Reflective Essay: My Role As A Catholic School Leader

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The job of a principal in any academic setting is a monumental task as students, curriculum, parents, teachers, faculty, legal issues, etc., all vie for guidance and attention. But I believe that the job of a Catholic school leader entails far more because I believe the profession of Catholic school leader is a vocation rooted in Christ. My role as a Catholic school principal is one of managerial leader, educational leader and most importantly as spiritual leader. It is my job to nurture a faith community that is built with relational trust and where my school can be transformed into a sacred place (Sergiovanni, 2015, p.12).
In my Catholic school it is vital for me to maintain and nurture the Catholic identity of the school by building and encouraging an environment rich in faith and witnessed in every aspect of their school program. This emersion of all of the Catholic school’s faith community stakeholders creates an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect, and high standards, where all present learns and grow while
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I strive to balance and maintain the heart, head and hand in my leadership. I aspire to keep things fresh and be flexible in my leadership and I am always be willing to develop my craft knowledge, keeping focus on the idea that cause is greater than myself. I have learned to self-reflect, keep a sense of humor, and rely on prayer as tools for leadership success. I believe my role is also to learn from my mistakes and to help others learn and grow from theirs as well. My years in administration have taught me to be a leader who listens, connects with all in the faith community and who through observation, can see when I am leading in the right direction. I know to be not only visible, but be present as the Servant leader in my school “ demonstrate[ing] devotion to the organization’s purpose and commitment to those in the organization…for the purpose to be realized”

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