SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL HEAD OF SCHOOL/PRINCIPAL - Norfolk, Virginia Start Date: July 1, 2022 stpcs.org
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Norfolk, Virginia
HEAD OF SCHOOL/PRINCIPAL
Start Date: July 1, 2022
stpcs.org
MISSION
Saint Patrick Catholic School educates and nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and
spirit—to be a Christ-centered, compassionate, and courageous servant leader.
VISION
Saint Patrick Catholic School guides students toward independence in striving for
quality and goodness in every phase of their development.
OVERVIEW
Saint Patrick Catholic School proclaims the Gospel by offering families with children in grades pre-
kindergarten through eight an exceptional Catholic education built upon character formation, spiritual
development, leadership training, relational insight, academic rigor, physical well being, and an ethic
of service. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, this independent Catholic school is a unique and joyful faith-
learning community committed to the intentional total formation of each student. As a school dedicated
to educating and nurturing the whole child to be a Christ-centered, compassionate, and courageous
servant leader, Saint Patrick embraces the belief that the ultimate goal of education is to love God and
serve others. As a Glasser Quality School, Saint Patrick ascribes to the tenets of Dr. William Glasser’s
Choice Theory and Reality Therapy and trains every member of the faculty, staff, and administration
in this cognitive approach of forming positive and lasting relationships. The School’s commitment to
Choice Theory helps students learn how to use self-reflection as a gateway to increasing internal
motivation, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and solve problems confidently and effectively.
Founded in 2005 by dedicated and visionary community leaders, three of whom continue to serve on the
Board of Directors, Saint Patrick has become a vibrant and integral part of the larger Norfolk community.
Remarkably, the donor base extends broadly across the community as individuals and institutions with
little connection to the School see its enormous value to families of all faiths, ethnicities, and socio-
economic statuses. The dedicated faculty and administration are committed to providing an excellent
academic program that is differentiated to challenge students. A distinct sense of joy and eagerness to
learn and share infuses the School with a uniquely compelling ethos and spirit. The Board is seeking a
new Head of School/Principal who will build upon the excellent foundation that has been the legacy of
Founding Principal Steve Hammond when he retires in June 2022. This is an exceptional opportunity
to lead a forward-thinking school with deep ties to its community and an unwavering commitment to its
mission, vision, and values.
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 2
FAST FACTS
Founded: 2005
Total students: 400
Students of color: 21%
Catholic students: 62%
Total faculty: 44
Faculty with advanced degrees: 65%
Student/teacher ratio: 10:1
Financial aid budget: $790,000
Students receiving aid: 38%
THE SCHOOL
Saint Patrick Catholic School was founded in 2005 by the James Barry Robinson Trust, a Norfolk-area
foundation focused on supporting the health and education of children in a Catholic tradition. The
expense of acquiring, constructing, and equipping the campus was funded by The Trust. In addition, the
Trustees have made a significant commitment toward offsetting the operating costs of a Saint Patrick
education in order to make the School accessible and affordable to as many families as possible. Today
the School serves approximately 400 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, over 60%
of whom are Catholic.
In addition to its mission, Saint Patrick is guided by the visionary document, The Graduate at Graduation,
which outlines 43 invitations for growth in the domains of Life of Mind, Life of Relationship, Life of Spirit,
The Physical Life, and Life of Vocation. No lesson, event, project, or experience is planned without first
considering its connection to The Graduate at Graduation. This ensures that everything done at the
School is tied to the mission and every moment in the school day provides an opportunity to learn and
grow. Additionally, students keep a Journey Portfolio in which they self-select samples of work, photos,
mementos, etc. that demonstrate their growth in one of more of the “Life ofs.” For each piece added to
the Journey Portfolio, students engage in a self-reflection to assist them in identifying their growth from
the experience. As a graduation requirement, all graduating eighth grade students defend their growth
in The Graduate at Graduation by writing a total formation essay in which they reflect on their growth
and development in each “Life of” over their time at Saint Patrick. In the spring of their eighth-grade
year, students participate in panel presentations.
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 3
In 2009, Saint Patrick Catholic School was recognized by the William Glasser Institute as a Glasser
Quality School. All members of the faculty and staff are trained in Choice Theory, Dr. Glasser’s theory
of human behavior, and teachers take it into the classroom. Students are encouraged to examine what
motivates their behavior and gain a greater capacity to empathize with themselves and others. Teachers
also utilize Success Planning to empower children to take ownership of problem solving in all aspects
of their lives. Under the guidance of trained teachers, students incrementally increase levels of self-
responsibility. Students are encouraged and guided to take ownership of their own problems through
self reflection, critical thinking, careful planning, and perseverance to reach their identified goals.
In all, Saint Patrick aims to help students:
• Develop a methodical and reasoned approach to learning and problem solving.
