Final newsletter for 2017

Dear Parents and Caregivers

This is the final newsletter for 2017 so I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Roncalli staff, Board of Trustees, PTA and all those in the community who support the College.

Without coaches, managers, volunteers and mum’s taxi service, the students would not have the breadth of opportunities that are currently available to them at the College.

Staff departing

Gemma Tomsett

Although Gemma was just with us for this year on a fixed-term contract, she certainly made her mark at the College. She is a well respected and very capable English teacher who formed good relationships with both staff and students. I have heard many students and parents speak very favourably of Miss Tomsett this year and I know she will be missed. Gemma will head to Southeast Asia next year and we wish her all the best for her future.

Barbara Corcoran

Mrs Corcoran joined our staff part-time in 2016 to assist in the areas of Maths and Religious Education. We have appreciated having Barbara on staff and are pleased that she plans to continue working at Roncalli in a relief capacity.

Cara Adler

This year we were fortunate to have Cara spend the year with us as a mission student. Cara graduated from Marist Girls’ College in Auckland in 2016 where she was deputy head girl. Cara was a tremendous help to both staff and students and had a particular interest in supporting students with learning needs. Cara was instrumental in our Community Masses where she assisted with the composition and performing of liturgical music. Cara is off to Victoria University in 2018. We thank her for her service and wish her all the best with her studies.

Staff arriving

We welcome back Mrs Cockroft from her exciting trip abroad with Simon and Ben in 2017. Those of us who follow Karin’s blogs are certainly envious of her adventures. Karen has been appointed in the across-school Community of Learning role.

Reuben Fletcher (ex-James Hargest College) joins us as a teacher of Spanish, English and Religious Education. He has travelled extensively throughout South and Central America and is keen to introduce Spanish into the Roncalli curriculum. Bienvenido!

Victoria Chappell joins our Social Science and English departments. Miss Chappell, who is involved with South Canterbury Drama, is also quite keen to get involved with our upcoming production in 2018 Singing in the Rain.

To conclude, I would like to wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season and I look forward to welcoming the students back for the 2018 school year.

Until next time

Chris Comeau

Principal