Lots of new faces at St Bridgid’s

There has been a changing of the guard at Bridgetown’s Catholic primary school with a new principal and nine new staff members starting work at St Brigid’s in 2018.

Incoming principal Carlo Pardini said he worked at Kearnan College in Manjimup and St Joseph’s in Pemberton, where he was principal for five years, before his move to Bridgetown.

“I’ve been very fortunate – I’ve been in the Warren Blackwood for 22 years,” said Mr Pardini, who succeeded Andrew Kelly as head of St Brigid’s.

Other newcomers are Rochelle Gear, who will teach Year 5 as well as physical education and music, Amy Kammann (Year 2), Louise Barber (Year 1), Katrina Pedulla (Year 4) and Japanese teacher Nicola Sheridan.

Joining them are education assistants Natalie Liddelow, Marie Dussault and Jo Hoare and cleaner Amanda Sparkes.

“It’s a great team, a dynamic staff,” Mr Pardini said.

St Brigid’s had 178 pupils as of last Friday, and with late enrolments that number could hit 180 or more, he said.

Numeracy and literacy would remain priorities as part of the core teaching program at the school and continuing to foster community relationships would also be important.

“This school is very community driven, it really is central to the community of Bridgetown, so my goal is to continue having a beautiful community driven school,” Mr Pardini said.