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A first-grader at Pope John XXIII says "thank you."

Remember that old trick of learning to spell “principal” by thinking that “the principal of my school is my pal”? Well, today, see if you can’t find a way to really make the principal of your school or your child’s school feel special — like your pal — as it is National Catholic School Principal Appreciation Day.

“School administration is one of the most challenging ministries in the Church today,” according to the National Catholic Educational Association. They oversee hundreds of people from the youngest learner to teachers, to staff and parents. And it’s their enthusiastic leadership that factors into success for each student and for the school community.

The Diocese of Phoenix has 30-some hard-working principals leading children in the basics of faith and knowledge. MaryBeth Mueller, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, expressed her appreciation for their leadership.

“We have great administrators who work hard to make the best school for our children,” Mueller said.

Take a moment to pray for the challenges and joys of their job. 

Now check out how two schools celebrated. I read in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel school bulletin that the students honored Dr. Vincent Sheridan during their weekly liturgy in Tempe yesterday, but don’t know the specifics.

Christina Bernier’s day started with a steady stream of students flowing into her office at Pope John XXIII School in Scottsdale. Each student placed a single-stemmed flower in a vase on her desk. Bernier is in her first year of leadership at the school.

Students at each grade level also sent cards and letters of acknowledgment to both Bernier and Elissa Muhlbauer, the school’s assistant principal. The first graders dedicated their computer class time to both women making the following images (and the one above) for her.