Annual convocation offers principals support, suggestions for school year
August 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Updated Aug. 26, 2024
Drawing inspiration from Scripture’s Psalm 139, a reminder that God knows people’s innermost thoughts and paths, Catholic school principals from around the Diocese reflected on how understanding and sharing stories can be a powerful tool in building a connected and compassionate school culture.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2024 Convocation for Principals
“Every school has its own story, and the question is, ‘What is the story you want your school to tell?’” said Whitney Stovall, who was among the presenters addressing the Diocese’s Catholic school principals during an Aug. 19 convocation.
“When students and staff share stories and reflect on their experiences together, it creates bonds that strengthen the overall school culture and an environment where everyone feels seen, known, heard, valued and cared for — where everyone is excited to be part of the school community,” said Stovall, a partnership specialist with Friendzy, a Scripture-based social-emotional character development program for PreK-12th grade students.
Hosted by the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, the convocation drew dozens of high school and grammar school principals to the Chancery in Lawrenceville, where they began their day with Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop’s Greeting
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell told the principals, “Jesus asks us to make the best use of our gifts, talents and assets, by sharing them with others.
“Everyone is called to this positive, generous interaction, and some may even be called literally to give up everything and to own nothing for the sake of the kingdom,” he said. “Sooner or later, we are all asked to share of our best. We are being led deeply into the mystery of the kingdom, where actions are not judged by worldly wisdom but by the instincts of faith.”
Bishop O’Connell acknowledged that there are probably going to be times during life “when we, too, might experience in ourselves a strong desire to go beyond where we are, to grow in our relationship with the Lord, to be more generous in the doing of his work. In one shape or form, we find ourselves asking, ‘What more do I need to do?’”
After Mass, principals heard presentations from the Diocesan PTA president and representatives of Development and Finance Offices. Dr. Vincent DePaul Schmidt, superintendent of Catholic Schools, led a prayer and opening remarks; Dan O’Connell, an assistant superintendent of Catholic Schools, spoke on curriculum and instruction updates. Bonnie Milecki, also assistant superintendent, addressed development and operations updates.
Sharing Stories
Stovall reviewed practical strategies for creating intentional interactions, fostering collective teacher efficacy, and embedding habits of care into the fabric of the school day.
She suggested that principals start by encouraging teachers to share their own stories and experiences with each other and with their students. That can be accomplished through structured activities that Friendzy makes available or by using time during staff meetings for personal reflections and to collaborate.
Principals can promote collective teacher efficacy by fostering a culture of collaboration through peer mentoring, collaborative planning sessions or professional learning communities, Stovall said. In terms of habits of care, principals can model such behaviors themselves, thereby setting the tone for the entire school. Simple practices like starting each day with a moment of prayer or reflection, recognizing acts of kindness in the school community and encouraging staff to do the same, “can create a ripple effect that permeates the entire school culture,” Stovall said.
“When students and staff share stories and reflect on their experiences together, it creates bonds that strengthen the overall school culture and an environment where everyone feels seen, known, heard, valued and cared for — where everyone is excited to be a part of the school community,” she said.
In discussing the concept of collective teacher efficacy, “the belief that when teachers work together, they can significantly enhance student achievement and outcomes,” Stovall said: “It goes beyond individual teacher confidence. It's about the shared conviction that, as a united team, they can overcome challenges and ensure that every student thrives.”
By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support, “we can not only boost student success but also improve staff well-being,” Stovall said.
She emphasized that building a positive school culture is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, reflection and a shared vision.
“By embracing the power of our stories and being intentional about our interactions, we can create schools that not only educate minds but also nurture hearts,” Stovall said.
A Time for Renewal, Updates
Reflecting on the principals’ convocation, Milecki said “a unique component of working in education is the opportunity for renewal that comes at the start of the new school year.”
“Even though our principals work year-round, the Principal Convocation is a marking of that fresh start, that opportunity to reimagine a leadership vision and pray for God’s blessing on all our school families,” she said.
Joseph Slavin, principal of St. Raphael School, Hamilton, said the Mass with the Bishop is a reminder of what “the main goal should always be — to keep Catholic Identity in everything we do.”
“The information presented by our leaders reinforces our efforts and makes sure we are prepared for the new year,” he added.
Ameriquin Dalmasy-Laccetti, head of school in St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, appreciated reviewing the latest diocesan updates, including the rollout of the new report cards, the updated curriculum for social studies and math and the new teacher incentives for the year.
Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio, principal of St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, said she enjoyed Stovall’s presentation.
“This session resonated deeply with me, sparking ideas on how we can foster a culture of connection and empowerment within our school community,” she said.
