Welcome to Parent Talk
Welcome to Issue 5 2022 of Parent Talk and my first newsletter as the CCSP Executive Director.
I want to offer my thanks to Peter Grace who has held the role for the past three years and to Clare Dunstan and Theresa Sleiman who have contributed to the work of the CCSP and ensured excellence in the support, advocacy and leadership we provide. I also want to thank Wayne Davie, the CCSP and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee members for the warm welcome I have received as I transition to this role.
I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to partnering with our Council, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee and Executive Officers to continue to grow our vision and mission, building on the wonderful accomplishments already achieved.
I am a wife and mother of three adult daughters, aware of the empowering strength of education and the critical and pivotal role of parents and carers as the first educators of their children. The voice of parents and carers is vital in ensuring our Catholic schools are inclusive and welcoming, fostering the Gospel values we seek to instil in our children.
I began my career as a teacher of science and biology in 1988 moving out of the classroom into a role in Family Engagement in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Office in 2012.
I am excited about the opportunity to build the capacity of our parents and carers to engage more deeply in their child’s learning. I am enthusiastic about supporting schools to develop and build their ability to engage with families to ensure meaningful connections. This contributes to strong partnerships enhancing learning for our children and young people. To do this, I am about to embark on a “road trip” heading out to the Dioceses of Bathurst, Wilcannia-Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Canberra & Goulburn and Wollongong.
I hope to see many of you as I travel across the state and I look forward to listening to your ideas about building parent engagement.
Take care and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Catherine Garrett-Jones
CCSP, Executive Director