Resources
CSNSW Infographic
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CSNSW Facts and Figures
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CSNSW Structure
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What does Catholic Schools NSW do?
The aim and mission of Catholic Schools NSW Ltd (CSNSW) is to support the Bishops of NSW in bringing to life the Church’s evangelising mission.
To achieve this, Catholic schools work to improve the education and faith outcomes of students by creating communities of faith and learning. This task means joining the “work of education with the explicit proclamation of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 134), and by doing so, help students to be good citizens in society and prepare them for their eternal life with God. CSNSW is responsible for:
- Receiving and distributing government funding given to diocesan Catholic schools for their day-to-day operations and for capital works;
- Ensuring that Catholic schools and diocesan Catholic School Agencies (CSAs) adhere to compliance requirements;
- Providing expert policy advice and direction through policy development;
- Reporting to the Bishops of NSW on the efficiency and effectiveness of Catholic education in NSW;
- Fostering collaboration and efficiency in the use of resources in NSW Catholic schools; and
- Promoting and advocating for Catholic education in NSW.
The official CSNSW role statement provides further detail on the role and functions of CSNSW. It is available here.
Why was Catholic Schools NSW established?
In 2016, following a review of the then ‘Catholic Education Commission New South Wales’ (CECNSW,) the Bishops established a new governing body for NSW diocesan Catholic schools. This was based on an express desire of the Bishops for more appropriate, efficient and transparent administration of Catholic schools in NSW. The new body better supports Catholic schools to meet all their obligations and enhance the delivery of Catholic education in NSW. The responsibilities and functions of CECNSW were transferred to CSNSW.
CSNSW aims to benefit all NSW Catholic schools and their leaders by encouraging and fostering greater collaboration at different levels among all of Christ’s faithful who share actively in the apostolate of Catholic education throughout New South Wales.
How does Catholic Schools NSW operate?
CSNSW is a company whose members are the eleven diocesan Bishops of NSW. Each Bishop has responsibility for the CSA in his diocese. Collectively these systems are recognised by governments as the NSW Catholic schools system. In particular, a company Constitution and ‘Canonical Mandates’ from the Bishops of NSW outline the functions and authority of CSNSW.
CSNSW is governed by a Board of independent Directors and its work is undertaken by an experienced and professional secretariat.
The CSNSW Constitution is available here.