Schools welcome leaders

Michelle Yager, Principal of St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley
Michelle Yager is the new Principal at St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley.

School is officially back in session, with a whopping seven new principal's across the local area stepping into the role for the very first time this year.

Taking over the head role at St Bernadette's Primary Dundas Valley as new Principal is Michelle Yager. Excited to be a part of the local school, Yager said she is most looking forward to working together with students and staff to "Soar in 2024."

"I'm looking forward to getting to know a new community and how it operates different to other schools I've taught at," she told Parra News.

"It might sound a little gimmicky, but we've got a saying for the year, so we've called it 'together we'll soar in 2024' and we've had t-shirts made."

Rob Nastasi, Principal of St Paul's Catholic College Greystanes
St Paul's Catholic College Greystanes has welcomed Rob Nastasi as its new Principal

Over in Greystanes, Rob Nastasi has joined secondary boys school St Paul's Catholic College as its new Principal.

"Ultimately it is not only about developing our young men while they journey here at St Paul's but ensuring a graduate who has strong values, is an independent and capable learner, is resilient, respectful, adaptable and ready for the ever changing world we live in," Nastasi said about becoming Principal.

Fiona Bylsma, leader of St Monica's Primary in North Parramatta
Fiona Bylsma, Principal at St Monica's Primary in North Parramatta.

Having grown up and attended school in Parramatta, local Fiona Bylsma is eager to return to her roots as Principal at St Monica's Primary in North Parramatta.

"I feel very privileged to lead this vibrant learning community and continue to uphold the Mercy values of compassion, excellence, hospitality, dignity, stewardship and justice," she said.

Grace Carlo-Stella, Principal of St Margaret Mary's Primary Merrylands
St Margaret Mary's Primary Merrylands has welcomed Grace Carlo-Stella as its new Principal

St Margaret Mary's Primary Merrylands has welcomed Grace Carlo-Stella, who said she is thrilled to be serving as the leader for the local school.

The upcoming year holds the promise of fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration," Carlo-Stella said.

"It's my desire to nurture a learning environment that is positive and inclusive, ensuring every student feels both valued and empowered."

Lisa Crampton, Principal of OLQP Greystanes
Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary Greystanes has welcomed Lisa Crampton as its new Principal

Also in Greystanes, Lisa Crampton said she feels blessed to join Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary Greystanes in the title role.

"My hope is that we continue to be learners and have high expectations of ourselves and those around us," she added.

Kathryn Newman, Principal of St Paul the Apostle Winston Hills

Formerly acting Principal, Kathryn Newman has now officially taken on the top job at St Paul the Apostle Primary Winston Hills.

"Together, in partnership with staff and parents, we will strive to provide a creative learning environment that ensures that the children develop as confident, independent, life-long learners," she said.

Rounding out the list of new local Principals is Tracy Hoey at St Michael's Primary Baulkham Hills.

Written By

Parramatta News
An independent news service covering the Parramatta and Cumberland Local Government Areas.

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29 Sep 2026
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2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.

24 Sep 2026
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