Former Principals' Afternoon Tea. |
On Friday 25 September 2015, 42 former primary and secondary principals who worked at Catholic schools within the Diocese were recognised for their years of service with a Principals’ Afternoon Tea.
Former Principal of St Patrick’s Primary, Blacktown Margaret Sheppard said she started working for the Diocese from the beginning when it was formed in 1986.
Former Principals' Afternoon Tea |
‘I was there at the beginning of the Diocese in 1986 until 1992,’ Margaret said. ‘Since then I have completed further study in Ireland in pastoral guidance and I came back and worked for the Archdiocese of Sydney, Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes.’
‘Over the past two years I have been working in detention centres with asylum seekers and refugees as a pastoral worker on behalf of the Jesuit Refugee Service,’ she said.
Trish Haynes who was the former Principal of St Madeleine's Primary School, Kenthurst for 16 years, said she was very fond of her time at St Madeleine’s.
‘It was a wonderful time and is a wonderful school,’ Trish said. ‘Since retiring in 2011 we have been travelling and are planning on doing more travel in the future.’
‘I’ve also done a lot of grandchild minding when I’m home,’ she said.
Former Principals' Afternoon Tea |
Christine Gibson who was the Principal of St Paul the Apostle, Winston Hills from 2000-2014 said she was enjoying her retirement.
‘I’m finding retirement very enjoyable,’ Christine said. ‘I’ve been playing a lot of golf and looking after grandchildren.’
Greg having a chat with some of our former Principals. |
Executive Director of Schools Greg Whitby said the afternoon tea was a great opportunity for the Diocese to catch up with former principals and acknowledge their contribution to Catholic education.
‘It was a great opportunity for us to recognise and reconnect with our former leaders and colleagues and to thank them for their many years of service,’ Greg said. ‘It is important that the sense of community from within the Diocese is not lost or forgotten.’
‘It was great to hear what each of our colleagues are doing and I’m glad to see so many of them enjoying time with their grandchildren and I’m sure teaching them many things,’ he said.
Some sweet treats for our sweet Principals. |
A lovely lolly-bar for our lovely Principals. |