By Katie Vasquez
A moment of prayer for these Diocese of Brooklyn principals, as they prepare for a new school year.
“This, I think, is the most wonderful time of the year. I play Christmas tunes this week because it’s the new beginning,” said Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, Deacon Kevin McCormack.
Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated the mass at St Thomas Aquinas church in Flatlands, reminding the principals of their commitment to forming students body, mind, and soul.
“That’s exactly what our school leaders are about. The privilege of handing on the gospel now to another generation,” said Bishop Brennan.
As Catholic schools struggle with enrollment, Bishop Brennan is hoping relief will ease the burden. It offers a tax benefit to those who want to support Catholic education.
“The next step is that each state has to opt in, and so we’re counting here in New York state on opting in. We really do have to press on our legislators, particularly the governor, because it’s on her desk, to, to opt in. This is something that doesn’t cost the state any money,” said Bishop Brennan.
While some principals are returning to the same school.
“This is year seven for me, but every year feels like a brand new year,” said Mark Wilson, the principal at Saint Mark Catholic Academy, “It’s good to be back together with our principals, see some returning faces, see some new faces and really start things off with the bishop showing that he supports us and he’s here for us.”
Others are just beginning their journey as principals, like Tara DiRico.
“The bishop is so warm and so caring. You could tell he really cares about the school. so it’s nice to feel like we’re ready to start school,” said DiRico, principal at St Helen Catholic Academy.
And new principal Gina Auricchio already has plans for the new year.
“I’m actually hoping to improve student achievement. I’m hoping to enhance the school culture. I want to see new programs implemented. We have a lot of new technology in the classrooms this year. So, that’s just to change things around and improve the culture of the school,” said Auricchio, principal at St Athanasius Catholic Academy.
That’s why they are all looking forward to a new year full of possibilities.
“We begin with all a chance to start again. any mistake we made last year we can fix, we can have new approaches to everything. and this is just a natural renewal that happens,” said Deacon McCormack.