I have had the privilege of serving St. Mary's Parish School for a total of 14 years. I first came to Moscow in 1970. I had taught only one year until then so in a real sense the students here helped me learn how to be an effective teacher. I remained at St. Mary's until 1979. During those years, besides teaching, I helped out in many parish and community programs. In 1974 I was appointed principal of the school. I thoroughly enjoyed my nine years in Moscow and I did not want to leave when I was transferred to another school that Ursuline Sisters staffed in California.

However, in 1995 I had the opportunity to apply for principalship of St. Mary's and I was very excited when I was hired. I must admit it was very strange for me to be working with parents who were my former students but it has been a wonderful and enriching experience for me.

Moscow, and specifically St. Mary's Parish, is just a special place to be. In coming back I have been able to see just how much St. Mary's has developed these years and where "new growth" is developing. The parents continue to be involved, energetic and loyal--this school is what it is because of them! As an educator for 30 years I have not seen too many schools that have more than we do. We have excellent teachers, programs, equipment for the students due to generous benefactors that are so generous.

A Study that was published in the early 1990's "proved" that there were six areas that, when present in a school, have not only a strong impact on the formation of the students' beliefs and values, but also are characteristic of outstanding schools, whether they be Catholic, government or private. I am sharing these six areas with you because each one is so true about St. Mary's--we are truly blessed to have such an outstanding school.

1. There is a positive school climate where morale high; mutual respect is experienced and the children are happy; there is a strong caring and cooperative spirit present throughout all areas of the school's life.

2. Our parents have a strong involvement in the school. This is shown in many ways: volunteerism, they know and communicate effectively with their child's teacher, there is a mutual respect and support given between the school and home.

3. Our teachers and staff are very dedicated and committed to their ministry of education. Each one possesses a real sense of doing what they can for each student. Teachers strive constantly to improve their effectiveness as teachers. The teachers know their students and their individual needs--they work very hard to bring out the best in each one.

4. Our School Board demonstrates a strong leadership in the educational policies of the School. We are able to implement the needed educational policies, curriculum and educational innovations that are needed for our students without going through bureaucratic structures as other systems must.

5. Our academic curriculum is very strong and well-rounded. We have an outstanding fine arts music program.

6. The last area talks about a "functional community" By this it is meant that values are shared; there is a common vision where strong lived traditions are experienced. As a parish Catholic school that has been in existence since 1908, we do have these values, this common vision, with very strong traditions. In a real sense we are a family where each one is known and accepted for who s/he is. Each one is encouraged and challenged to become even more for the sake of Jesus Christ. Our motto is: St. Mary's School--a way of life.

Now a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, the youngest of three children. In 1963 I entered an international women's religious order whose name is Ursuline. My order was founded by St. Angela Merici in the 16th century, in northern Italy. Her challenge and focus to us was to meet the needs of the time and do whatever is necessary to help families grow and develop as Catholic Christians. For me, this has mainly been done through educational administration and teaching in schools (secondary and elementary levels) in Los Angeles, CA; Moscow, ID; San Francisco, CA; and Santa Rosa, CA. At every place I have ministered I have been involved in both the parish and its sacramental life, as well as the school life. I have found working with parents and children stimulating, rewarding, challenging and never boring! I have had the opportunity to travel to many places including Europe, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and Australia. I have earned a BA in History with a Minor in English from the College of New Rochelle in New York; a MA in Private School Administration from the University of San Francisco. I have done further work in Pastoral Ministry.

As I said above, it is a joy for me to be once more in Moscow, ministering as your school principal. Please know that I am always willing to help in any way I can, as we work together in the important formation of your children. Blessings!

Thank you, 

Sr. Margaret Johnson