Principals stress 'whole' education of Catholic school

Richard A. Bayhan, who has traveled from Indiana to be the new principal of Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady, hopes to take the school in a new direction.

He's the first lay person to hold that position in the school's 40-year history.

"This is a fine school," he told The Evangelist, adding: "I hope to implement some programs that will make it even better."

Whole person

Mr. Bayhan believes that Catholic schools are very important because they provide a complete education for the student, one that "develops the person as a whole."

He has dedicated his 20-year career in education to the theory that "a solid Catholic education helps form the mind, the spirit and one's connection to the community."

His intent is to steer ND-BG to becoming a "flagship" school in the Albany Diocese.

"We have recently received a small grant, which we will use to increase technology in our classrooms," he said. "We already have a fine program, but this grant enables us to enhance that program by providing additional computer equipment for our teachers so they can provide on-line classes to the students.

"I have reviewed the campus ministry program as well and hope to expand that to enable the students to become more involved. We want them to more fully participate in the Catholic faith experience from the campus level."

Technology

Margaret Gannon is the new principal at St. Luke's grade school, also in Schenectady. A parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Church in Ballston Lake, she lives in Burnt Hills with her husband and their two daughters.

She was an instructional technology mentor for the Capital Region Collaboration for Technology Education through Schenectady City Schools prior to being appointed to St. Luke's.

Because of her background, she is looking forward to implementing new technology programs at the school as well as increasing student enrollment and working to make St. Luke's "an alternative example to public education" in the parish and Schenectady community.

"This school has a great mix of students from different backgrounds, and that provides an excellent atmosphere in which to offer a solid Catholic education," she said.

Spreading the news

"What I hope to accomplish as principal at St. Luke's is to educate and inform the community about the services that the school provides for students," Mrs. Gannon said. "I think that letting the public know who we are and what we offer is very important.

"I want the community to know that they do have an alternative to public school education if they desire it, and that alternative is St. Luke's School.

"I also want them to know that our school provides a Christian environment where we can talk about God and about being Christian, and not be uncomfortable with that or afraid to talk about it. I want them to know that St. Luke's is a place where the whole person is welcomed, encouraged and respected."

(8/21/03) [[In-content Ad]]