Role of the Catholic Education Office
The Catholic Education Office (CEO), Sydney is responsible for the leadership, efficient operation and management of the systemic schools which educate more than 65,000 students in 147 parish primary and regional secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney. (There are also 20 independent Catholic schools in the Archdiocese, run by religious orders, catering for more than 17.000 students.)
The CEO is charged with the implementation and management of the policies determined by the SACS Board The allocation and administration of the funds provided by government and private sources for the operation of Catholic schools is a further responsibility of the CEO. Its financial responsibilities extend to the administration of salaries for more than 9,000 staff members (permanent, temporary and casual) employed in Archdiocesan schools and offices during the course of the year.
The CEO, through its Central and Regional Offices, provides to schools a wide range of services and resources, which have been developed in consultation with Principals and teachers.
It works with schools in implementing the Strategic Leadership and Management Plan. The CEO's main focus is providing support for schools and helping to ensure that every student receives a high-quality Catholic education.
The Executive Director of Catholic Schools is the chief executive of the CEO, Sydney. He is assisted in this task by a Leadership Team consisting of the Regional Directors, the Central Directors, the Head of Policy and Corporate Services, and the Assistant Director Teaching and Learning.
Vision and Mission
Our Vision
As partners in Catholic education, we commit ourselves to developing authentic Catholic schools which:
- are founded on the person of Jesus Christ and enlivened by Gospel values
- highlight the relevance of our faith to life and contemporary culture
- are embedded within the community of believers, and share in the evangelising mission of the Church
- are committed to the development of the whole person.
Our Mission
As partners in Catholic education, we commit ourselves to our students by:
- Celebrating being Catholic in Australia
- recognising that Jesus Christ is central to our lives
- imparting Catholic beliefs, values, practices and traditions within a faith-filled community
- working with those who experience disadvantage
- rejoicing in our cultural diversity.
Ensuring Quality Teaching and Learning
- providing a stimulating and challenging curriculum which links faith and culture
- promoting our schools as places of learning and excellence
- embracing the privilege and the challenge of teaching in Catholic schools
- promoting an active partnership between home, parish, school and community
- making creative use of available resources.
Making a Difference in our World
- fostering the dignity, self-esteem and integrity of each person
- collaborating with others for the good of all
- inspiring hope and a positive vision for the future
- continuing the rich tradition of Catholic education in Sydney.
A Message from the Executive Director of Catholic Schools
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Catholic Education Office (CEO) Sydney website.
With a proud history of 186 years, the CEO Sydney has responsibility for the leadership, efficient operation and management of the 147 schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney.
We have more than 9,000 staff dedicated to giving the very best learning opportunities to the more than 65,000 students. We are also committed to providing students with the skills they will need to make a significant contribution to what can be a complex and rapidly changing world.
Our schools have a strong focus on developing the whole person, with the values that lie at the heart of everything we do centred on the person of Jesus Christ.
We have an outstanding record of success when it comes to academic achievement. This is shown clearly in results from state and national tests such as NAPLAN, and the HSC.
I especially welcome those parents who have chosen to enrol their sons and daughters in one of our schools. The relationship between the school and parents is so important.
I hope you find the website engaging and informative. We are always interested in your feedback so feel free to send us a message (see the 'Contact Us' tab for details) if you would like further information or wish make a comment about our site.
God’s blessings,
Dr Dan White
Executive Director of Catholic schools