Mr Delaney has been at St Joseph’s College for seven years, and in that time has overseen the plans for the college’s second campus, the COVID-19 disruptions in the education field, and many steps forward for the college.
“I’ve felt like a round peg in a round hole in education — it’s certainly not felt like 43 years,” Mr Delaney said.
Mr Delaney has worked in three schools across his career: St Joseph’s College Echuca, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College in south Gippsland, and St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully.
“I’m a mathematician: I’ve been a teacher for 43 years, 23 of those as principal, three schools, 17 years in the first school, 19 years in the second school, seven years at St Joseph’s, all prime numbers — I like to joke that I’m finishing in my prime.”
Mr Delaney said one of the true privileges of his work had been walking through the difficult years of adolescence with students and families.
“What I say in the Year 7 information evening is `tweenager, teenager, adult’ — for some students it’s a hair-raising roller-coaster, and for some it’s a gentle undulating ride’.
“The highlights for me have been being able to support families and watching the kids who’ve struggled and persisted, finish and graduate in Year 12.
“Because you’re always dealing with teenagers, they’re always hope-filled and optimistic: that journey from 12 to 18 is a privileged one to walk with families.”
The St Joseph's College community would like to thank Mr Delaney for his years of service and the strong legacy he leaves behind.
In a statement, the college said: “We will sincerely miss [Mr Delaney] and wish him all the best for his well earned retirement.”
Mr Delaney will be succeeded by Anne Marie Cairns for the 2022 school year.
“I’ve had the privilege of stirring the water of St Joseph’s College Echuca for seven years now,” Mr Delaney said.
“Now it’s Anne Marie’s turn to add to the story.
“Everyone has to retire sometime, and now is my time.”
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