Four Catholic elementary schools have new principals this year. They responded to a series of questions from The Georgia Bulletin about their background, passion for education and first thoughts about their new communities.

John H. Tarpley, Principal

St. Mary’s Catholic School, Rome

Previous Position: Ten years as principal of Pinecrest Academy in Cumming and prior to that I was a public school teacher and administrator for 15 years in Cobb County. I was also a licensed attorney for many years.

School: St. Mary’s Catholic School, 401 East 7th St., Rome, GA 30161

What’s the best part about being a principal?

The best part of being a principal is the opportunity to meet and get to know so many wonderful families, all of whom support Catholic education with their time, talent and treasure. Without these supportive families, Catholic education would not exist.

My English teacher when I was a college freshman inspired in me a great love of literature which in turn ignited in me a love of learning that prior to that I had not possessed. I wanted to be like her and ignite the love of learning in others. I am grateful for her every day of my life.

What words of advice would you share with parents and students to get ready for school?

Seek out all of the good and the fine things about your Catholic school, and leave the little worrisome things to others. Our system of Catholic schools in North Georgia is second to none in this country! Support the teachers, encourage your children to read widely and deeply, and love the church!

How did you spend your summer vacation?

Since I am new to St. Mary’s School, I really didn’t take a vacation this year but spent my time trying to get to know the community of Rome and the people of St. Mary’s. My wife and I have spent many weekends in Rome looking for a new home for our family, so I guess that was our vacation!

Alex Porto, Principal

St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School, Lilburn

Previous Position: Principal at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Rome.

School: St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School, 791 Tom Smith Road, Lilburn, GA 30047

What’s the best part about being a principal?

The best part of being a principal is knowing that you have the ability to directly and positively influence the lives of the students entrusted to your care.

I’m not sure if there was any one particular teacher that inspired me to become an educator—it was just something that I was attracted to. I enjoyed helping others learn. I will say that my inspiration for becoming a school principal was the first principal that I worked for—Sister Carol Koester, RSM. She was kind, compassionate, and ever so wise. To this day, I still follow her example in many of the things I do as a school administrator.

What words of advice would you share with parents and students to get ready for school?

I know that our parents know this well, but I would say to the students that they should thank their parents for making the sacrifices that they make in order to send their children to Catholic school. I am proud to say that I am the product of Catholic education from elementary all the way up to university. I firmly believe that I would not be the person I am today were it not for the Catholic education that my parents provided to me through their hard work and sacrifice.

How did you spend your summer vacation?

I took some time off between the end of my duties at St. Mary’s and the start of my tenure at St. John Neumann to catch up on some household chores and to do a little fishing.

Jim Lee, Principal

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, Atlanta

Previous Position: Assistant principal, registrar, and theology teacher at Gordon Tech High School in Chicago and prior to that I was principal at Notre Dame High School for Girls, Chicago.

School: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, 2855 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

What’s the best part about being a principal?

The best part of being a principal is enabling teachers to inspire the students in their care. It is about starting fires that kindle the wonder in each child and cause them to learn and grow. Being a principal affords me the opportunity to watch children grow into productive and responsible young men and women. I have had over 30 years’ experience in Catholic schools and firmly believe that a Catholic education prepares young men and women for the challenges that lie ahead, strengthens their values, and develops positive attitudes.

Brother Norman McCarthy, FSC, inspired me to become an educator. He had a great love for teaching and for his students. He had great faith in my ability and encouraged me to excel.

What words of advice would you share with parents and students to get ready for school?

The best advice I can give to parents is to set high but reasonable expectations for their children.  Walk with them on their journey, encourage them, hold their hands, and heal any wounds. The students should keep a sense of wonder and awe. They should look forward to an adventure in learning and keep an open mind.

How did you spend your summer vacation?

I spent my summer vacation preparing to move to Atlanta. My wife and I realized how much we depend on each other every day. The little things, you take for granted, such as I can’t remember when I last did laundry and she has never mowed the lawn.

Sister Mary Patrick, OP, Principal

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, Kennesaw

Previous Position: Middle school religion teacher at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School.

School: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144

What’s the best part about being a principal?

The document “The Catholic School” states that “It is precisely in the Gospel of Christ, taking root in the minds and lives of the faithful, that the Catholic school finds its definition.” (Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, #9, 1977). One of the best parts of being a principal is having a “big picture” view of the entire school—from the students to the teachers to the staff—and seeing precisely what the document so beautifully states—watching the members of our school community grow in their love of the Gospel and their lived faith.

I was educated by Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia my entire life, and was taught by both the sisters and my parents to love my faith and to appreciate the Catholic education I received. I have had many wonderful teachers, but in high school my senior English teacher, Sister Rose Marie, did the impossible—she taught me to love poetry. I already loved literature but did not understand poetry; Sister somehow taught me to slow down and probe the wonders of what lay inside a poem, which is a gift for which I am still grateful.

What words of advice would you share with parents and students to get ready for school?

On a practical level, get a good night’s sleep the night before school starts and eat a healthy breakfast the first morning! On a personal level, be grateful for the Catholic education you are receiving—students, thank your parents for their gift to you.

How did you spend your summer vacation?

A lot of my time was spent getting ready for the school year. I also was home at our motherhouse in Nashville for a retreat and to spend time in community with my sisters.