The principal of St Patrick’s Primary School in Pakenham will retire at the end of this year, after leading the school for 15 years.
Mr Michael (Mick) O’Brien has served the Catholic education community for more than 30 years. He has been principal of a number of primary and secondary schools in New South Wales, North Queensland and Victoria.
While the St Pat’s community is sad to say goodbye to Mr O’Brien, they are excited to welcome the school’s new principal, Mr Simon Dell’Oro. Mr Dell’Oro will commence his role as principal in January 2020, after seeing out the school year in his current role as principal of Trinity Catholic Primary School in Narre Warren South.
Mr O’Brien said that while he will miss working at St Patrick’s, he is pleased to see an educator as talented as Mr Dell’Oro take over leadership of the school.
“In my 15 years at St Patrick’s, I’ve worked to ensure each child has a sense of self-worth that will help them to reach their full potential.
“I can’t think of a better person to lead the school and its community into the future,” he said.
Mr Dell’Oro said that he was attracted to St Patrick’s because of the strong learning agenda and welcoming atmosphere at the school.
“I am looking forward to commencing my appointment at St Patrick’s in 2020. We will continue to place improved learning outcomes and the development of a vibrant Catholic community at the heart of everything that we do,” Mr Dell’Oro said.
Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Ms Maria Kirkwood, thanked Mr O’Brien for his service and said she is confident Mr Dell’Oro will uphold the school’s mission of promoting educational excellence in faith and learning.
“Simon is a committed member of our Catholic education community and shares the belief that our students should have access to an education that fosters the highest quality opportunities and outcomes for all students. We are pleased to see him continue his professional practice within the Diocese of Sale.”
Source: Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd
