Mr Mason penned the following letter to the school, and Benalla community.
Well, starting in the principal position during remote learning and the fifth lockdown was certainly not something I was expecting when I accepted the position.
But I have been mightily impressed with the way that the staff and the students have carried on with the learning program; adjusting where needed, but on the whole moving things along.
It’s essential we do this as the uncertainty of 2021 demands we don’t stop moving forward.
I’m thrilled to be joining the caring and welcoming community of FCJ College Benalla.
From Wednesday, I was warmly welcomed by students in the yard who knew my name and who called out across the yard to say hello.
I’m very grateful for this warm welcome.
The challenge is now mine to learn their names.
At our virtual staff meeting this week, I spoke a little about myself with the staff and I wanted to share some of this with the community.
Learning and teaching is a passion of mine and I’m always considering ways in which we can offer improved experiences for the students in our care.
Like our students, teachers are constantly learning, and we must continue to look at our practice to refine and develop our skills and understanding.
My experience as deputy principal, with a focus on learning and teaching, in two large regional Catholic secondary schools provides me with a great starting point from which to work with the excellent staff at our college to continue to offer a high-quality, inclusive, Catholic education.
One where all young people can learn, and all are provided with opportunities to see a world that may yet be beyond their imagination.
I’m inspired by the FCJ sisters who walk in faithful companionship with Jesus, and who challenge us to walk alongside those in our community that may be struggling and need a companion.
We are also called to be a positive agent of change in our community where we see injustice in any of its forms.
I’m a firm believer in modelling this for the students at our college and reminding them that “we are not yet what we shall be, but growing toward it” (Martin Luther).
That goes for the principal as well.
Outside of the education world, I am married and have three primary school-aged children who keep us busy with their sporting schedules.
I love to cook and I’m an avid Western Bulldogs supporter.
I really can’t wait to meet you all and when restrictions are lifted, we’ll plan opportunities to come and say hello.
In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me at school or via email.
Go well and God bless,
- Shaun Mason
More from the Ensign:
- CFA urge people to install interconnected smoke alarms
- Local groups benefit from ARTC grants
- Zoetis support vital Beyond Blue service
- Discarded face masks could pose a threat to Lake Benalla’s platypus population
- Governments provide financial assistance to businesses impacted by lockdown
- Indi groups benefit from Healthy Rivers funding
- Benalla pharmacies to begin COVID-19 vaccinations
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