From the Principal - Greg Parker
Dear Families
Last week Catholic Education SA made the announcement that I have decided to retire at the end of this year. I had hoped to complete Stage 2 of the building project but the timeline for this is pushing out, so I decided to complete Stage 1D (current build) as my final project. I had very mixed feelings about the decision as you would know how much I’ve loved working here, I will miss especially your children and the joy they bring to St Pius X. However, once I had made the decision, I felt ‘at peace’ and ready to be more of a ‘home Dad.’
Students, staff and families have expressed surprise and, may I say, thanks for the well wishes! I look forward to helping out at home more and also being a grandfather. My wife, Kelly, is Principal at St Margaret Mary’s and she has been a great support to my leadership - it's now time to offer back. This year will mark my 63rd birthday and 38 years of teaching and leading in Catholic schools so I really feel it is time.
The process of selection and appointment of a new Principal will start promptly. This includes consultation with students, parents and staff about the qualities you feel the new Principal should demonstrate and the school priorities going forward. A job description will be created and applications and interviews will occur next term. This is about a five week turnaround so the announcement would likely to be later Term 3. My plan is to complete the year and have a good ‘handover’ with the new Principal. I told the Year Six students yesterday that we will be ‘exiting’ together and there should be plenty of opportunity for celebrations.
One goal I have for the community is to help reconnect our families post COVID-19. I would like to meet with as many of you as I can to hear how we might achieve this and other goals that you have for the school. In order to achieve this, I’m proposing a late afternoon/evening Disco for the children (three sessions for three age groups) with the opportunity to meet with me in the Activity Room whilst the children are dancing. I'm not sure how much can be achieved, but it will be a chance to catch up with you!