by Jack Breheny - School Winner of the DOSCEL Christmas Card competition

Dear Families,

Sadly the time has come for me to contribute to my last newsletter.  Even though I have known for six months I would be departing Lumen Christi it became a reality this week as the farewells started to happen.  Yesterday we celebrated Mass together school and last night we gathered once again to celebrate the Graduation of the Class of 2021 ...... the Pupils of the Pandemic!  I feel quite overwhelmed from the best wishes I have received and humbled at the kind feedback that has been shared with me.  Words simply couldn't convey this so in an attempt to try to thank everyone I have included a copy of my Principal's Address from yesterday's Mass.

This week we had Transition across the school and it was terrific to see the students resiliently dealing with changes in teachers and classmates.  A highlight obviously was the arrival of the new Foundation students but just as excited were the Year 6 as they arrived back after their Year 7 Orientation Days.  I have included the listing of 2022 staff in this newsletter, with the new recruit being Mrs.Darby.  I trust you will all embrace her and other her a warm welcome to our terrific school.

The end of a school year always brings staffing departures and this year we have two staff joining me in farewelling Churchill.  Mr.Camillo Redi departs after only spending one year with us in a leadership role after moving back to the Latrobe Valley after teaching in metropolitan Melbourne. Camillo has shown across the year that he is an outstanding classroom teacher while also demonstrating strong leadership skills.  This leadership potential was recognised this week when DOSCELL appointed Camillo to the Deputy Principal role at St.Joseph's Warragul.  We congratulate Camillo on this well deserved promotion.  Like Camillo, Mrs.Janet Smith also leaves us after a short one year stint.  Janet was targeted to support our junior students post-2020 COVID after retiring from working in Latrobe City Pre-Schools.  Janet has had a significant impact and we thank her for the tremendous support she has given the staff and students in the junior building.  We wish her well in retirement.

Reports will be distributed today and it will be the last time they are in that particular format.  As previously advised from 2022 we will switch to using the SIMON/PAM platform.  You will note that all students will have their Absent Days marked as zero (0) as they two system are yet to have the correct connectivity.  The school has a record of attendance available if parents require a copy.

So in closing I congratulate the staff and students on their efforts across the year.  I also offer each family a blessed and joyous Christmas.  Take care of yourselves over the summer break and have a wonderful 2022.

Humbly yours,

Dave