Over the last month, I have been the very fortunate recipient, from both past and current families, of numerous letters and cards of well wishes of appreciation for my work as Principal of St. Joseph’s. I thank everyone for this support and taking the time to share with me your words of thanks. As the outgoing Principal of St. Joseph’s I feel valued and appreciated. This means much to me and I thank everyone.

I acknowledge our staff teams for their commitment to St. Joseph’s too. Great schools develop through shared leadership at all levels, commitment to the organisation's mission and a strong work ethic; brought to life in respectful relationships, openness and trust and working together. St. Joseph’s is blessed with teaching teams, administration teams, support staff, allied health teams and a facility crew that live daily our school values. I thank all these groups for their wonderful send off and support over the years.

Importantly though, I would like to especially thank all the students, both past and present, for sharing with me their beautiful thoughts and often great artwork; again in appreciation of my work helping all to learn, grow and build their attributes. The students are the gift and treasure of our school. Each student tries every day to be the best they can; as a school community of families and staff we could not ask anymore.

I will also treasure the last day; riding to school with an escort of police and the fire brigade was amazing! Arriving at St. Joseph’s to see many students lined up along the school fence cheering was very special. On arriving at the school loop all the younger students had also formed a guard of honour to farewell me. This experience was touching, very emotional, fun and heart-warming! I am extremely grateful for the student’s openness to arriving early to farewell me. This experience will live in my heart for a lifetime.

Being a Principal of a primary school is indeed a privilege. The support of each family, staff and students at St. Joseph’s has been overwhelming; I thank families for your trust, kindness and willingness to tackle what is required to help each and every student every day.

I wish everyone all the best for the new term, I know all will support Mr Guinan over the next five weeks as Interim Principal. Students, families and staff are all looking forward to welcoming Matthew O’Brien as our new principal. Matthew will start Week 6 of this term, Monday the 24th of May. I wish Matthew all the best and look forward to supporting him in his role as principal of St. Joseph’s.

Regards,
Michael Gray, Principal