In this article we introduce you to our new Chair and a couple of our parent representatives!
Meet our new Chair
Anne Fehon, CCSP Council
Federation Schools
Parent Body
Parents and Friends Association.
Why I chose to volunteer for CCSP
I became involved as a parent representative for CCSP as I thought I could offer ideas and experiences from a parent perspective. I have been involved in our local primary school for many years as a parent representative and enjoyed the interaction with the other parents, teachers and students and thought I could offer my learned experiences to others. I think it is important to give back and help out where I can. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent learning about the other dioceses especially in the rural and remote areas.
How I feel about parent engagement in children's learning
I think parent engagement is paramount in our children's learning. We need to know what is happening in their learning environment and help out where we can. As we know, parents are our children's first educators and we need to work with their teachers and school to give kids the best chance to excel. There are so many ways we can become involved in our children's learning.
My favourite thing about being a Catholic school parent
It is our choice as parents and carers to choose a Catholic education for our kids. My favourite part of this is that we are able to be part of their faith journey - in all its different levels. I love being part of my kids' different school communities and experiencing all they have to offer, from service to the community, volunteering, school and class masses and knowing what we are teaching at home is aligned with their school journey.
What I hope to achieve by being Chair of Council
I hope I am able to share valuable things I have learnt over my times spent with my kids and also learnt from the other Council members, who have varied and rich experiences they are happy to share at our meetings and catch-ups.
A little bit more about me ...
I like a pina colada and a walk in the rain!
And meet some of our volunteer parent reps:
James Haynes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Parent Body
P&F Association
Why I chose to volunteer for CCSP
To assist in positive educational outcomes for our children.
How I feel about parent engagement in children's learning
Parent engagement should play an integral part in children's learning.
My favourite thing about being a Catholic school parent
Seeing your child's growth in many areas of life.
What I hope to achieve by being a member of CCSP
Be a part of some positive ideas and changes.
A little bit more about me ...
I am a father of five children who have all attended Catholic schools, all with differing but overall great experiences.
Emma Hunter, CCSP Council
Parent Representative for Diocese of Lismore
Parent Body
St Carthage's Primary School Community Group. Also Chair of the Lismore Diocese Parent Assembly.
Why I chose to volunteer for CCSP
Being an active and involved parent provides an opportunity to be part of the direction of the school and provide constructive input to our children's education. The research is very clear about the benefits for our children when we are part of the school community through involvement in school and being engaged in their learning. I am also in a fortunate position to have time to give to volunteering.
How I feel about parent engagement in children's learning
I feel strongly that parent engagement in children's learning is crucial for their overall development and academic success. The research is very clear that when parents actively participate in their children's education, it creates a positive and supportive environment that contributes significantly to success at school and beyond.
My favourite thing about being a Catholic school parent
Our schools work to develop our children as a whole person beyond what is delivered through the curriculum.
What I hope to achieve by being a member of Council
To continue the work of the Council and advocate for ongoing improvements in parent engagement in learning. I'd love to see all of our Catholic schools demonstrating leadership and innovation in family partnerships and learning engagement.
And a bit more about me ...
I live in the beautiful Northern Rivers of NSW with my husband and son. In my working life, I've worn many hats in strategic environmental planning and project management. I love work that brings about positive change.
Your Parent Representatives for 2024
Diocese
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Parent Rep
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Alternate Rep
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
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Armidale
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Cairistain Wall
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Jason Allan
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Bathurst
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Melissa Sullivan
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Kirilee Newcombe-Hubber
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Broken Bay
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Simone Magas
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Christina Crasto
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Canberra and Goulburn
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Paul Penberthy
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Loryn Reynolds
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Selina Walker
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Lismore
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Christine Morrison
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Emma Hunter
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Leonard Moran
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Maitland-Newcastle
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Cheryl Murphy
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Beverley Bailey
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James Haynes
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Parramatta
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Wayne Davie
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Sharon Hader
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Cassandra Ebsworth
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Sydney
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Patty Jo
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Meghan Senior
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Judy Beddoni
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Wagga Wagga
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Alex Kearins
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Wilcannia-Forbes
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Wollongong
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Andrea Galea
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Cherrylle Nau
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Federation Schools
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Anne Fehon
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Olwyn Connolly
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Our Council and Committee parent members are supported by diocese staff in the role of 'Executive Officer':
Diocese
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Executive Officer
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Executive Officer - Aboriginal Education
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Armidale
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Cath Ible
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Karen Tighe
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Bathurst
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Pauline Walkom
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Leanne Bovington
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Broken Bay
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Michal Brenchley
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Michelle Moylan
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Canberra and Goulburn
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Sarah Rose
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Katrina Cambridge
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Lismore
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Janita Thomson
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Doreen Flanders
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Maitland-Newcastle
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Elizabeth Watkins
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Craig Duncan
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Parramatta
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Elizabeth Scully
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Julie Waddell
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Sydney
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Guy Zangari
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Jane Bridges
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Wagga Wagga
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Anne Ryan
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Mary Atkinson
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Wilcannia-Forbes
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Merindah Wilson
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Wollongong
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Kay Blundell
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Karan Taylor
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Federation Schools
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CSNSW
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Sharon Cooke
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