Every year, in fact every term if not every day, I think about how very fortunate and privileged I am to be the Principal of our great college.

My role can be seen by many as repetitive and dealing with the same minor issues daily, but it is far from that and, more importantly I love my job.

I mention this point at virtually all our assemblies and gatherings of staff and students.

Weekly, monthly, termly, or annually, I am given the honour and pleasure of being invited to many events, openings of new schools, great lecturers presenting their opinions on many and varied topics, farewells to great educators, being involved in planning for improvement in our education delivery etc. etc. etc.

However, BY FAR, the greatest honour, privilege, and pleasure I gain from my role as Principal is being invited to local (that is Notre Dame College) school-based events, seeing great teaching in actions, watching students immersed in their learning, sharing lunchtime activities or discussions with students, sharing the learning journeys with parents of their children, seeing educators in our school growing almost daily in their craft etc. To this, I now add seeing staff go above and beyond (in whatever role they have) to ensure our school continues to be a wonderful place. Likewise, seeing students developing so well makes me so proud.

I could write a paper on the experiences and joys of being part of our Athletics and Swimming Carnivals and being a part of our Mother’s and Father’s Day breakfasts, of our school productions and other show piece events put on by various faculties, not to mention the day to day joys of dealing with staff and students who so obviously love our school – what great joys such events bring to one’s life.

What I love about my job!!!

I have been in teacher training, teaching and in leadership roles for the past 48 years.

I cannot think of doing any other role.

I certainly feel fortunate and privileged to have been involved in education for so long.

My feelings and reasons around being fortunate and privileged in my leadership roles are:

• Fortunate to have staff who go above and beyond the call

• Fortunate to have magnificent communities that support my College

• Fortunate to have staff committed to great schools and the benefits of longevity in teaching

• Fortunate I had great friendships with staff - don’t believe it when they say leadership is lonely

• Privileged to have parents in school communities who love the College

• Privileged to work with outstanding educational leaders such as DPs and others in leadership roles

• Privileged to work with and be supported by brilliant, innovative, and professional leading teachers.

• Privileged to work with outstanding, supportive, and encouraging Principals and other leaders from neighbouring schools.

• Privileged to be supported by co-operative College Boards and Presidents/Chairpersons.

• Privileged to have many passionate, engaging, knowledgeable and loyal staff (both teaching and non-teaching)

• Fortunate to employ many magnificent graduate teachers and then in a small way play a part in helping to develop them into great educators working in many schools across Vic and the world.

• Privileged to have shared the developmental years of many amazing students and proud that when lucky enough to cross their paths they are happy to chat regarding their lives post school

The fondest memories of educators and leaders are around the successes had in developing great men and women who fit wonderfully into our society.

John Cortese
Principal