Deputy Principal News

Merry Christmas and a Final 'Thank You'...

It’s hard to believe we are already in the final week of the school year, and what an incredible year it has been. Learning, growth, challenges, friendships, community, and plenty of laughter, St Joseph’s at its best. This week I've spent time in the atrium watching our Year 6 students rehearse for their final assembly. Their joy, their energy, and that unmistakable “we’re almost ready for secondary school” confidence has been on full display. It is an absolute testament to our staff that our senior students remain enthusiastic, engaged and deeply connected right to the very end of their primary school journey.

As I reflect on my years as Deputy Principal at St Joseph’s, I find it almost impossible to capture all the moments, memories and relationships that have shaped my time here. There are simply too many to list. What I do know is that I will look back on these years with immense gratitude, gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us, the collaboration we’ve shared, and the strong relationships that have defined this community. St Joseph’s is a special place because of its people, and I feel genuinely privileged to have been part of its story.

It's been ten wonderful years of my life spent at St Joseph's. I arrived as a classroom teacher and learnt so much from the other teachers and leadership. I'm forever grateful for the trust placed in me by Simon Collis and the team who gave me the opportunity to grow and develop as a teacher, leader and person. And I am so grateful for the many amazing opportunities and experiences I've had here. 

On a personal note, my time at St Joseph’s has coincided with some of the most significant milestones in my life, getting engaged, then married, buying our first home and welcoming our daughter into the world. Through each of these moments, the genuine care and support I’ve received from this community has stood out above everything else. The simple gestures, families checking in, asking how Summer was sleeping, or how the renovations were going, may have seemed small, but they shaped my early understanding of what it truly means to belong to St Joseph’s. Connection here is built through sincere, everyday interactions, and that is a lesson I will carry with me always.

To our remarkable staff: thank you. Your optimism, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our students is inspiring. The way you embrace challenges, adapt to change, and continue to prioritise strong teaching and learning never goes unnoticed. You are the reason our students flourish, not just academically, but socially, emotionally and spiritually. In a few years when Summer starts attending St Joseph's, I will hand her to any one of you without hesitation.

To our parents and students: thank you for your support, your partnership and your trust. The strength of our work is entirely dependent on the relationships we build with families, and you have made that partnership an absolute joy. Your encouragement, honesty and willingness to collaborate have made my role incredibly fulfilling. One of the greatest privileges of working in a school is the connections we form with children and their families. I truly believe we are in the best profession in the world. Whether it’s celebrating a weekend soccer win at the gate or hearing about the achievements our students go on to enjoy long after they leave St Joseph’s, it is these small, personal moments that capture the heart of school life. Those connections are what make this work meaningful.

And to the students, thank you for the daily reminders of why we do what we do. Whether it’s a funny comment at the gate, a moment of resilience in the classroom, or the pure excitement you bring to learning, you have been the highlight of my time here.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Claire Tobin and our leadership team. Your mentorship, wisdom and partnership have shaped me in ways no course or qualification ever could. You have reminded me time and again that leadership is about people first, humility and kindness. I am grateful for every conversation, every shared challenge and every celebration along the way.

I will certainly be hoping to see St Joseph's thrive, albeit, from afar, over the next few years. The school is in a wonderful position and in great hands with a wonderful staff, leadership structure and school advisory council. I wish everyone all the best with what is next. I know the school will continue to go from strength to strength.

Wishing you all a wonderful final week and a restful break ahead. It has been an honour to serve this community, and I am deeply thankful for the journey we have shared.

Warm regards,

Tom Hartney

Deputy Principal and Teaching and Learning Leader