Dear Parents and Carers,

I write this newsletter with a very grateful heart for our incredible Mother Teresa community. As you are aware, our school has faced a profound loss with the passing of our beloved colleague, Teresa Doria. Teresa was a cherished member of our reception team and her absence leaves a space that will be deeply felt by all of us for a long time to come.

During this difficult time, I have been profoundly moved by the overwhelming wave of compassion, kindness, and understanding extended to us by our parent community as well as the wider parish and MACS communities.

Below I have listed just two of the condolences that have been shared with our school.

Dear Jess,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Teresa’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences to you, your staff, and the entire Mother Teresa community. From your words, it is clear that Teresa was a much loved and valued member of your school, and that she carried her illness with remarkable courage, grace and spirit. Her contribution to the life of the school and to Catholic education will not be forgotten.

Please know that your community, Nick and Teresa’s family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May you and your staff find comfort in the support of one another and in the faith we share.

Dr Mary Oski

MACS Director: Education Excellence

Dear Mother Teresa Staff & Families,

We are deeply saddened by the loss of the much loved Teresa. Our hearts are with the Doria family, Mother Teresa Staff and students and all who knew and loved her. May you hold onto the happy memories and carry her light in your hearts always.

Please know that your friends at Good Samaritan Primary School are keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time.

With heartfelt sympathy & love

Good Samaritan Primary School

They say that the true measure of a community is how it comes together during times of hardship. If these past few weeks have shown us anything, it is that the bond in our community is extraordinarily strong. I want to extend a special, heartfelt thank you to every parent and caregiver who went above and beyond this week. Because so many of you were willing to arrange alternate care for your children on Tuesday, every single staff member who wished to attend Teresa’s funeral was able to do so.

Next term, we will be holding a fundraising event to honour Teresa, with the funds raised going to Pancreatic cancer research. We are asking all in our community to to either dress in Disney theme OR wear the colour purple.

Mr Darren Gibson appointed as Acting Principal at Our Lady of the Way, Wallan

Last week, Mr. Darren Gibson (Deputy Principal: Wellbeing & Organisation) was appointed as Acting Principal at Our Lady of the Way, Wallan, starting next term until the end of the year. Darren is a highly regarded and experienced educational leader who has made a significant contribution here at Mother Teresa Primary School, leading the implementation of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) and maintaining a strong focus on student wellbeing.

This appointment is a wonderful recognition of Darren’s leadership capabilities and his dedication to Catholic education. I know many families have been personally impacted by the work he has led in the space of Wellbeing. The number of families and students who have come forward to express both their congratulations and their sadness that he is leaving our community for the remainder of the year is a testament to the significant impact he has made in such a short time at MTPS.

Personally, I am so grateful to have had Darren's support and trust this year. The relationship between Principal and Deputy Principal is critical to creating a high performing school and to have had Darren to walk this journey with this year, has been incredible. Whilst we will miss him dearly for the remainder of the year, our loss is certainly Our Lady of the Way's gain. Good luck Darren!!

Joining us to replace Darren for the remainder of the year is Mr. Matthew Galea. Matt has worked in Catholic education for over 12 years and brings a wealth of experience as both a teacher and an educational leader. He has expertise in the areas of student wellbeing and PBL leadership. He joins us from St. Catherine of Siena in Melton, where he is currently the Mathematics Leader, and has been granted a transfer to our school for the rest of the year. I know you will all join me in giving Matt a very warm welcome when he starts with us next term. I look forward to him continuing the incredible work that Darren has done over the last 12 months, especially in terms of continuing our PBL journey.

School Holidays

As today is the last day of school for the term, I hope that all of you have a wonderful two week break! May these holidays be safe, happy, and deeply restful for your entire family. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, fully recharged and ready for a wonderful Term 3 ahead. Just a reminder that Monday 13th July is a school closure day and that Tuesday 14th July will be the first day of term.

Regards,

Jess

Child Safety Standard 5

Child Safe Standard 5