Rob Della Croce

My name is Rob Della Croce and I am thrilled to be serving as Principal of St. John Catholic Elementary School beginning in the 2017-18 school year. I learned so much over the past four years at St. Paul Elementary School where I served as their LEAD-LEARNER (a.k.a. PRINCIPAL). Prior to this, my service included Vice-Principal at Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School between the years of 2008-2012 and five years prior as Department Head of Healthy Active Living and Athletics Coordinator. Over this time, I married my wife Michelle Glaab, who is currently an Educational Assistant at St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School. We have journeyed through the birth of four little miracles; Luke, Micah, Joseph and Ava - like individual fingers on a hand, so different and unique. They are all currently attending elementary school and admittedly, there was no parent/principal manual that could have ever prepared me, as much as my own "real" lived experience with them has. It helps me to remember Pope Francis' words; "God's mercy is fresh and new every morning."

Do you know my child? Do you love my child? Is my child learning? Does my child know he or she is loved by God?

I heard these four poignant questions while studying to be a principal. These statements resonated deeply with who I thought I was becoming; as a teacher, coach and father. Over the years, I've gained wisdom in knowing that we all all need to be heard, known and loved. Moreover, my experience has me believing that all kids AND adults can learn, with the right amount of time, support and inspiration. It amazes me how flexible, malleable, adaptable and reachable young people are, or how much we BIG people can truly learn from them!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served the Wellington Catholic District School Board for over 20 years now. I am thankful for being able to share and pass down a rich faith tradition that I myself, was fortunate enough to have received as a young person in this system. The way the people in each school I attended sewed their values of care, kindness, challenge and hope into any lesson or any moment, had by all accounts a very transformational affect on my own life and all I hope to do is reveal this "gift" to others, your children.

I look forward to meeting all of you and getting to know your strengths as individuals and as a school community. Let's GO BIG in 2017-2018 and create memories that we can all cherish forever! GO WILDCATS!