Bishop O'Connell reflects on the Gospel in his homily. Mary Stadnyk photo
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Updated Aug. 26, 2024
Drawing inspiration from Scripture’s Psalm 139, a reminder that God knows people’s innermost thoughts and paths, Catholic school principals from around the Diocese reflected on how understanding and sharing stories can be a powerful tool in building a connected and compassionate school culture.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2024 Convocation for Principals
“Every school has its own story, and the question is, ‘What is the story you want your school to tell?’” said Whitney Stovall, who was among the presenters addressing the Diocese’s Catholic school principals during an Aug. 19 convocation.
“When students and staff share stories and reflect on their experiences together, it creates bonds that strengthen the overall school culture and an environment where everyone feels seen, known, heard, valued and cared for — where everyone is excited to be part of the school community,” said Stovall, a partnership specialist with Friendzy, a Scripture-based social-emotional character development program for PreK-12th grade students.
Hosted by the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, the convocation drew dozens of high school and grammar school principals to the Chancery in Lawrenceville, where they began their day with Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop’s Greeting
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell told the principals, “Jesus asks us to make the best use of our gifts, talents and assets, by sharing them with others.
“Everyone is called to this positive, generous interaction, and some may even be called literally to give up everything and to own nothing for the sake of the kingdom,” he said. “Sooner or later, we are all asked to share of our best. We are being led deeply into the mystery of the kingdom, where actions are not judged by worldly wisdom but by the instincts of faith.”
Bishop O’Connell acknowledged that there are probably going to be times during life “when we, too, might experience in ourselves a strong desire to go beyond where we are, to grow in our relationship with the Lord, to be more generous in the doing of his work. In one shape or form, we find ourselves asking, ‘What more do I need to do?’”
After Mass, principals heard presentations from the Diocesan PTA president and representatives of Development and Finance Offices. Dr. Vincent DePaul Schmidt, superintendent of Catholic Schools, led a prayer and opening remarks; Dan O’Connell, an assistant superintendent of Catholic Schools, spoke on curriculum and instruction updates. Bonnie Milecki, also assistant superintendent, addressed development and operations updates.
Sharing Stories
Stovall reviewed practical strategies for creating intentional interactions, fostering collective teacher efficacy, and embedding habits of care into the fabric of the school day.
She suggested that principals start by encouraging teachers to share their own stories and experiences with each other and with their students. That can be accomplished through structured activities that Friendzy makes available or by using time during staff meetings for personal reflections and to collaborate.
Principals can promote collective teacher efficacy by fostering a culture of collaboration through peer mentoring, collaborative planning sessions or professional learning communities, Stovall said. In terms of habits of care, principals can model such behaviors themselves, thereby setting the tone for the entire school. Simple practices like starting each day with a moment of prayer or reflection, recognizing acts of kindness in the school community and encouraging staff to do the same, “can create a ripple effect that permeates the entire school culture,” Stovall said.
“When students and staff share stories and reflect on their experiences together, it creates bonds that strengthen the overall school culture and an environment where everyone feels seen, known, heard, valued and cared for — where everyone is excited to be a part of the school community,” she said.
In discussing the concept of collective teacher efficacy, “the belief that when teachers work together, they can significantly enhance student achievement and outcomes,” Stovall said: “It goes beyond individual teacher confidence. It's about the shared conviction that, as a united team, they can overcome challenges and ensure that every student thrives.”
By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support, “we can not only boost student success but also improve staff well-being,” Stovall said.
She emphasized that building a positive school culture is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, reflection and a shared vision.
“By embracing the power of our stories and being intentional about our interactions, we can create schools that not only educate minds but also nurture hearts,” Stovall said.
A Time for Renewal, Updates
Reflecting on the principals’ convocation, Milecki said “a unique component of working in education is the opportunity for renewal that comes at the start of the new school year.”
“Even though our principals work year-round, the Principal Convocation is a marking of that fresh start, that opportunity to reimagine a leadership vision and pray for God’s blessing on all our school families,” she said.
Joseph Slavin, principal of St. Raphael School, Hamilton, said the Mass with the Bishop is a reminder of what “the main goal should always be — to keep Catholic Identity in everything we do.”
“The information presented by our leaders reinforces our efforts and makes sure we are prepared for the new year,” he added.
Ameriquin Dalmasy-Laccetti, head of school in St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, appreciated reviewing the latest diocesan updates, including the rollout of the new report cards, the updated curriculum for social studies and math and the new teacher incentives for the year.
Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio, principal of St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, said she enjoyed Stovall’s presentation.
“This session resonated deeply with me, sparking ideas on how we can foster a culture of connection and empowerment within our school community,” she said.
Bishop O'Connell reflects on the Gospel in his homily. Mary Stadnyk photo