Dear Parents and Carers,
The 25th celebrations of the College last week were a wonderful occasion to look back and reflect on the storms the College faced in its early years and what it has cost so many hidden and generous souls to get the College to where it is today. As Fr Themann said in his sermon on Saturday at the Anniversary Mass, the anniversary was a time to look back upon past experiences and achievements, but also a time for us to look forward and see what we can do to support the College in its present and future needs. As for the present needs, I reiterate here below the announcement made to all the faithful of Corpus Christi Church on Sunday:
Over the past 11 months I have been struggling with ongoing health issues that have severely impacted my ability to manage the role as principal. These health issues are the result of accumulated stress most especially from the past two years of managing the school through the Pandemic. My doctor has advised me that I will need a period of at least 6 months to recover and that if I attempt to continue in my position as Principal, I will permanently injure my health to the point where I will never recover.
For this reason, Fr Themann, Chairman of the College Board has decided that I be given at least 6 months rest and that Mr O’Dwyer will replace me as Acting Principal for Term 4 of this year and Term 1 of next year. Mr David Williams will step into the position of Acting Deputy Principal for the same period. We are currently working out a replacement for Mr Williams as Head of Primary and Grade 6 teacher, which will be finalised before the end of this term.
This news may come as a surprise to some but should not cause any anxiety as to the future leadership of the College because both Mr O’Dwyer and Mr Williams come with a great deal of leadership experience, both having filled similar roles in other Catholic schools they have worked at in the past.
I will remain in my position as Principal until the end of Term 3. For the first 3-4 weeks of Term 4 I will remain in Tynong to help with the transition process. After that I will be assigned to another location in Australia in order to rest.
Coming back to how you can support the College in its presents needs, the first thing you can do is to keep the needs of the College in your prayers. The second thing you can do is to be supportive and understanding of the College leadership as they grapple with their new responsibilities. The third thing you can do is support the P&F with their efforts to fundraise, and the fourth thing you can do as parents is pray to God daily for the grace to raise your children in the faith.
Sincerely yours in the Two Hearts,
Father Andrew Cranshaw
Principal