Holy Rosary Catholic School eNewsletter

Principals Report

During the holiday break our very much respected and loved John Ploughman (JP) passed away. JP commenced as the Utility Officer at Holy Rosary Catholic School in 1984, a position he held until 2015. During this time he saw the school population double in size and the school facilities and buildings increase significantly. He provided pivotal support to building programs on the school site as well as carrying out renovation and extensive maintenance and gardening work. He worked tirelessly for the many hundreds of children who attended Holy Rosary Catholic School over a period of 31 years. JP's attention to detail and work ensured that Holy Rosary Catholic School was a safe, orderly and aesthetic environment for the staff and students to go about teaching and learning and take pride in their school.

I was incredibly blessed to have JP by my side as I started my journey in a new role and school in 2013. His advice, jokes, ability to fix anything I needed and kindness to me will remain with me forever.

I am sure by the time he got me as a new Principal in 2013 he was completely over having to “train” yet another person but I am forever thankful that JP still had the patience and generosity to guide and encourage me and share his knowledge of our school community. While I always felt very honored that he called me “boss” I really firmly believe that the title belonged to JP.

How lucky have the hundreds of Holy Rosary students, staff and parents been to have had JP in their lives and how lucky was I to have his guidance for my first years as a Principal at HRCS.

JP was indeed an institution at HRCS and his legacy can be seen all around us in our school. I know all in our community will join me in sending our loving support to Robyn and family.

Please also keep in your thoughts and prayers those members of our community who have lost loved ones, parents, grandparents, and other family members in the past weeks.

“Those we love don’t go away.

They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near.

Still loved, still missed and very dear”