By Angela Miller
Principal, Cathedral of the Risen Christ School in Lincoln
I am often asked, “What does a principal do all day?” While it seems like an easy question, the answer is very complicated.
The only certainty in the answer is that there is never a repeat of the previous day. I never know what to expect because, when working with children, they are just unpredictable. As an administrator, I focus on supporting all students wherever they are—emotionally, physically, and academically.
A principal spends his or her day supporting students, staff, and parents in a variety of different ways. I’m in the halls to greet students, available for parents, and just enjoying the bustling of a school with almost 400 students. I put Band Aids on, give treasure chests for lost teeth, and have tissues ready for a sad face. A principal wears many hats, which include nurse, counselor, lunch helper, substitute teacher, and so many more.
Rather than focus on the unpredictable aspects of the day, I’d like to talk to you about the amazing things that happen in our schools: Every. Single. Day.
Why pick a Catholic school when there is a neighborhood public school just down the street? This question also has a very complex answer. There is so much more that happens within the walls of Cathedral School than academics. There is a community of adults who are truly devoted to raising the future generation in alignment with the faith, both in belief and action.
We spend time, beginning in preschool, talking about our Catholic faith and how to talk to Jesus. We have students visit the church and spend time with Jesus. But did you know that we also ask students to live their faith by their actions?
The best example I can think of to show this is to talk about the fish fry held at Cathedral Church. If you were lucky enough to attend, you might have noticed that it appeared we had more volunteers than guests! We had more than 100 students each week who signed up—with their parents—to help serve food, provide seconds, and clean up. You wouldn’t believe the talk on Fridays, asking who was going. The students found self-delight in helping serve their parish.
When you walked into the basement of the church, you probably noticed that the volunteers were hard at work with a smile! They truly loved carrying trays for the elderly, or offering a second piece of fish. This experience not only was about volunteering, but it created a great opportunity for students to develop the skill of conversation with people.
The culture of a Catholic school is one of community. We come together for fellowship in a way that is unique to our Catholic school system. It is truly hard to put into words exactly what the environment feels like in a Catholic school, so I not only invite you but encourage you to call your parish school and go visit. Notice the laughter and smiles that come from the students in the classrooms and the hallways. Notice the positive interactions at recess, and notice the smiles of the teachers!
While I can’t tell you what my day will look like tomorrow, or next month, I can assure you that the delight of being in a Catholic school will be there. Watching the students walk into the building each day reminds me that God called me to serve as a principal in an environment that gives so much back to me.
Psalms 32:8 says it best: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
