Teachers, Staff, Parents and Students, It is that bittersweet time of year when we find ourselves saying goodbye to our colleagues, students, teachers and parents for the Summer and preparing for the next school year. For me, it will be my final good-bye as my 4 years at North Catholic High school has concluded. I would like to look back with appreciation to the school community for their support and to express my gratitude over the past 4 years for the honor and privilege to work at North Catholic High School. The last 4 years have been an incredibly rewarding journey with numerous successes and challenges. Change can bring much uncertainty, but we have been able to create a sense of certainty by remaining focused on our shared mission, values and goals. Our focus on learning, collaboration and results has moved the school along the continuum of a professional learning community – a community built every day out of basic shared values. It is my hope that the school will continue to build the leadership capacity in teachers, students, parents and staff and that collegial interchange and collaborative teams that work interdependently to achieve our goals is guided by a shared sense of purpose, priorities and norms. Our work with 21st century skills and improved technology in the school over the past few years has identified that collaboration that moves beyond dialogue about students to dialogue based on producing materials that impact instruction, curriculum and assessment for students not only improves the quality of teaching, but also models educational practices that prepare students to be contributing citizens, productive workers and competent leaders in the interconnected world of the twenty-first century. It is through the commitment, creativity and vocation of the NCHS staff and the enthusiasm and responsiveness of the students and parents that has made this school a special place to learn, work, live, and grow. On that note, it is with pleasure that I welcome Ms. Kellie Abbott as the new Principal/CEO of Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School. Ms. Abbott brings a vast array of experience and knowledge to the role as well as a philosophy of education that is committed to student success. As usual this time of year, some of our final staffing decisions have not yet been completed; however I do want to offer best wishes to those staff that are leaving due to retirement: Mr. Quinn, Mr. Lyons, Mrs. Morus, Mr. Militello, and Mrs. Militello. Finally, special thanks to our departing grade 12 students who have been wonderful role models on a consistent basis. Last, but not least, on a personal note, I would like to thank all the people who have worked with me from the Development, Athletic, Admissions, Business Departments. I look forward to my new assignment elsewhere, but there will always be a special place in my heart for the NCHS school community. I wish you all good health and success in your future endeavors. God Bless! Dr. Michael Pendred II
Posted on: Sat, 06 Jul 2013 04:03:37 +0000