THE head of De La Salle College is leaving Jersey at the end of next term to take up a new appointment in Dublin.
Michael Moretta, who has been at De La Salle for 11 years, is to become the headteacher of Sutton Park, one of the most prestigious schools in Ireland.
He will take up the position in January.
Children of politicians and celebrities, including stars from iconic Irish rock band U2, go to Sutton Park School.
Mr Moretta, who began teaching at De La Salle in 1995 and was promoted from deputy head to head in 2000, said he would miss everyone involved with the school and was sad to be leaving.
‘I shall miss many things about De La Salle,’ he said.
‘It has a distinctive identity as a private school in that it is truly non-selective and yet achieves outstanding results.
‘The school nurtures truly special people who emerge as well rounded, confident and happy adults.
I am very grateful for having had the privilege of teaching so many outstanding young men.’ Mr Moretta, who comes from London, also praised former De La Salle headteacher John Sankey.
‘I have been helped and guided by Mr John Sankey, who is undoubtedly the best boss and mentor I have ever had.
He not only embodied the De La Salle tradition, he was also brave enough to let me try new ideas.
‘I learned a great deal very quickly and I consider the training I had in those first five years second to none.’ Sutton Park School is set in one of the most beautiful corners of a peninsular in Dublin Bay, and Mr Moretta described his move to new surroundings as ‘too good an opportunity to miss’.
His wife, Jane, is first-generation London Irish and the move will allow her to be closer to her family.
Mr Moretta added: ‘Coming from London, I suppose I always had a hankering for city life and Dublin is a vibrant and dynamic city.
I am looking forward to a new set of challenges but I will retain the diamond absolutes that were formed and shaped during my years at De La Salle.’
