Principal's Message
with Mr Brendan Gill
Principal’s Message
Dear Families
I am sitting on a deck in Ulverstone writing this newsletter. It is 10.30pm and I am listening to the peaceful noises of the wind in the trees and the water lapping on the sand at the nearby beach. The last children seem to be asleep after a big night at Grade 5/6 Camp, although I guess I will have to wait a bit longer to see if that bit is true! (later edit - it wasn't true). Camps are wonderful experiences for students and staff. I have seen students challenge themselves, connect socially with other students and just have fun. The students have been a testament to the school during my time here. I also marvel at the care and energy of our staff, who work this week to give students a wonderful experience and lasting memories. Thank you to Mrs Headlam, Mrs Collinson, Mrs Nolan, Mrs Edwards, Mr Prichard, Mr McGuinness, Mrs Quilliam and Mr Hallsworth.
Speaking of staff, Mrs Anne Tanner ‘hangs up the boots’ this week after eighteen years at John Paul II. Anne has been a constant through many students and as she has reminded me, many principals! I have really appreciated Anne’s pastoral nature with all our families and her down to earth, get it done attitude. She will be sorely missed. Thank you Anne for your dedication to the school and we wish you every blessing for the future.
It has been a busy start to the school year. I would like to say a special welcome to those families new to the school. We have grown quite a bit from 2022. We have approximately 228 students this year and there is very little room at the inn now. 2024 Kinder enrolments are closing soon so I ask any existing families to return outstanding enrolment forms, as we have significant demand.
2023 is an exciting year for the school. Our hall should be finished by Easter and with it, comes many of our exciting plans – a specialist art space, music space and new before and after school care space. Our kitchen staff, Bridget and Andrea have been busy preparing for the implementation of our school lunch program. Keep an eye out for a survey that will come out very soon. Over January we were quite busy planning every detail of our new Library space. As one building project finishes, another one will begin.
Thank you to families for your understanding with the car park and restricted entry. It has not been ideal, but we have made it work and kept it safe. I am really excited about the new entry as often people wander around, trying to figure out where the entrance to the school is!
I wish our whole community every blessing this year. Please reach out if there is something to celebrate or if there is something that can be improved. John Paul II Catholic School celebrates 40 years this year and I look forward to celebrating this with the community during 2023.
Brendan Gill
Principal
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Have you seen our new Explore the Future brochure, starring Rubi Langston in Grade One! Take a look below.
Download your copy of our new 'Explore the Future' brochure here.