This is the final newsletter for 2018 so I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Roncalli staff, Board of Trustees, PTA and all those in our community who support the College. I appreciate our coaches, managers and volunteers for generously giving their time and expertise to allow our students to experience a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom.

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students

This is the final newsletter for 2018 so I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Roncalli staff, Board of Trustees, PTA and all those in our community who support the College. I appreciate our coaches, managers and volunteers for generously giving their time and expertise to allow our students to experience a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom.

Staff departing

Andrew Williamson

Dr Andrew Williamson began his teaching career at Roncalli College in April of 2011. He completed his Ph.D in Literature from the University of Queensland in 2009 and then obtained his teaching diploma from the University of Canterbury in 2010. In addition to being a very well liked and respected teacher, Dr Williamson has also held the positions of McAuley House Dean, Curriculum Leader of English, Debating Coach, Staff PPTA Rep and, most recently, has assisted with the role of the Principal’s Nominee. Dr Williamson and his family will be heading to Christchurch to be closer to family and he has accepted a teaching position at Christchurch Girls’ High School. We wish Dr Williamson all the best for his future teaching career and we thank him for his tremendous contribution to Roncalli College.

Staff arriving

Belinda Lechie

Ms Leckie has been appointed to the position of Assistant Principal at Roncalli College. She worked at Otago Girls’ High School from 2006-2016 in various roles and from 2016-2018 was contracted to work for Solutions and Services as a trainer for MUSAC’s cloud-based management system. Ms Leckie will bring a wealth of experience to our leadership team and she is also looking forward to getting to know the Timaru community and getting involved in some local drama productions.

Alana Dawson

Ms Dawson is a past pupil of Roncalli College and holds a Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts (History & English) and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. She has been a Boarding Tutor at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch, an English teacher at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, a relief teacher is several London schools and currently works at Lincoln University where she is the Future Leader Scholarship Programme Manager. Ms Dawson is also very involved with sport and looks forward to assisting with netball and basketball.

Kim Wheeler

Ms Wheeler joins us in 2019 in the Art Department to replace Lucy Buckley who will be on maternity leave. Ms Wheeler is a recent graduate form the New Zealand Graduate School of Education and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Canterbury. Ms Wheeler has a range of experience in the arts. She is a painter, a photographer and a videographer and has held many exhibitions, including solo exhibitions. Ms Wheeler currently runs her own business in Waikuku, North Canterbury as a family portrait, wedding and event photographer.

To conclude, I would like to thank the Roncalli students for a very enjoyable 2018 and wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season.