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
- Dr Kate O’Brien, Director: Education and Research, SCS
- Damien Kerr, Manager: Pre to Post Sport, SCS
- Michael Ennis, former NSW rugby league star and current Fox Sports presenter
- Kim Green, former Australian netballer and St Patrick’s College Sutherland alumna
- Leisl Stimpson, National Schools Manager at Special Olympics Australia
- Peter Watkins, Executive Principal, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School Gladesville, and St Charles Catholic Primary School Ryde
- Dr Cathy Young, Principal, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School North Strathfield
- Michael Hollis, Campus Principal 7–10, All Saints Catholic College Liverpool (appointed Principal of De La Salle College Revesby Heights beginning of Term 1, 2022)
- James Clancy, Principal, Aquinas Catholic College Menai
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
