“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. (Jeremiah 29:11)

As I conclude my time as Principal, and in the Education sector, I take this opportunity to extend my deepest appreciation to our community for your support, encouragement and gratitude, not only over the last few weeks, but since my commencement in April 2015.

It has been the greatest gift and privilege to serve as your Principal over the last five years. I recalled in Chapel this week, just some of the events, moments, learnings and discoveries that happen each and every day at our school, that enriches the lives not only of our students, but has likewise enriched my life.

I’m departing this role for a change – there is no secret about that. God gifts us all in certain ways, but importantly guides us in the unknown. I conclude, not despising or worrying, but loving this community and so very grateful for all each of you are and have been to me. God is the master planner of life and it is with the above words from Jeremiah that I walk excitedly into the next stage of my life.

Naturally, there is sadness when one concludes a tenure, especially from a special community like Tatachilla. But a shed tear, is not a tear of grief or despair, rather a tear of gratefulness for all that I have been blessed with, especially the people that have crossed my path and enabled me to serve our students, staff and parents. For this I will always be grateful.

Over the last week there have been a number of events that have enabled me to extend my gratitude to members of the community. Our College Council, including Chairperson Sarah Anthoney, our Executive Team, teaching and support staff, parents and caregivers.

I extend significant thanks to our students who have accepted me, engaged with me and made it such a joy and pleasure to work at Tatachilla. As students, you are what we as teachers and support staff undertake our roles for and it is through this that I have been fortunate to see you grow, learn and thrive at Tatachilla. Thank you all!

Thank you for enabling me to have the special responsibility of being Principal and being grace-filled as I have navigated through the last few years.

Dr Suess reminds us, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

So thank you and may our College continue to be blessed with the rich love of Christ, the splendour of creative minds, the service of gifts and the compassion for the other; the stranger, so that we can all leave this world even a little more hope-filled and loved than when we arrived.

I extend a warm welcome to our Interim Principal, Mr Noel Mifsud, who is now onsite and will be with our community until the end of this year. College Council are currently undertaking a recruitment process for the next substantive leader to commence in 2021.

So in our 25th year, as we give thanks for the past, we look to the future, hope-filled, Christ centred, God blessed, ready to serve beyond ourselves.

I say thank you. Really, just thank you. I leave with so many fond and special memories, laughter and joy in my heart. I hope that I have done justice to the Mission and Vision of our College. I know that I am a better soul, a better leader, simply a better human being, for all of you coming into my life.

Poet, Robert Southey concluded, “no distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth”.

You all are, this community is, Tatachilla will remain, invaluable to me.

May God continue to bless each one of you, your family and your future.
 

Mr Cain McDonald
PRINCIPAL

PICTURED: Principal, Mr Cain McDonald and Founding Principal, Mr Richard Bruss.