My name is Robyn Kelly and I would like to introduce myself as the Principal of the Catholic School, St Teresa of Kolkata, Tarneit North. St Teresa of Kolkata is one of four schools which belong to the St James the Apostle, Hoppers Crossing Parish.

St Teresa of Kolkata Primary School officially welcomed students for the first time in January 2024. We opened the doors to 145 new students across Grades Foundation (Prep) to Grade 6. It was a wonderful first year of building relationships with our school community. I was joined by a team of amazing staff who embraced their new work place with commitment and passion. We currently have Stage One completed. Stage 2 will commence in 2025 and Stages 3 and 4 will follow shortly after. Each stage will add to the capacity to accept more enrolments and add to the landscaping and playground areas that we currently have. The expected enrolment is approximately 650 students upon completion of all stages.

I have been in Catholic education for over 30 years. During that time, I have taught across all grades and held different leadership positions in a variety of schools. I even taught overseas for several years. This is my second principalship. My husband Tim has been a Catholic school principal for many years and he has also recently opened a new school, so it is definitely in the family! We have one son Thomas, who has just followed his dream to be a lawyer in Canberra and has relocated interstate. I miss him every day!

There are so many aspects of teaching that I love. I love being part of a school family where everyone is valued for what they bring to the community. I love working alongside staff to deliver an education that is of the highest quality and where every child feels success. I love watching the joy in the children’s faces as they learn something new. I love building relationships with parents, staff, parishioners and children. I love being part of the Catholic community where the Gospel values underpin all that we do.

I am especially excited to be the principal of a school that has been named after Mother Teresa who has always been someone I have greatly admired and respected. My vision for this new school is that it will be a reflection of all that Mother Teresa did during her life. It will be a school where everyone is welcome, where every voice will be heard and where every child will be nurtured in a safe and inclusive environment.

This school will not be my school, it will be our school. In the words of St Teresa ““I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”

I warmly welcome everybody that walks through our doors. May your journey with us be one of joy, fun and knowledge.

Robyn Kelly