Building a bridge to excellence

More than 600 educators, leaders, and staff from the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) attended the 2026 Ann D Clark Lecture to participate in professional learning. The annual event honors Ann D Clark, the founding Executive Director of Catholic Education for the diocese.

Professor Lorraine Hammond delivered the keynote address, titled The Bridge to Excellence. Drawing on her research and her work leading the Kimberley Schools Project, Hammond discussed how evidence-informed teaching can improve student outcomes and maximize learning.

CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot opened the event by encouraging educators to grow their expertise and recommit to their students. Pat Ellis, the CSPD Executive General Manager for Learning, Quality, and Performance, served as the master of ceremonies.