September 28, 2021
The time is fast approaching. I will test my skills at having learned all students’ first names during the first month of school. I have been studying class lists, and practicing my memory skills in order to name each student correctly. My “test” will be next Tuesday, October 5th at Morning Assembly.
Why have I devoted so much time and energy to learning each student’s name? Honestly, I cannot imagine becoming principal of a school and not working hard to learn student names from the get-go. Knowing someone’s name is the beginning of knowing that person, the beginning of a relationship. We feel seen when others know our name.
My brother, Ken Thomas, my “twin” as I called him since I was born on his 22nd birthday, was a teacher, a track coach, and a principal. His advice to me on being a principal was, “It’s all about relationships.” Simply put, but profoundly true. My brother walked his talk, and at his funeral nearly 5 years ago, I saw the results of his motto. Over 800 people gathered inside and outside the church in Aptos to pay their respects to him and to say good-bye because he knew each and every one of their names as students, athletes, parents, colleagues, friends, and family.
In the time since my brother bestowed his wisdom upon me, I have concluded that anyone in education should understand that the relationships between student and teacher, among students, between teacher and parents, as well as the collegiality of faculty and staff, are vital to the educational process and its success. Our theme of Belonging emphasizes this importance as well.
As I begin my journey as Principal of Saint Philip Neri Catholic School, a role I certainly want to continue beyond this year, I am learning names so I can begin to build relationships. These relationships will help each student feel that sense of belonging, so that every student will have the optimum learning environment and achieve his/her highest potential.
I learn student names because I care. Wish me luck!
Warmly,
Julie Thomas
Principal
