Principal's News 

I leave today and I am so grateful.  The words from the Galilee song are so true for me at this time today November 11.  You may know it. 

So I leave my boats behind

Leave them on familiar shores

Set my heart upon the deep

Follow you again my Lord

Final thoughts...

I have agonized over what I would write in my final newsletter.  The words on this page are not going to cover the time that I have enjoyed at this tremendous school.  It is an attempt to acknowledge and thank you all.

It is difficult to summarize what has been a significant and profound time for Maureen and I in our time at St James.  Seven years of life, a chapter that has provided so much.  Too much to try and share.  

It is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to be a Catholic School Principal and be with others:  children, teachers, staff and families.  Everyday has been filled with the joy of being your companion and friend in the responsibility of being an educator of your children.

Leading a community in education is integral to our mission as Church and in forming our human and faith life of our young people.

I am indebted to the leadership and support that I have been blessed to have received from the current teachers and those that have moved either on to principalships, retirement,  leadership roles in MACS and other schools or to be Mums, and to the overwhelming support I have received for the parents of St James.

I have a deep love for all the kids.  It is why I am a teacher.  They provide so much by just being themselves.  It is truly a joy to be here every day.  To watch them grow, develop and mature. 

The change over seven years has seen many great people move through these doors.  Schools will continue to evolve as learning communities and St James is definitely an environment where people grow and develop and fulfill ambition.

A parent recently mentioned that we have for many years employed well.  It is a wonderful place to be involved with.  

Our community was on show so much last week.  Special Friends day and the prayerful day with Gen Bryant.  There have been many many days this year where the spirit of St James has overflowed into all of our lives.  

Leadership in schools today is complex.  It always has been but I think the demands and expectations in recent times asks a great deal of our teachers and as a Principal.   

Remote Learning proved that.

At all times across the seven years we were able to be responsive, attentive and flexible. Leading others and a school organization requires many thoughtful and responsive actions. As a school community we have always tried to be ambitious and make changes to not only the physical transformation of the school, which is outstanding,  but also be attentive to what we believe is evidenced based best practice, to be supportive of the pastoral and wellbeing for families, and to present a faith curriculum that is meaningful and purposeful that enriches our faith lives.

Leadership for all of us is ministry and we have all shared in that vocation.  It is an expression of our missionary discipleship we share with Jesus.

What is key to all of this is how we are really present to each other. Through my seven years I have had the opportunity to be with you.  It is probably the most enjoyable part of being a Principal.  The most satisfying thing everyday is being with kids, being their friend and also their Principal, laughing and enjoying each other's company. There are many many happy times.

To the children, teachers, parents, School Advisory Council and the Parent Association, my sincere thanks.

Thank you so much.

Brendan