Governance & Leadership

The CSYMI Australia Board and CSYMI Council

CSYMI is governed by the CSYMI Australia Board in consultation with the CSYMI Council and the leadership of member countries. The Board consists of a minimum of one school leader, a minimum of two education system leaders involved in the implementation of CSYMI, one leader of youth minister development and a maximum of two additional members appointed at the discretion of the Board and the Founding Director. The Board has a spiritual advisor appointed by the Australian Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Canberra and Goulburn.

The CSYMI Australia Board oversees the international expansion of the CSYMI vision, model and focus areas through the CSYMI Council. The CSYMI Council promotes the vision to inspire, renew and equip Catholic schools as centres of evangelisation internationally. The CSYMI Council consists of the CSYMI Australia Board and a representative from each country implementing the CSYMI vision (‘CSYMI member countries’). Representatives from CSYMI member countries are initially appointed by the CSYMI Australia Board in consultation with the member country leadership. The CSYMI Council holds meetings at least once per year. More than one leader from a country can be invited to be present at CSYMI Council meetings.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is developed between CSYMI Australia and a leadership structure or body in the member country. This structure or body then becomes responsible for the implementation of the CSYMI vision within that country. This includes recognition and licensing rights to core intellectual property across the three key focus areas. The management structures for CSYMI member countries may be either an independent CSYMI legal identity within the country or a Catholic body within the country to oversee the vision and implementation. International expansion is in accord with the CSYMI International Development Guidelines.

Meet the CSYMI

Australia Board

  • Peter Woods

    Founding Director and Chair

  • Michael Exton

    Principal, St Ignatius College

  • Matt de Dassel

    Lead, School Evangelisation, Mission Services, Catholic Schools Office, Lismore

  • Nathan Galea

    Project Officer  New Evangelisation in Catholic Schools, Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn

  • Elizabeth Keogh

    Deputy Principal, Mission Mt Lilydale Mercy College, Lilydale

  • Luke Maher

    Religious Education and CSYMA Officer, Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn

  • Lorraine Willis

    Principal, Catholic College Wodonga

  • Greg Wilson

    CSYMI Manager

CSYMI Diocesan or Educational System Leadership

Where a diocese or education system, such as one founded by a religious order, begins to embrace the CSYMI vision and model, a suitable person working in the Catholic Education/Schools Office in the area of evangelisation, mission formation and/or religious education needs to be appointed to act as a CSYMI diocesan coordinator. This person supports the implementation and development of the CSYMI Focus Areas and their respective programs within the diocese, organises combined school events and is a member of the CSYMI National Development Working Party. The Diocesan Coordinator/Project Officer is the person to whom CSYMI sends relevant information and communications related to programs.

The CSYMI Diocesan Coordinator/Project Officer works with school leaders implementing CSYMI. School leaders should have regular opportunities to share and support each other in the various stages of the implementation and development of CSYMI.

CSYMI school leaders wishing to implement various CSYMI programs need to make a commitment to ongoing professional learning and formation within CSYMI. Diocesan and school leaders should seek to complete relevant online courses introducing and overviewing CSYMI and the Catholic Leaders Formation Network and regularly attend GROW CSYMI Workshops.