Principal Resignation and staffing announcements

24th August 2021

Dear Parents/Caregivers

I am very sorry to inform the community that I have given my resignation to Catholic Education (CEWA) effective at the end of the year, as I have accepted a position in Perth as Head of Primary at King’s College, Wellard, commencing in January 2022.  Darren, Billie and I have loved our time in Derby and we had always intended to stay in Derby for at least 3 years, however due to changing circumstances in Darren’s work we have had to make the difficult decision to move back to Perth sooner.   

CEWA will begin the process of recruiting a new school principal very soon, and will start by discussing with staff and the school Board what they would want from their new principal.  

Kindy Teacher Term 4 

I am also sad to announce the resignation of Michelle Beckley who started with us this year as our kindy teacher, effective at the end of this term.  Michelle has brought energy, enthusiasm and commitment to her role and has invested so much in creating outstanding learning opportunities for our 3 and 4 year old kindy students.  We are very sad to see her go, as I’m sure her kindy students will be also!  

As of Term 4, our replacement teacher for 4 year old Kindies will be Mrs Christine Soosai Raj. Christine moved to Australia in 2019 after many years over there teaching in kindies and daycares, including leading a Montessory Early learning centre as principal.  She has recently completed extra qualifications in Australia and is looking forward to moving to Derby with her 2 children and her husband, who will be looking for work here.   Christine will be working in the 4 year old kindy room Monday to Thursday, and Miss Alis will be taking the 3 year old kindies on a Friday, along with Miss Lesley and Miss Teki. 

Assistant Principal, 2022

We are also very pleased to announce we have appointed an Assistant Principal for 2022, Mrs Jesseca Francis.  Jesseca will also be moving up with her 2 children and husband who will also be looking for work here in Derby.  Jesseca has worked in both regional and metropolitan schools, and is highly experienced with qualifications in early childhood education, and spent a week here earlier in the year doing relief.  She and her 2 daughters enjoyed it so much they are coming back!  

Kind regards

Yvette Clifton