Staff

Maryanne Evans

Maryanne is beginning a new chapter of her life as she leaves St Josephs after 18 years. Maryanne is a living example of a lifelong learner having studied as a teacher whilst working as a nurse and raising her family.

Maryanne is a passionate and skilled teacher who has enjoyed a speciality of teaching young children to read, write, calculate and most importantly belong.

As a classroom teacher she has been a great friend and mentor for her colleagues.

In the later part of her teaching career Maryanne undertook further study, a Masters of Wellbeing. Maryanne carved out a new role here at St Joseph’s which has been replicated across the state. In this role Maryanne has been a support and guide for all staff, students and parents particularly those in the most need. 

Much of the work she has done goes unnoticed, without fanfare as she is so respectful of the privacy and dignity of all in her care.

Personally, Maryanne has been a wonderful sounding board for me. She is frank with advice, honest in opinions and generous with her time and wisdom.  One of Maryanne’s gifts is to see the funny side of things and her sharp, dry wit will be missed in our staffroom. Our school is a much better place because of Maryanne’s passion and vision. She will be missed.

Good luck Maryanne and thank you!

Yuichi Deguchi

Yuichi has had an enormous impact on our whole community. It was Yuichi who began the Japanese Language Program across the Catholic School Network for East Warrnambool to Port Fairy. Yuichi’s legacy is a thriving and vibrant language and cultural program which immerses children in music, food, games and history.

Yuichi is a leader in the Japanese Language Teachers Association of Victoria who annually presents at their conference.

Most importantly, Yuichi has enabled a cultural exchange by coordinating visiting Japanese students to be hosted in Warrnambool. These visits have added to the fabric of our school community. Yuichi has also been a part of the team who has collaborated with our Sister School Doshisha to facilitate trips to Kyoto, Japan for primary school children.

I have enjoyed reading the comments online about Yuichi from past students on the Standard Facebook page.  They show what an impact he has had across the years and across the community.

Good luck in your next chapter Yuichi. You will be missed by us all.

Rachel Creely

Rachel is heading back to Melbourne to take up a full time classroom role after teaching Music, Dance and Drama to our Foundation students. Rachel has also been a flexible and generous CRT at St Josephs this year.  Good luck Rachel.

Daisy, Josh, Chloe and Bridie

Farewell to our team of trainees who have brightened our school this year. We wish you well in your future endeavours.

George El-Hage and Steve Guthrie are both taking a year of leave and we wish them well for their endeavours in 2025.

Year 6 Graduation Students

Congratulations to all of our Year 6 students who are graduating from St Joes and embarking on the next part of their educational journey. 

I include here my thanks and wishes in an except from my final address at their ceremony last week.

Let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all as the graduating class of 2024. Your hard work, dedication, and positive spirit have brought you to this significant milestone. Today is not just a recognition of academic achievements but also a celebration of the character, friendships, and personal growth that you have experienced during your time at St Joseph’s.

As we reflect on the years gone by, we are reminded of the numerous challenges you faced and overcame – from mastering the fundamentals of reading, writing, and maths to developing a sense of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. You have not only grown academically but have also demonstrated the qualities of curiosity, teamwork, and kindness. 

Graduates of 2024, as you embark on the next chapter of your educational journey, remember the lessons you've learned at St Joes. Cherish the friendships you've formed and the memories you've created. Embrace new challenges with the same enthusiasm and determination that has brought you to this moment.  

Today is a day of celebration, of looking back with pride and looking forward with anticipation. Congratulations once again, graduates of 2024!  May your future be filled with success, happiness.  And wherever you go, wherever your gifts and talents take you, I am sure that  place will be a better place just because you are there.

Families

Thanks to the following families for your contribution to St Josephs across the years. These family's youngest child leaves St Joseph's this year.