Dear Parents, Friends and Guardians,

I have indeed felt very special this week as the staff and students have kindly taken the time to celebrate me in some fun and beautiful ways. What a privileged position I have held. What great joy and memories the children have provided me over so many years. Many I have watched develop and grow for their entire primary schooling. Each child is unique bringing their own gifts and personalities to share each day. I am very grateful that I have been able to be part of their lives.

I leave principalship well satisfied that the best interests of the children were always considered when planning and making decisions for the schools I have worked in.

I began at St. Mary’s 11 years ago with an enrolment of 350 and leave with a 2022 enrolment of 640. We have developed and grown our learning spaces and we now offer resources and facilities of a high standard. We have purchased more land to provide for future projects and developments. Most importantly we have recruited quality teachers that have continued to provide your children with a level of care and expertise that needs to be celebrated. St. Mary’s is a quality school that will continue to provide amazing opportunities for the children of Echuca/Moama.

I am so thankful for the support and encouragement you have afforded me in my time here. The last two years have challenged our way of being, but we have to believe that next year will be the year where you can all return to a sense of normal. A time to reconnect as a school community.

I am sad to be leaving but I look forward to the next chapter to see what it could offer. Life is a journey of many parts. I thank the staff, students and parents of St. Mary’s for being a big part of my story.

Brendan Atley

Principal

2011-2021

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