YOUNG LEADERS DAY! 🙌 Year 6 student leaders from across our primary schools recently attended the Halogen Young Leaders Day at Darling Harbour, joining thousands of students for a day of inspiration and growth! ✨ Through engaging sessions, interactive activities and powerful stories from guest speakers including Kathryn Laga’aia, Jess Yates, Nick Hudson and Jacqui Bell, students were encouraged to lead with courage, authenticity and purpose. It was fantastic to see our young leaders building their confidence, connecting with others and developing their leadership skills in such an energising environment. A big shoutout to our students for representing their schools so proudly - we can’t wait to see how they bring their learning back to their communities! 👏 📸 St John Vianney's Primary Doonside, St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley, Mary Immaculate Primary School Quakers Hill, St Michael's Baulkham Hills, Chisholm Catholic Primary Bligh Park
30 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
SOARING TOGETHER ✈️ St Margaret Mary’s Primary Merrylands recently partnered with The Fathering Project to celebrate the important role of dads and father figures! During the school’s first Fly and Flourish session, dads and their children teamed up to design and launch paper airplanes, sharing laughs, friendly competition and lots of fun along the way! 🙌 From creativity to connection, this is what it’s all about! Moments like these are so special - building strong bonds and creating lasting memories across the school community 🥰 @stmargaretmarys @thefatheringproject #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney
28 Mar 2026
From CSPD Facebook
EARTH HOUR 🌏 Tonight we mark Earth Hour, a global call to action encouraging individuals and communities to switch off non-essential lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. It’s a powerful reminder that even small actions can make a big difference, inviting us all to “Give an hour for Earth.” ✨ Across our schools, it’s been inspiring to see students putting this into action. Through Caritas Australia’s Caritas Australia's Project Compassion Water Walk, students stepped into the reality faced by many in developing communities, walking long distances to access clean water. 💧 Together, they carried buckets full of water through Parramatta Park, raising awareness and funds while deepening their understanding of global inequality. More than just a walk, it was a meaningful expression of faith in action - showing compassion, solidarity and a commitment to others. This Earth Hour, let’s keep doing our part, big or small, to care for our common home 🤍 🔗 Read more about the Big Water Walk here: https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/whats-on/latest-news/2026/03/24/03/02/700-unite-for-project-compassion-big-water-walk
29 Mar 2026
From CSPD Instagram
EARTH HOUR 🌏 Tonight, we join millions around the world for Earth Hour, switching off non-essential lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm and taking a moment to reflect on how we can care for our planet. ✨ Across our schools, students have already been taking meaningful action. Through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion Water Walk, they stepped into the reality faced by many in developing communities - walking long distances to access clean water.💧 Carrying buckets full of water through Parramatta Park, students raised awareness and funds while gaining a deeper understanding of global inequality. It was a powerful example of faith in action, grounded in compassion, solidarity and service. This Earth Hour, let’s continue to make a difference, one small action at a time 💚 🔗 You can read more about the Big Water Walk and access the full gallery at the link in our bio. @caritasaust #cspd2026 #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #parracatholic #westernsydney #earthhour