THE outgoing principal at a Bury college has spoken of his pride at the 'continued growth and flourishing' the institution has witnessed under his stewardship.
Dr Daveth Frost is retiring as head of Holy Cross College after 12 years at the helm.
During his time at the college, Dr Frost has presided over considerable building projects and investment in state-of-the-art facilities at Holy Cross.
He will be succeeded by new principal, Carina Vitti, from this month.
Dr Frost said: “I am proud of the excellent outcomes our hard-working students and staff have achieved together, year on year.
"Results in the last two years in particular have been an excellent vindication of the ever-advancing teaching and learning initiatives at the college, confirming its place in the top ten nationally, among sixth form colleges.
"This focus on innovation in teaching and learning, and supporting students pastorally, has paid off with exceptional remote learning for students during the Covid-19 lockdown.
"Students coming in September can look forward, once again, to state-of-the-art support and expertise.”
In addition to his role as principal, Dr Frost has also been heavily involved in a variety of community causes organisations over recent years.
These have included the Bury Wider Leadership Group, the Bury Strategic Education Group and initiatives to help the disadvantaged, under-achieving or particularly challenged students access opportunities.
He said: “I have enjoyed working with all Bury’s Council Leaders and Chief Executives over many years.
"I hope they feel I have committed myself to ‘Bury the Place’ while I have been serving here, and taken an interest in multiple aspects of the borough’s life.
"It has been a privilege to serve this wonderful community."
Following his retirement from Holy Cross, Dr Frost will be returning to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, which was his home for 17 years before he came to the North West.
However, he admitted that he will miss working in the Diocese of Salford as he moves to be nearer to family — likely somewhere in Wales or the Welsh Marches.
“The Catholic community here, and the Christian ethos of Holy Cross, has been precious to me,” he added.
Dr Frost further wished his successor well in her new role.
Ms Vitti is a former assistant principal at Holy Cross and currently vice principal of Aquinas College in Stockport. She attended St Joseph’s RC High School, now Holy Family, in Heywood, and studied at Holy Cross.
Dr Frost said: “Carina’s appointment underlines a real sense of continuity of tradition at Holy Cross, allied to exciting and progressive new ideas.
"I’m sure Bury will take her to its heart, as it did me."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here