HOW A TREMENOUS PRINCIPAL LED A GREAT SCHOOL
Behind every school is a great CEO...rather...Principal. This is a statement that underscores that every school : a great Principal...a leader of the school community.
The principal represents the brand that IS the school. This is the key person who executes on a vision...the work attracting and retaining students, engaging supporters, building constituencies, and sharing the kind of news that gets students, parents and teachers excited about the future.
A Principal is the chief academic officer of the Catholic School to which assigned, responsible for the academic and spiritual formation of the students, and daily operations of the school. The Principal works closely with the Pastor, faculty, staff, and parents to achieve a climate and educational program that fosters high expectations of the individual as well as Catholic growth and formation within the school community. The Catholic School Principal is a full time, twenty four hour a day position.
Do you know a qualified educator that could apply? Sister Carol Kelly could...but she will not be applying. She recently retired. May 23. was her last official day of duty at St. Patrick School in Lincoln. Why would Sister Carol qualify to be the CEO of St. Patrick School? She was a great principal and leader! There are many reasons why Sister Carol would qualify, she:
- Ensured a quality Catholic religious instruction for all of her students. She nurtured the faith development of her faculty and staff through opportunities for spiritual growth. She enhanced the Catholic identity of St. Patrick School and promoted her school and students within the Catholic Community;
- Made a tremendous impact on the community of Havelock. They will miss her tremendous involvement which includes the student constructed replica of Havelock Community created each year. A replica that involved the students and members of the wonderful community in which St. Patrick School resides;
- Created a school out of values that became a "village" in which our young Catholic students could grow and absorb the sense of how the world ought to be. St. Patrick School became an "anchor" in the Havelock neighborhood...a source of stability and moral integrity. A school that is truly Catholic and serves its neighborhood (community) because of the fact that we cannot love God as we should unless we also love our neighbor;
- Inspired with a vision. As the inspirational leader of St. Patrick School, she spoke of the future and helped others create a path to that future. Rather than languishing in problems and lack resources or what NOT to do, she looked forward with optimism and made certain that the community got involved;
- Focused on the best interest of each student and her school. Sr. Carol remained on this very purpose while helping to articulate the mission of St. Patrick School. From delivering academic excellence and Catholic identity, enrollment management, development, communications, constituent relations, and operations...she was not distracted;
- Made certain that Catholic teaching was integrated into every aspect of the curriculum and programs. A Catholic School … ALIVE IN CHRIST … is what Sister Carol "lived" twenty four hours a day...during her time as CEO. Yes, she certainly could apply for the position of Principal ... but her time to move into another arena of service has arrived.
Sister Carol leaves a legacy of love and strength that will never be forgotten, hidden in the hearts of the many lives she touched. Thank you, Sister Carol, for helping a multitude of people understand the world through the wisdom of our Catholic teachings and finally thank you for the challenge to serve the needs of others...just as Jesus did.
Dr. Nina Beck
