Sydney Catholic Schools announces new Sports Council

Michael Ennis, Leisl Stimpson and Kim Green

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, today announced the formation of a new Sports Council via an online video message to all students, parents and staff.

The Sports Council will play a pivotal role in the streamlining of structural and administration functions in Sport across all 150 primary and secondary schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools system.

In case you missed it, you can watch Mr Farley’s announcement via the live link below:

About the Sports Council

Chaired by Dr Kate O’Brien, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director: Education and Research, the Sports Council aims to create more sporting opportunities for students at all levels, as well as increasing access to participation in elite sport.

Another focus of the Council will be the expansion of inter-school sport, introducing new sports within schools, and creating more before and after school sporting programs.  

Together with Dr O’Brien, the Council is made up of five internal experts and three external experts who will help connect Sydney Catholic Schools with the wider sports industry.

Sports Council Members
Principals of the Sports Council. Clockwise: Peter Watkins, Dr Cathy Young, James Clancy and Michael Hollis.

Dr O’Brien said the formation of the Council represents an important chapter in Sydney Catholic Schools’ proud sporting history. 

“The year ahead promises to be one of the most exciting for sport yet, so we are delighted to have the support of the Council,” Dr O’Brien said.

“We are lucky to have been able to assemble a Council who are all knowledgeable, passionate and motivated about taking our sporting programs to the next level.” 

“We are particularly pleased to welcome Michael, Kim and Leisl onto the Council and we look forward to the valuable insights and ideas that they will bring to the table” – Dr Kate O’Brien 

A Sydney Catholic Schools’ parent, Michael Ennis said he’s excited about contributing to the development of sport across the system. 

“The chance to work on the Sports Council is something that I’m extremely humbled by,” said Mr Ennis. 

“After already talking to the Council, there are some wonderful things happening in both primary and secondary schools. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can create and how we can better the system, to give the kids the most opportunities to play the sports that they love – or to try new ones.”

By: DOMENIC TRIMBOLI

2021 Primary Sports Awards winners announced

Register NOW: Term 3 Family Forum

Recording studio

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is proud to announce that its second Family Forum will be focusing on student wellbeing and mental health.

“Based on feedback from our staff and parents during our first Parent Forum in Term 2 and subsequent Facebook Live COVID-19 Q&A sessions, Sydney Catholic Schools is pleased to host a webinar outlining the programs and resources designed to help your child thrive,” our Executive Director, Tony Farley, said.

Jacqueline Frost and Tony Farley present at Sydney Catholic Schools' First Family Forum
Jacqueline Frost and Tony Farley presenting at Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Family Forum.

To be hosted by Mr Farley, SCS’ Chief of Staff, Dr Jacqueline Frost, along with other SCS experts, this exciting 30-minute online event will be held on Monday August 23 from 6.30pm.

“We understand student wellbeing is top-of-mind for parents and our school communities, particularly as we navigate through these difficult times,” Mr Farley said.

“During this 30-minute session you will have the opportunity to guide the conversation through our live polling questions. We hope you will tune in!”

REGISTER NOW

In case you are unable to join the online event, be sure to register above and you will receive a recording of the proceedings post event.

About the Family Forums

SCS kicked off its first, live and online Family Forum for parents, carers, and staff in Term 2, 2021, with more than 2500 people registering for this event.

These Family Forums will be run every term, providing an overview of the programs being offered by SCS to deliver on its vision, and commitment to build thriving Catholic communities through excellence in teaching and learning.

“Family Forums are designed so that everyone can learn more about how we are equipping our students with the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to become active, global citizens”  – Tony Farley

Last term’s forum centred on programs that demonstrate how SCS students can benefit from the opportunities of being part of a bigger network of schools.

The topics were wide-ranging and included discussions on teaching and learning, enhanced curriculum (performing arts, sport, and languages), classroom design and the importance of faith-based work in the community.

“Each term, the forum will focus on a different theme to give our families greater insight into how we are delivering on our commitment to building thriving Catholic communities through excellence in teaching and learning,” Mr Farley said.

If you missed SCS’ last Family Forum, you can still watch it via the live link below.