• Comprehend the pursuit of truth as an active, lifelong experience and that all education is ultimately
self-education.
• Recognize the value of healthful living.
• Develop a strong sense of self-worth and compassion for others.
• Develop an awareness of social problems on local, national, and global levels.
• Embrace the principles and skills of servant leadership.
• Develop a personal spirituality based on prayer, faith, relationship with Christ and community, and
a commitment to service with a preferential option for the poor.
The School is dually accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and Cognia and
has additional memberships in the National Catholic Education Association, the National Association
of Independent Schools, and the Virginia Council for Private Education. In 2013, Saint Patrick was
pleased to be awarded the United States Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Award.
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 4
SECONDARY
SCHOOL
PLACEMENT
Students from Saint Patrick are
attending the following high
schools and/or programs:
Bayside High School
Catholic High School
Culver Academies
Governor’s School for the Arts
Maury High School
Maury High School, The Medical
and Health Specialties Program
Granby High School
Granby High School, International
Baccalaureate Program
Norfolk Academy
Norfolk Collegiate School
Norview High School, Leadership
Program
Princess Anne High School,
International Baccalaureate
Program
Shenandoah Valley Academy
ACADEMICS
The following colleges and
Saint Patrick Catholic School’s unique curriculum is tightly universities are some of the
aligned with its mission, vision, and values, which are institutions of higher education to
expressed in the overarching curriculum found in “The Saint which Saint Patrick students have
Patrick Catholic School Graduate at Graduation.” There matriculated:
is a wide array of subjects in both the lower school and the Belmont University
middle school which are considered fundamental to a total Christopher Newport University
formative educational experience. Instruction is provided in Cornell University
classrooms designed to be “needs satisfying” with teachers East Carolina University
warmly differentiating instruction to create an interesting, joyful George Mason University
Hampton-Sydney College
environment which inspires self-motivation. The Lower School
James Madison University
offers core courses in English, math, science, social studies, Old Dominion University
religion, Spanish, physical education, health, art, and music. Pennsylvania State University
In the Middle School, core courses include English, math, Rochester Institute of Technology
science, history, civics and economics, religion, Spanish, The College of William & Mary
physical education, health, art, and music. University of Florida
University of Lynchburg
In both divisions, the School helps students develop a wide University of Mary Washington
range of academic and life skills, including the ability to University of Miami
think critically, act creatively, and carefully solve problems; University of South Carolina
University of Texas at Austin
demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills; University of Texas at San Antonio
work collaboratively in small and large groups; use technology University of Virginia
creatively and wisely; develop the art of questioning in order to Virginia Commonwealth University
define and solve problems; analyze, synthesize, and evaluate Virginia Military Institute
information from a wide range of sources; and exhibit skill in Virginia Polytechnic Institute &
public speaking. State University
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 5
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
The School integrates Christ-centered faith, learning, prayer, social justice, and service into all aspects
of school life. The religious education program follows the guidelines of the Diocese of Richmond.
The Spiritual Formation program offers students and parents a collaborative setting that encourages
self-reflection, development of faith, and personal goal setting. Authentically Catholic and warmly
ecumenical, all students are encouraged to take their faith seriously and integrate it seamlessly into
their lives. The School enjoys a vibrant, joyous community with faith at the core of all things at Saint
Patrick. Service projects abound and the School is never without several schoolwide service projects
taking place daily.
Students are also immersed in a culture of service in their individual classrooms, the Dining Hall,
Mass and Chapel services, and in their own churches and neighborhood communities. The majority of
service projects are student-designed and led.
FINE ARTS PROGRAM
Saint Patrick believes the arts are indispensable to a complete and high-quality education, providing
a rich and engaging curriculum that instills the gifts of self-expression, creativity, self-discipline, and
a drive for excellence. In the visual arts, students enjoy a combined fine arts studio and art history,
working with a variety of media while being introduced to essential movements in the history of art. The
music program is designed to expand students’ aural and performance skills, as well as knowledge of
music history and music theory. A performance-driven curriculum highlights students’ musical gifts and
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 6
achievements. The dynamic musical theater program provides enriching opportunities for students
to act, sing, dance, and perform while learning all aspects of play production. Professional-quality
productions are staged twice a year.
ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Athletic participation serves as an important part of a child’s education and provides an exceptional
paradigm for life. The program at Saint Patrick therefore focuses not only on skill development, but
also on physical discipline, team building, winning with humility, losing with dignity, and learning from
mistakes. With a team of exceptional teachers and coaches, students are taught to use courage in the
face of adversity and take pride in their accomplishments. Team sports include baseball, basketball,
cross country, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and track and field. Many of the teams have won
league championships.
