A Few Thoughts from Mr. Galati

One thing that I never get tired of saying about being at Llewellyn is how much I love my job. Each day I drive to work and as I get closer to the school grounds, I grow happier because I know that I will get to see the best students in the world.

After my first cup of “joe”, and my brief check-in with Mark, my day begins with the morning ritual of greeting our students; something that I truly enjoy. Seeing your children is the highlight of my day. Our Llewellyn students brighten my day, they tell me incredible stories, and they amaze me with their curiosity. For these past six years, I have learned so much here. You, as parents, have been patient and helped me to become a better principal.

So, it is with a mix of emotions that I share with you that I will be retiring from Portland Public Schools, whom I have served happily for the past 33 years, and I will be leaving Llewellyn. Being here in this community and working with you as parents has been a phenomenal experience and one that I will cherish deep in my heart. I will miss our mornings where we get to start our days on the playground together and where we get to say goodbye at the end of the day. Our Llewellyn Community is a thriving place and you have made my experience here incredible. For me, saying goodbye is so hard to do, but it is time for me to leave. The good thing is that I feel so fortunate to have these next few months together. As always, my door is open, my scratch and sniff stickers are ready to be handed out, and I have fist bumps that are ready to be shared.

Thank you for an amazing six years and I know that our paths will continue to cross. My journey is not over; however, I close a chapter on my present career and look forward to new experiences.