Tributes flow for St Therese’s Catholic primary school teacher

Staff and students are mourning the loss of a “hardworking” and “passionate” Essendon primary school teacher, who died after a long battle with a serious illness.

Trish Rocca, who taught at St Therese’s Catholic School in Essendon, is being remembered as a hardworking and passionate educator. Supplied

Staff and students are mourning the loss of a “hardworking” and “passionate” Essendon primary school teacher, who died after a long battle with a serious illness.

Trish Rocca, 61, who taught at St Therese’s Catholic School for more than a decade, died on Tuesday morning.

She had been receiving ongoing medical care after becoming ill late last year.

The school’s principal Michael Di Nuzzo said Ms Rocca was one of the most hardworking and passionate teachers.

“Her love of reading and literacy and the way she managed to bring out the best in students who struggled to succeed is a real legacy of her career,” he told the Herald Sun.

Mr Di Nuzzo said Trish was “so much more” than a much-loved educator.

“She was a beautiful mother, sibling, aunty, and friend. Her kindness and consideration were boundless, and she taught me so much about leadership, relationships and caring for others.

“Condolences to Giulia, Luke and Paul, the wonderful children she leaves behind.”

In a letter to families, Mr Di Nuzzo said: “We appreciate that this is difficult news for you to receive and share with your children who attend our school.”

“Additional advice on supporting children during times of grief and loss accompanies this letter. This afternoon, we gathered as a staff to reflect on Trish’s passing and the possible process from here.

“In the coming days, the school leadership team and staff from Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools will meet to put support in place,” he added.

“As a staff, we will continue to support and care for the Rocca family on behalf of the entire St. Therese’s school and parish community.

“Our focus at this time is to come together as a school community and offer the Rocca family our loving embrace. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”