Deputy Principal | Mr Damien Fall

The thoughts and prayers of the Terrace Family go out to a number of staff who have lost loved ones in recent days. Ms Ralda Deoki’s mother passed away late last week, and Mr Devon Naeser lost his dad after a period of illness. Ms Angela Wood and Mr Glenn Cameron also grieve the loss of beloved family members in recent days. It can be a challenge to go about our regular workdays while carrying the burden of the personal issues we have to deal with periodically. However, the support of those in our community helps ease the burden a little, and I am thankful that friends and colleagues always rally around those most in need. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends who grieve their passing.

As I mentioned in last week’s Terrace News, it seems the job of recruitment never ends, with the inevitable mid-year staff departures and periods of leave that are part of such a large organisation. In the past week, we have had the opportunity to welcome several new members of teaching staff to the College:

• Ms Wendy Hatfield-Witt has joined us to teach Art and Religious Education following the departure of Ms Aubrey-Rees. At this stage, Wendy will be with us until the end of this term.
• Mr Brad Winchester will replace Mr Devon Naeser teaching Physical Education and Religious Education as he takes a period of personal leave for Weeks 3 and 4.

This week, we have celebrated the feast day of our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice, with a College Mass. We also look forward to celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday. As a son, husband and father, I look forward to spending family time with my mother and my wife on Sunday. In reflection, I am struck by the common character traits of Edmund and so many of our mothers – strength with humility, selflessness, commitment and compassion. These are the traits that allow us to put others before ourselves, something for which mothers are renowned and hopefully thanked. I wish all mums in the Terrace Family a wonderful day full of love and laughter on Sunday.

I am looking forward to seeing many of our current and future families on Monday as we showcase the College at Open Day. I hope to see you there.