I recently had the privilege to sit down and have a discussion with Brother Tony about his first semester as principal of Central Catholic. This is not the first high school Brother Tony has been principal, he was principal at St. Bernard’s Catholic High School, in Connecticut. When asked the difference between Central Catholic and St. Bernard’s High School, the biggest thing from being a lay principal to being a brother is the support of the community, not only from the brothers, but the faculty, alumni, and the students. The students, Brother Tony claimed, know what to expect from a Brother that is a chief administrator. Also there is a long line of brothers that have been teachers and administrators here at Central. There is a level of understanding of what a Lasallian High School is all about. Brother Tony throughout our conversation emphasized the community aspect of Central Catholic High.

Central Catholic High School is not an island. When the idea was first brought to his attention in March of last year. Brother Tony was of course nervous, it’s not a simple vow of obedience. The first question that creeped into Brother Tony’s mind, “Is there someone who is better qualified than me?” The position was announced to the district for interested Brothers, but it was decided that he was the best candidate.  He was also reluctant, because he was still working on his doctorate and he was comfortable doing what he was doing. But what is best for the school. It had to be a community decision: the brothers, board of directors, to some extent the faculty and students should feel it is the best candidate for the position.

After the shock wore of, Brother was nervous, but it was appropriate nervousness. He used the analogy of preparing for a test. A student can study and prepare so much for a test, but they will only know if they are ready when they take the test. It is a healthy thing to be nervous, if you don’t have any nervousness, then you are simply not taking it seriously. To quaff this nervousness Brother Tony relied on the advice of Brother Bob, who he still talks to once a month. Being in charge of Central is not a one man job, Brother relies on a network of people to give him advice. Brother Tony has yet to experience an issue where he has not brought some sort of expertise, exploring all sides. All of this ties to Central sense of community!

Of course the architecture is unique to Central, but Brother claims that the architecture is simply the edifice. If Central did not have the sense of community that it does, Central would not be what it is today. The way that the building are built and if there was not Brotherhood at Central Catholic it would not be a Lasallian School. That is what is important! The tough love showing people you care about them not only during times of tragedy.

Some of the things that have surprised Brother during his first semester as Principal: the support of the faculty, the generosity of the students, and students taking a deep interest in their faith life. Students are taking their faith life to the next step, putting it into action in the Kairos Retreat. Also he is surprised at not only the talent that Central possess in sports but in the extracurricular, Masque, academics, and in the spiritual dimension. He wishes that the media would follow these other talents, which is the purpose of the E-Blasts and Central’s social media to celebrate the hard work and excellence of students.

When asked if he enjoyed being a part of the administration or teaching faculty more, Brother exclaimed, “That’s like saying which child you like better!” Brother Tony wants to be in the classroom one period a day to connect with the students. Yet at the same time being the principal also gives him the opportunity to meet more alumni, more students, and to interact with the faculty on a totally different level. If he had to choose, at this point in his life he enjoys being the principal of Central Catholic.

Photo Credits: http://www.fscdena.org/2016/05/31/central-catholic-announces-new-principal/