Former Senate president Scott Ryan has formally begun his role as executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission, following a commissioning Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presided at the Mass in the cathedral crypt on March 6, marking Mr Ryan’s leadership of the national peak body representing Catholic schools across Australia.
Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Meagher, Wagga Wagga Bishop Mark Edwards, Fr Julian Wellspring and Fr Frank Brennan SJ concelebrated.
Outgoing executive director Jacinta Collins, members of the NCEC Commission and Catholic education leaders from across Australia attended the Mass, many of whom were in Sydney for a national Catholic education leaders forum earlier that day.
Mr Ryan officially stepped into the role this week after beginning with the commission on January 19 and undertaking a handover period with Ms Collins, who led the organisation for the past seven years.
In a message marking his first week in the role, Mr Ryan thanked Ms Collins for her leadership and the contribution she made to Catholic education nationally.
“I want to begin by sincerely thanking Jacinta Collins for her outstanding leadership over the past seven years – her dedication has strengthened Catholic education across Australia, and I am grateful for the legacy she leaves,” he said.
Mr Ryan said he was looking forward to working with schools, families and educators to build on the long tradition of Catholic schooling in Australia.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact good education policy can have, both as a parent and as a policy maker,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with schools, families, communities, teachers and school leaders to continue building on the proud legacy of Catholic education.”
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Scott Ryan begins role as executive director of National Catholic Education Commission (By Marilyn Rodrigues, The Catholic Weekly)
