Whilst he may not have set out to change the world, the impact that he has had on those who have worked with him during his career will last well beyond the goodbyes we say today.

Today, Mr Spencer will finally graduate from primary school and move on to the next great adventure in his life. While we are sure that he will enjoy the renewed opportunity to spend time with his family and much loved paddle boarding, this goodbye is not easy for any of us.  

Mr Spencer has worked in Catholic Education for the last 39 years.  Many schools across both the Sydney and Wollongong dioceses have been blessed with both his teaching and leadership and we know that each school will always hold a special place in his memory.

Over the last seven and a half years, the Mary Immaculate community has been truly fortunate to have Mr Spencer as the Principal of our school. His motto “We are all in this together” has become a well known catch cry for both staff and students. He is truly one of the most humble leaders I have ever met and has never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and get on with the job at hand. Whether it is welcoming children at Kiss and Drop each morning, weeding the gardens or unclogging blocked toilets, Mr Spencer has always led by example.

His open door policy of Leadership for staff, parents and students, always making himself available to listen, support and offer advice from his own professional experience, has been exemplary. Mr Spencer is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in or admit when he has made a mistake, and this is what makes him a wonderful leader and a truly supportive colleague.

Many of the highlights of Mr Spencer’s time at Mary Immaculate centre around his good sense of humour and fun. Every Book Week Parade saw him dressed as a different character, he participated enthusiastically at all of our Sports Carnivals, attended overnight excursions and always found a way to relate to the children at their level.

He has been a wonderful role model of our School Values – Respect, Compassion, Justice, Faith, Celebration and Doing your Best. His leadership during this time at Mary Immaculate, has helped our school continue to grow and prosper. He has truly been an example of someone who makes Christ his Way and Life.

Mr Spencer’s list of achievements are too many to mention, but always at the forefront of everything he did was his care and concern for the needs of the students at our school. The completion of our new classroom and administration buildings are just one example of his dedication and commitment to ensuring that the students at Mary Immaculate have the very best educational environment now and in the future.

Mr Spencer, on behalf of the Mary Immaculate Community and especially the hundreds of students whose lives you have touched and made a difference to, we thank you. This is your legacy not only to Mary Immaculate but also to Catholic Education, to all you have encountered, and especially to the generation of children you have nurtured. You will always be part of the Mary Immaculate family. May Christ always be Your Way and Life.

Mrs Lillian Del Giudice

Assistant Principal