Deputy Principal’s Report

College Principal

Farewells for 2021

I would like to farewell and acknowledge staff members who will be leaving the College at the end of 2021.

Mr Jay Sutton, Deputy Principal: Jay has served the St Edward’s Community for the last five years in the role of Deputy Principal. Jay’s leadership and commitment to staff and students throughout this time has been exemplary and his support and advice will be truly missed. Jay has made an immense and lasting contribution to the life of St Edward’s College. His passion for the promotion of quality teaching and learning, the religious life of the College, staff and student well-being and informed decision making has influenced the development of a range of policies, strategies and procedures that will ensure that St Edward’s provides the best quality contemporary education into the future.

Jay has been appointed the role of Principal of St Augustine’s College, Kyabram. I congratulate Jay on this appointment and wish he and his family all the very best for the future.

Mrs Carolina Murdoch, Director of Teaching and Learning: Carolina joined St Edward’s in 2018 as the inaugural Director of Teaching and Learning. Carolina has been influential in the promotion of quality teaching and learning. Carolina is a passionate educator, who has contributed significantly to the leadership of the College, supporting teachers, students and other leaders be the best that they can be in their work.

Carolina has been appointed to the role of Assistant Principal at St Leo’s College Wahroonga. I wish Carolina and her family all the very best for the future.

Richard Drosdewski, Music Teacher: At the end of 2021, we farewell Richard who is an absolute legend of the College. “Drozzi” as he is affectionately known to staff and students has been a member of St Edward’s Staff for 42 years. Throughout this time Richard has been extensively involved in fostering the wonderful creative gifts and talents of students in the Music Department. Richard’s commitment to the school over such an extended period has ensured that the performing arts have remained a critical component in the fabric of the College. Richard will be truly missed and we wish him a healthy and happy retirement.

John Breneger, TAS Assistant: Another longstanding member of staff who has decided to pack away his tools is John Breneger who has held the position of TAS Assistant for over 23 years, commencing at the College in August of 1998. John has been a steady presence in the workrooms of the TAS department, maintaining the wide range of machinery used by the staff and students,

as well as assisting with many projects required. It is no mean feat collating, cutting, storing and distributing hundreds of metres of timber and metals needed by students each and every year for many different assignments. We wish John all the best for a well-deserved retirement so he can spend more time with his family.

Wendy Taylor, English Teacher: Wendy will be retiring at the end of 2021, after twenty years of service to the College. Wendy’s significant contribution to St Edward’s has been in a variety of roles including Pastoral Leader and teacher of English, History and Religious Education. We wish Wendy and family all the very best in the future.

Betty Kiekebosch, Leader of Diverse Learning: We also farewell Mrs Betty Kiekebosch who will be retiring at the end of 2021. Betty has held the position of Leader of Diverse Learning for the past twelve years and has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that all students have been provided with the support needed to achieve their personal best. We wish Betty all the very best in retirement.

Ray Fitt, Learning Assistant: Ray has maintained a connection with the College for a period of twelve years fulfilling the role of Teacher initially and subsequently Learning Assistant. Ray will also be retiring at the end of 2021 and we wish him well.

Sarah Deacon, Risk and Compliance Officer: Sarah has fulfilled the role of Risk and Compliance Officer for the past two years. In this newly created position, Sarah has worked diligently in ensuring that St Edward’s has established clear guidelines, policies and protocols in the areas of WHS, Risk and Compliance. Sarah has been offered the role of Risk and Compliance Manager with the St Philip’s Foundation and we wish her and her family all the very best for the future.

I would like to conclude this year’s report by acknowledging so many wonderful people within our St Edward’s community. Our teachers, support staff and families have all contributed to creating an environment which is dedicated to caring for the young people in our care. 2021 will be remembered for being a very challenging year in many ways and I am forever grateful for the support provided in meeting these challenges. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the College Leadership Team. Their advice, commitment and dedication ensured that we were able to excel in meeting the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.