Newsletter 19 - Term 4 - Week 11 - 14th December, 2021

Website: www.stgtraralgon.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mrs. Roslyn Joyner

Email: principal@stgtraralgon.catholic.edu.au

Dear parents and carers,

This is the last newsletter for the year and what a year it has been. There are always people to thank at the end of the year and we have many to thank this year. We had a beautiful end of year whole school Mass last week where I had the opportunity to thank staff, students and parents, however, many of you could not be there so I would like to acknowledge people in this newsletter as well.

I sincerely thank all staff for their care and support for the students in their care. As parents, you are fortunate indeed to have such capable and dedicated staff looking after your children and helping them learn so well. To my admin team, thank you for your hard work, and patience! We have managed to get through another covid year.

Thanks to my leadership team who have worked in so many ways to fulfil our vision of being a welcoming, affirming and compassionate school that builds a cooperative learning community. Your passion and enthusiasm for building a dynamic and purposeful learning and teaching environment has enlivened me in my work. Special thanks also to my two Deputy Principals Sally Darby and Alison Phillips who have shown dedication to the school and given me much support in my role.

Thank you to the School Advisory Committee, and the P and F for their continuing contribution to the school. Even though some events were limited your presence in the background and willingness and availability for advice has been welcome. Thanks to all parents for your partnership in your children’s education.

Thank you Father Francis and all the parish team for the way we have been able to work together to try to help the children come to know and understand the love of God for each of them.

We say goodbye to several staff as we approach the end of the year. Firstly a huge thank you to Mrs Chris DiCorleto who is retiring after giving thirty years of her professional life to St Gabriel’s School. The impact that she has had on so many students over this time is hard to put into words. Good luck Chris and have a well-earned rest.  Also Mrs Ivanka Moulton has retired after taking extended leave, also leaving a big hole in the school after many years here at St Gabriel’s. Mrs Darby, Miss Skinner, Mrs Drew, Mrs. Leech, and Mrs Mifsud are all moving on to other adventures and we wish them all well.

It has been exciting and satisfying to finally see our new building project get underway. The new classroom pod, library, STEM room and chapel area will be such an asset to the school. I hope to come back and see it in action when it is finished.

Finally I do want to say what an absolute privilege it has been for me to be principal of this wonderful school for the past six years. My very special thanks go to our students, for their love warmth and fun. One of my fondest memories will be that of watching them come  running into school each morning saying “Good morning Mrs Joyner.”

With love and very warm wishes for a peaceful Christmas,

Ros

Roslyn Joyner

PRINCIPAL