Principal's Message

Dear OLA Families,

RE: Staff - Departures and Leave for 2023 

Back in October I was able to confirm that Julie Doyle, Carrie Mulcahy, Jacqueline Southwell, Alicia Robertson, Sarah Dooley and Sarah Arnott will be finishing up at OLA at the end of this year.  I know these staff members have very much appreciated the support of the OLA community in wishing them well and for the gratitude that they have received. Please look back on Newsletter 15 to read about the exciting next steps for these great people.

Throughout Term 4, in preparation for the coming school year, we are able to confirm changes to our team in 2023. Although it is sad to see members of our amazing staff 'leave the nest,' they always go with our heartfelt blessing, knowing their dedication to the OLA community has contributed greatly to our success.

This year, we will also bid the fondest of farewells to Michelle Congerton, and Meg McCallum. It has been a privilege to watch these two members of staff grow and develop, both professionally and personally, during their time at OLA.  We also have two members of staff who are currently on leave finishing up at the end of this year so we also bid the fondest of farewells to Francine Jorgensen, who has been on a year of leave, and Marsha Van Cuylenburg who is on Maternity Leave. While we are not saying farewell, we also wish Mark Buccilli all the best as he takes one year leave from teaching in the classroom.

We look forward to saying thank you and farewell to these staff members at the End of Year Prayer Service and Assembly at 9.00am on Friday 16 December. I know you will join me in celebrating these staff members and showing gratitude for their amazing contributions to our community.

Michelle Congerton & Meg McCallum

Both Michelle and Meg have been at OLA for over four years each and so they began their time here together.  They have enjoyed the last 12 months side by side being the classroom teachers in Grade 1/2 area.  We thank you Michelle and Meg for the caring and supportive teachers that you have become and we wish you both all the very best as you settle into new schools in 2023. 

A reflection from Michelle Congerton

My journey at OLA began in Prep way back when! The OLA community has been a big part of mine and my family’s lives for many years. I have loved being part of this community and will still be a part of it through the people and the connections I have made, and as a member of the parish. The staff at OLA have given me so much in my first years of teaching and I will forever be grateful for their warmth and support in my journey. To the families of OLA, I am so lucky to have worked in partnership with you and the children. I have had the privilege of teaching in the junior, middle and senior classes, making wonderful relationships and learning so much in my first years of teaching. I’m so grateful for the staff and families of OLA. I have loved my 5 years as a teacher at OLA and it is time for a new chapter. I am excited to share my passion of teaching with others and look forward to what the future holds. I will forever have a special place for OLA and its community in my heart. Thank you all, I hope to see you around the community. I will miss you all so much and wish you all the best. 

A reflection from Meg McCallum

I first started my teaching journey back in 2017, studying Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Australian Catholic University (ACU). I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to become a Learning Support Officer in Term 2 of that year at OLA. Back then I didn’t know what OLA would come to mean to me… growth, friendship and a deep sense of community. I certainly didn’t know that I would be lucky enough to teach here! I’m so grateful to the families, students and the fabulous staff who have been so welcoming and supportive, especially in my first year of teaching. Throughout my six years here, I’ve developed a great passion for mathematics, technology and student wellbeing and I’m excited to continue these passions at a new school next year. I’m so honoured to have worked in such an amazing school with an even more amazing community. I’ll miss you all!

Francine Jorgensen

We also farewell Francine Jorgensen at the end of the year.  Parents would be aware that Francine enjoyed an extended period of leave this year.  Francine first commenced at OLA in January, 2007 and most recently worked in the Grade 5/6 level. Francine is an outstanding classroom teacher who gets to know each and every child’s talents and skills and is able to bring out their best.  We thank Francine for her contributions throughout 15 years at OLA and thank her for the care of her children across all year levels of the school.

A reflection from Francine Jorgensen

I arrived at OLA at the beginning of 2007. It was so exciting to be part of a large dynamic school. OLA has provided me with many wonderful and happy memories. I have always loved listening to and sharing in the news of my students and their families. Every year provided new challenges and opportunities to grow as a teacher in order to best support my students. I have thoroughly loved OLA and it’s community, sharing many First Communion and Confirmation preparations and celebrations. I thank everyone involved in my journey; staff, students and families. I am very grateful for all the opportunities and friends I have made.

Marsha Van Cuylenburg

With a gift for education, Marsha Van Cuylenburg has accepted a position next year at Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) as Education Officer - Catholic Identity and Mission Team. Marsha’s passion for learning has been a noted strength, and she will continue to put her learning from OLA into practice as she takes on this special role at MACS.  We know you will be visiting in your new role Marsha and we look forward to continuing to learn from your wealth of knowledge and experience.   

A reflection from Marsha Van Cuylenberg

I believe that God leads each of us to where we are meant to be and this was certainly the case when I came to OLA five years ago. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community, for the students that I have taught, the parents I have had the chance to know and the amazing staff that I have worked alongside. I am especially proud of the work that went into establishing our Intervention Program and the progress students have made through the different programs provided. I have had the pleasure of working for two dynamic principals during my time here and will take with me lessons learned about the importance of humility when leading in a school community.  Thank you Richard and Caitlan for supporting my application to MACS, I very much look forward to being able to work with the OLA community again in a different capacity.

Mark Buccilli

We thank Mark for his unwavering commitment to the OLA community.  His positive relationships with students, parents and staff is very much appreciated and it is always a joy to see past students return to OLA and to see how warmly they connect with ‘Mr B’. We look forward to being in touch through Interschool Sport and School Sports Victoria at district, regional and state championships in 2023. 

A reflection from Mark Buccilli

After 16 years of working at OLA, I have decided to take a year of leave for 2023. I will be looking forward to continuing with my role with sport as the Cheltenham District Coordinator and will likely expand that role to being the School Sport Victoria Kingston Division Coordinator. Whilst it will be hard walking away from the staff, students and lovely community that I am fortunate to work in, I am looking forward to taking some time away from teaching and I am hoping to get away for a holiday or two!

In light of these staff changes, we are reminded that dynamic schools are not static; they must respond and adapt positively to changes in their communities. In the coming weeks we will fittingly acknowledge the impact of these staff members.   

Our staffing for 2023 will be announced in the coming week, as we continue to firm up our plans. We thank our parent community for their patience with this process. 

Richard Jacques

Principal