A visit from the leadership team at Boston College’s Roche Center for Catholic Education highlighted how Sydney Catholic Schools is bringing its vision for whole-person formation to life across its school communities.
On Wednesday, the Roche Center’s Executive Director Dr. Melodie Wyttenbach and Director of Leadership Programs, Dr. Molly McMahon spent time engaging with school leaders, teachers and students at St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral, Eileen O’Connor Catholic College Lewisham, and St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney.
The scholars explored how Catholic education in Sydney supports students’ formation within a contemporary Australian context.
Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, said that this week is dedicated to faith formation and professional collaboration.
“These visits highlight how Sydney Catholic Schools forms confident and courageous young adults ready to contribute to society. They bring our Magis 2033 strategy to life by strengthening leadership formation, deepening professional dialogue and ensuring our commitment to whole-person education is visible in every classroom,” Ms Cronin said.
Across the three schools, Dr Wyttenback and Dr McMahon spoke about some of the differences and similarities of Catholic systemic schools in Australia and the United States.
“I’ve been deeply impressed by the diversity of Catholic schools thriving across Sydney, the professionalism of staff, and the rigour and depth of learning taking place in classrooms,” Dr Wyttenback said.
“It’s clear that students are genuinely engaged, and that faith is brought to life in meaningful and authentic ways. There is a strong sense of culture and purpose across the system, and it’s an exciting time to witness the vision of the system continuing to unfold.”
At St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral, Dr Wyttenbach and Dr McMahon visited the chapel, early years classrooms and senior learning spaces, seeing firsthand the continuity of formation from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Principal Simon Ghantous reflected on the College’s Franciscan identity, grounded in joy, humility and service.
“This visit comes at a landmark moment for us, as our first Year 12 cohort prepares for the HSC and we look ahead to celebrating 10 years as a College,” Mr Ghantous said.
At Eileen O’Connor Catholic College Lewisham, the delegation observed a highly personalised K–12 learning community supporting students with mild to moderate intellectual disability. Principal Deborah Bestulic shared how individual goal setting underpins progress, with each milestone celebrated as students grow in confidence, independence and life skills.
“Increments of learning are slow here, but every step represents important growth. We celebrate diversity, unlock potential and work to transform lives,” Ms Bestulic said.
At St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney, the visit included classroom observations, a live science demonstration and time within the College’s music program. As a chorister school, ensembles are structured by ability, fostering collaboration and excellence.
Principal Kerrie McDiarmid said the visit affirmed the College’s strong Catholic identity, visible in every aspect of learning and community life.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues in an international context who share a vision we are proud to live here. St Mary’s sits at the heart of the city, closely connected to the Cathedral and to Catholic education in Sydney. Our Catholic identity is central to who we are, and it is visible in every aspect of learning and community life,” Mrs McDiarmid said.