SCHOOL LIFE
Saint Patrick offers a wide range of experiences as part of student life, such as the Middle School
Advisory Program, family style dining, Celtic Council student government, and the Prayer Buddy
Program. There is a robust extended care program, opportunities to participate in a wide range of after-
school clubs, as well as a vibrant summer camp program.
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 7
CAMPUS
The 16-acre campus is located in the Larchmont/Edgewater section of Norfolk, a peninsula between the
Lafayette and Elizabeth rivers just before they empty into the Chesapeake Bay. Saint Patrick is situated
in a residential neighborhood, a short distance from Old Dominion University. The campus itself offers
modern, state-of-the-art facilities—including the classrooms, offices, gym, theater, and athletic fields.
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
Norfolk is a waterfront city in the heart of vibrant Coastal Virginia—a prime place to live, work, and play.
Approximately 1.75 million people live in the region, which, in addition to Norfolk, is home to the cities
of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. Each city has its
own unique attractions, events, and activities.
A metropolitan city, Norfolk is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the
region. It is home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American headquarters for NATO.
With some of the world’s top companies, great shopping and dining, and beautiful beaches, there is
always something new to discover. Norfolk is close to Colonial Williamsburg and NASA Langley, the
birthplace of the U.S. space program.
Norfolk is the principal home for several major performing arts companies and museums. Chrysler
Hall, Norfolk’s downtown performing arts center, is home to the Norfolk Forum Lecture Series, the
Virginia Symphony, and touring Broadway Shows. The Virginia Opera, the official opera company
of Virginia, has its home base in Norfolk. The Chrysler Museum of Art features masterworks from
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 8
every major civilization, historical period, and culture of the past 5,000 years. The Virginia Zoo and the
Norfolk Botanical Garden are located not far from the School and are open year round. The Museum
of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the Virginia Aquarium are major attractions in Virginia Beach. More
than 100 festivals are hosted each year throughout the Hampton Roads region, many of them free.
With the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, countless rivers, and 144 miles of shoreline to be explored
and enjoyed, one is never far from the water. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, and
surfing in the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. The region has a wide array of shopping,
including upscale boutiques and major regional malls; the restaurant scene is robust, with a range of
dining options along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the new Waterside District in Norfolk.
The region also serves as home to the two highest level professional franchises in the state of Virginia—
the Norfolk Tides play Triple-A baseball in the International League, and the Norfolk Admirals play
ice hockey in the ECHL. Two Norfolk universities have Division I sports teams—the Old Dominion
University Monarchs and the Norfolk State University Spartans—providing numerous sports viewing
opportunities, including football, basketball, and baseball.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Saint Patrick is in a “league of its own” as the only Catholic independent school in the country that is a
Glasser Quality School. The Glasser Quality School Program emphasizes the attainment of quality in
every area of the student’s life. With its strong emphasis that “quality always improves,” the concepts of
growth mindset and grit are continuously reinforced. The next Head of School/Principal will be expected
to lead the School to its next chapter of excellence by embracing that same philosophy.
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 9With the highly intentional total formation program, the opportunities for the School’s continued success
are virtually endless. The strong financial support of the James Barry Robinson Trust and the able
oversight from the Board of Directors provides the School a strong financial standing with no debt. This
is a fantastic opportunity!
Specific opportunities for the next Head of School to address include the following:
• Increasing diversity in the student body, faculty/staff, and Board;
• Maintaining a strong sense of partnership with the Bishop and the Catholic community of Norfolk;
• Working with the Board of Directors to carry out the strategic plan that includes growing the
endowment to provide more financial aid to its students;
• Strengthening the commitment to being a vibrant part of the greater community of Norfolk; and
• Growing the philanthropic giving from a larger donor base.
DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
The next Head of School/Principal will need to be a practicing Catholic who embraces the sense of
family and community at the School. Embracing the Glasser Quality School Model will be an expectation
for the new Head of School/Principal, thus perpetuating the original mission and vision of the founding
Board.
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 10Additional qualities and characteristics that are important for the next Head of School/Principal to
possess include someone who is:
• A good listener who is approachable, warm, and caring;
• An energetic and enthusiastic servant leader who is compassionate about children;
• A mission-appropriate visionary who can build relationships that will lead to building a larger donor
base;
• An ambitious administrator who can take the School into its next chapter of excellence; and
• An effective communicator who can be the external face of the School in the larger Norfolk community.
TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence. Candidates will
ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:
• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
• A current résumé;
• A one-page statement of educational philosophy and practice; and
• A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references
will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission).
Send to:
Barbara Daush
Senior Consultant
barbara.daush@carneysandoe.com
Bob Regan
Senior Consultant and Practice Group Leader, Catholic Schools Practice
bob.regan@carneysandoe.com
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 11You can also read
