New Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Executive Director, Mr Jack de Groot. Image: Supplied
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, has formally announced the appointment of the new Executive Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Parramatta, Mr Jack de Groot.
Dear sisters and brothers,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Parramatta, Mr Jack de Groot.
Mr de Groot joins the Diocese of Parramatta with a distinguished career of over 20 years, leading some of Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations. He brings significant leadership experience in senior governance roles in healthcare, aid, tertiary education and social services where he has demonstrated a strong focus on Catholic values, social outreach and mission.
Since 2016, Mr de Groot has been the CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, one of the largest social service providers in NSW meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and domestic violence.
He also spent 13 years as the CEO of Caritas Australia, one of Australia’s largest international aid and development agencies and was the Group Leader of Mission for St Vincent’s Health Australia, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health and aged care provider. Mr de Groot is a member of various boards including the University of Notre Dame, St John of God Health Care, Caritas Australia and more.
The comprehensive process leading to the appointment of Mr de Groot was made in consultation with the inaugural Board of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Limited, led by Chairperson Elizabeth Crouch AM. The Board were unanimous in supporting Mr de Groot’s appointment.
“Jack’s appointment heralds a new era for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Parramatta. We have a proud 200-year history of providing quality and affordable Catholic education, and I, along with Bishop Vincent and the Board know that Jack will build upon the important successes of our past and journey towards the future with our educators, parents, guardians, carers, families, clergy and communities in a truly synodal way,” said Ms Elizabeth Crouch AM.
Mr de Groot said: “I am thrilled to be commencing at the Diocese of Parramatta. The first Catholic School in Australia was in Hunter Street Parramatta (1820). Since then, the Diocese has been innovative and creative in meeting the educational and spiritual needs of Australians. I am excited for the opportunity to work with our Principals, teachers, schools and parishes to continue to meet the needs of people living in greater Western Sydney and their commitment to future innovation and growth.”
Mr de Groot will commence on 30 January 2023. He will be the first Executive Director to work within the newly created Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Limited – a new incorporated entity and governance structure, which commences from January 2023. This is a significant milestone in the life of the Diocese as we move decisively towards a synodal way of governance, decision making and mission.
Along with Ms Crouch and the Board, we warmly welcome Mr de Groot to the Diocese of Parramatta and wish him every success in his mission to provide Catholic education for all.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv STL DD
Bishop of Parramatta
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