April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
HONOR
Principal named tops for year
It is the first time in nine years that a Catholic school administrator has been chosen for the honor.
Rather than seeing the award as "Principal of the Year," Sister Maureen said, in her mind, that the honor is for "Holy Spirit, School of the Year."
Sharing award
"I see this award as tangible appreciation for all of the hard work being done by our faculty, our students and our parents," she said. "It's this combined effort that has brought Holy Spirit to where we are today and allows us to keep reaching for success. We have a real commitment here to recognizing the potential of each student and treating them as individuals with individual talents that need to be brought out. That is our real goal."Joanne Sole, CASDA associate director, said that Sister Maureen was selected for her success in articulating a set of goals and vision for the school; improving curriculum and student achievement, and leadership in professional development; utilizing multiple sources in decision-making; and engaging the school community in the school's success.
Salutes
"Sister's vision is a true reflection of the hopes of the people who work alongside her: the staff, the parents and the students," said Joan Rapp, parent of two Holy Spirit students and president of the Parent School Association. "With the opening of the middle school, she has opened up for us a new opportunity to give our children the best education possible."Since Sister Maureen became principal at Holy Spirit ten years ago, enrollment has tripled, with waiting lists for several grades. The school boasts a newly constructed middle school with classrooms, a library, a media center and a science laboratory. The school also offers day care, and a growing nursery and pre-kindergarten program.
Curriculum has been strengthened under Sister Maureen's leadership, with advanced courses being offered in math and literature, and a dedicated middle-school science teacher.
The school's standardized test scores, which consistently rank well above state averages, are among the top in the region for private and public schools.
Faith in school
Sister Maureen said the most important aspect of the school is faith formation."I have a strong belief that Catholic education is a well-rounded education that develops a strong Catholic faith," she said. "It's all built on this. With our faith, you can't help but be enthusiastic."
The reasons people choose Catholic education for their children have changed over the last 25 years, she said. "It used to be for the discipline," she said. "Today, it's for the Catholic values. Parents know they will be with other parents who share the same values."
Changing needs
Sister Maureen, who has been a Catholic school administrator for more than 25 years, said that "when I first started out, I was a full-time teacher of eighth grade, house superior and principal."At that time, faculty and parents had little involvement in school decision-making. "It's better today," she added. "There's faculty input and parental involvement. There's more ownership."
Support from the pastor has also played an important role in the school's success, the principal said. "I've enjoyed working with Father George St. John," she said. "He's a marvelous support."
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