May 29, 2009
First year principals share their memories
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
There were four new principals in diocesan schools this year: Nancy Mills at Holy Spirit School, Evansville; Gwendolyn Godsey at Memorial High School, Evansville; Vickie Wannemuehler at St. Matthew School, Mount Vernon, and Cynthia Schneider at Westside Catholic School, Evansville.
They were asked by the Message to share their memories of their first year as principal.
Nancy Mills was a faculty member at Memorial High School and Good Shepherd School, both in Evansville, before beginning her duties at Holy Spirit.
It has been an amazing journey this year at Holy Spirit. I wouldn’t have changed anything! I have been personally challenged out of my comfort zones and have grown immensely in my spirituality and emotions. I have laughed, cried, been surprised, shocked, drained, overcome with pride, but have never felt more honored to be in a place where I can share my spirituality, guidance and love of children.
Challenges:
- Don’t ever try to plan your day out — never works;
- Not knowing all the answers is ok;
- Learning special education IEPs [individualized education programs] and conferences;
- Balancing needs versus wants.
Rewards:
- Daily hugs and smiles;
- Camaraderie with staff;
- Pastor/Principal amazing team!
- Watching children seeing themselves succeed.
Unexpected:
- Losing electricity for five days! Never thought my first thoughts losing power would be, where I am going to store the milk and meat???
- Receiving a beautiful necklace from the students and staff for Principals Day, and receiving a special blessing for it and myself at Mass.
- Doesn’t take long for police to get to a school when a fire drill call goes bad!
I have had a blast this year! I remember telling Judy VanHoosier last year in January that I was being nudged to go in a different direction. I remember going through administration classes and telling her she was crazy for doing this job! Hehehe. I prayed long and hard to understand something different being asked of me. I am so happy and proud that I allowed myself to let God take full control of my decisions and to believe that he knew what I could and couldn’t handle. Prayer is powerful!
Before arriving in Evansville, Gwendolyn Godsey served as principal in schools in Monroe, N.C.
I would like to start with a heartfelt THANK YOU! Thank you to all faculty, staff, parents, volunteers, supporters, diocesan office, alumni, ECIHS Board Members, and students. Thank you for making the 2008-2009 school year one filled with excitement and support for our senior class and for all of our students.
At the beginning of the school year the motto for each student was to have courage, be humble, and to persevere! The students were asked to have courage to do the right thing even when confronted with peer pressure to go along with something you know is wrong.
They were also asked to be humble as to not think they are better than someone else and always be open to help or assist. The third thing asked of the students was to persevere and never give up. They wrote about this motto in English classes, discussed it in class meetings, and summed it up in graduation speeches by our three valedictorians. They proved to fully grasp the motto.
Within the first month of school I knew I was in an impressive setting where students felt as if they belonged; parents, boosters, volunteers and alumni supported the overall academic and athletic programs of the school, and faith was intertwined in all aspects of the classroom and athletics through daily prayer, discussions, and special Masses. The students continued several traditions with the Mass including the passing of the banners or flags and the singing of “Light the Fire.”
Throughout my first year, Brother Eugene taught me the history of Reitz Memorial High School. I learned that while he has been employed with the school, he has met with members of the Reitz Family and the architect of the building. He also taught me how meaningful the building and the environment were to him and many others. I also learned from him that we currently have three students enrolled who are descendants of Francis Joseph Reitz. I have learned to appreciate him, his knowledge and his love for the building.
Again, I would like to thank each and everyone involved with the school. Your support, encouragement and prayers make Reitz Memorial High School a remarkable place!
Vickie Wannemuehler was a member of the faculty at Resur-rection School in Evansville 1994 to 2008.
Last May, on my birthday, I received a phone call to interview for the principal’s position at St. Matthew School. I knew immediately that this was not a coincidence. This was God’s gift to me. Would I like what was inside? Would it fit?
One of the first challenges I faced was being the new kid in town. This year’s diocesan theme, “Build God’s Kingdom,” proved to be very fitting for me personally because I spent much of this year building: building relationships with students, parents, teachers and parishioners; building trust, and building support. The support I immediately received from the parish staff and Education Commission was a blessing. As was the guidance and encouragement I received from the other principals in the diocese.
More than once this year, I have found myself really missing the classroom and having my own group of students to guide, teach and pray with each day. Now, at the end of the year, I realize that I’ve been able to guide, teach and pray with not just one class but with the entire student body and staff. I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring teachers and collaborating with parents for the sake of their children. And they are really great kids!
This past year has been the fastest year of my life. Now, nearly one year later to the day, I know that God’s gift was exactly the right size for me. St. Matthew School is the pearl of Mount Vernon. Come on down and see what we’re about! We’re enrolling new students for the 2009-2010 school year!
Cynthia Schneider was the head of the English department at Memorial High School 2002 from 2008, and a member of the faculty there since 1994.
I have had several reality checks throughout this school year in my new role as principal of Westside Catholic School. It really hit home the other day when I was sitting at my desk and putting my signature on the diplomas for the up coming graduation ceremony. After teaching for 14 years, I was ready for a new challenge in my life, and I definitely got it when I accepted this new position. Every day is never like the day before.
I realized rather quickly that no one could do this job alone. What gives me strength to make difficult decisions and make changes that I believe will be the best for the school and students is the support group that I have with other principals. All I have to do is pick up the phone and call or send an email titled “Question” to any principal and they will have some advice or suggestions for me in no time. Just having them reassure me that what I am going through is normal for any principal is comforting and encouraging. One of the best and simplest pieces of advice that a veteran principal said to me the very first week of school is to never lose my sense of humor.
As a new principal, the best place to be is at the front door in the morning when the students arrive for school. The tough decisions are all worth it when I see the smiles on their faces, the “Hi, Principal”, and “Look Mrs. Schneider, I lost a tooth.” I have grown to love these kids. A wise friend told me to keep a reflective journal of my experiences as a principal. Unfortunately, I realized rather quickly that I never have enough time to sit and reflect about my days. But I will always remember in just one short school year, how the Westside Catholic community, teachers and staff have made me feel like I belong at WCS.