Catholic Principal Appreciation

Every year, St. Columbkille Catholic School honors it's principal. Since this is the 100th year of our school, today was extra special as we had some former principals with us, as Sr. Delores Dolezal visiting to represent the Benedictine Sisters who supplied out first eleven principals.

During Mass we had a candle lit for each of the principals who have passed away.. We also included Mrs. Dorothy Cubrich in our prayers as her health prevented her from attending. She was our rpincipal from 1993 to 1996.

In addition to Principal Makey and Assistant Princial Redburn, who currently serve the school, we welcomed our other visitors. We had Mr. Bob Voboril (1980-1990), Mrs. Sue Martin (1991-1993), Mrs. Christine Overkamp (1996-2010) and Mrs. Mary McGuire (2013).

The students thanked the teachers for setting the standards for education.

We also had a student speaker.

Sr. Delores presented Mr. Makey a gift from the Benedictine Sisters.

This is a picture of our first principal, Sr. Celestine who was outr principal from 1916 until 1931.

Afterwards there was a reception

 for our honored guests.

They also received a tour of the school -- though they seemed to most enjoy reminiscing about the school and visitingteachers form their time at the school.

We were honored that they were willing to come back and visit. We look forward to telling more about some things we learned from them about the school's past. We'll be sharing that sometime in the future.

Thank you Mrs McGuire

Mrs. Mary McGuire had a tough task coming to St. Columbkille Catholic School on April 2nd while Dr. Blue was in hospice and less than two weeks before she passed away.

She was admirable in her abilty to bring a joyful presense and encourage everyone in the process.

She was able to fill the tasks as principal, encourage our teachers in their work and give another perspective as we plan for the future. She brought energy, faith and two decades experience just when we needed it.

 

Last week she finished her tasks preparing for the new administration. She is relaxing this week and next before she undertakes her next role as Interim President of Skutt Catholic High School. She assures us that, in a year, she really will retire and she has grandchildren ready to hold her to that promise.

Again, thank you!

Welcome Mrs. McGuire

Due to the declining health of Dr. Blue, Fr. Damian has hired a Principal who recently retired, to lead the school for the remainder of the year. We welcome Mrs. McGuire as Interim Principal.

Mary McGuire was the Principal of St. Wenceslaus Grade School in Omaha for twenty years. She helped fill in a similar transitional role at Holy Cross a few years ago when their Principal had to step down because of family reasons. Fr. Damian said, “Just as I could step into any parish in the diocese and take on the role of pastor, Mrs. McGuire’s experience allows her to step into the role of principal and lead the school as we finish out this year strong. We are blessed to have her here.”

While some of our faculty have already suggested she be the new Principal, Mrs. McGuire is not a candidate for the principal position. She loves her retirement and spending time with her grandchildren. We are thankful that she is willing to step in and help us out during our time of need.

Fr. Damian extends his thanks to the staff and faculty of the school who have managed the school so well during Dr. Blue’s illness.