Mr Jack de Groot is the Chief Executive Officer for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Limited, a newly incorporated entity and governance structure that commenced in January 2023.
Mr de Groot joins the Diocese of Parramatta with a distinguished career of over 20 years leading some of Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations. He brings significant leadership experience in senior governance roles in healthcare, aid, tertiary education and social services where he has demonstrated a strong focus on Catholic values, social outreach and mission.
Since 2016, Mr de Groot has been the CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, one of the largest social service providers in NSW meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and domestic violence. He also spent 13 years as the CEO of Caritas Australia, one of Australia’s largest international aid and development agencies and was the Group Leader of Mission for St Vincent’s Health Australia, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health and aged care providers. Mr de Groot is a member of various boards including the University of Notre Dame, St John of God Health Care, Caritas Australia and more.
Mr de Groot is thrilled to be Chief Executive Officer at the Diocese of Parramatta, where Catholic education began in Australia with the first Catholic school in Hunter Street Parramatta in 1820. Since then, the Diocese has been innovative and creative in meeting the educational and spiritual needs of Australians.
I am excited for the opportunity to work with our Principals, teachers, schools and parishes to continue to meet the needs of people living in greater Western Sydney and their commitment to future innovation and growth.
Jack de Groot
Executive Director in the Media
23 Aug 2024
St Clare’s celebrates 30 years of learning, faith and community
St Clare’s Catholic High School Hassall Grove has celebrated a significant milestone, marking its 30th anniversary with a moving Mass and ceremony. Distinguished guests, including Most Reverend Bishop Vincent Long, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Executive Director Jack de Groot, and NSW Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla, joined clergy, staff, and students in honouring the school’s legacy.
14 Aug 2024
Innovative young minds shine at CSPD STEM MAD
2024's STEM MAD Showcase features 94 teams from over 20 schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, all eager to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects aimed at making a positive impact on the world.
09 Feb 2024
Students committed to making a difference
Students from Catholic schools across the Parramatta Diocese are walking in solidarity this Lent, as they support Project Compassion, a Caritas Australia initiative.
09 Feb 2024
A new path for Western Sydney Catholic schools
On 25 January, as thousands of students across the Parramatta Diocese readied their school supplies and uniforms for the new school year, 550 Catholic school leaders from across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains gathered to prepare for the year ahead.
21 Nov 2023
Catholic education leaders connect on strategy and wellbeing
On 2 and 3 November 2023 senior staff from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) met for the annual System Leaders' Symposium, creating an opportunity for reflection and discussion on strategy and holistic educational wellbeing.
29 Jun 2023
Catholic student leaders show a maturity of faith at ‘LIFTED Breakfast with the Bishop’ Diocesan Synod consultation
At the annual ‘LIFTED Breakfast with the Bishop’, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, joined with Year 12 student leaders of the Diocese of Parramatta in spiritual conversations.
16 Jun 2023
Leaders unite for Synod 2023 forum
Principals, priests and Religious Education Coordinators (RECs) from across the Diocese of Parramatta came together for a special 2023 Synod forum at CommBank Stadium recently to listen, share stories and consider how our communities can contribute to the renewal of the Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
17 Apr 2023
Caritas Australia thanks schools and parishes for incredible Project Compassion fundraising over Lent
Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraiser Project Compassion has been a success this year thanks to the dedication and support of over 1,700 schools and 1,200 parishes across the country.
21 Mar 2023
New teachers and leaders called to serve
Beginning teachers, new school principals and leaders gathered for a moving celebration at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta as Bishop Vincent Long and Parish Priests blessed and welcomed Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese staff to their new roles.
Our Executive General Managers
The Chief Executive Officer is assisted by a leadership team in the governance and oversight of CSPD.
Media Enquiries
For media enquiries or further photographs contact the Catholic Education's Media Officer.