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Independence, MO —
John O’Connor has had a busy week. As principal over two Catholic high schools – St. Mary’s and Archbishop O’Hara – he is trying to figure out how to have a presence at two places, while also learning to “let go,” relying on his team of assistant principals.
“This is the first week where I have realized that it is hard to be at two places at one time,” said the longtime educator. “I have wonderful assistant principals, though, at both buildings and am very confident in letting go some of those responsibilities. I just need to realize that it is OK to let go.”
The Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Diocese decided earlier this spring to combine the administration of St. Mary’s and O’Hara. This is leading up to the opening of a new Catholic high school in Lee’s Summit, which is planned for 2015. The name of the high school, which will combine the populations of both schools, is set to be released at the end of August.
Under the administrative plan created by the diocese and O’Connor, O’Connor will alternate days between the two schools. He will serve two days a week at each building, and then alternate his location on Fridays. Sara Kenney will serve as the assistant principal and athletic director at St. Mary’s and will be the administrator in charge in O’Connor’s absence.
O’Connor said when he learned about the new administrative direction, he was “excited about the opportunity.”
“I know the vision of where we are going and understood what the diocese was trying to do,” he said. “I think it is exciting to be able to work with both (high school) communities, trying to build those relationships and bonds now before the new building opens.”
O’Connor is entering his 19th year in education and is a 1988 graduate of O’Hara. After spending four years teaching mathematics and social studies at Hall-McCarter Junior High in Blue Springs, he spent time as an administrator in the Raytown School District and at St. Thomas More Catholic School. He was also a teacher and activities director/dean of students at O’Hara. He was in his first year as principal at O’Hara when he was asked to lead both high schools.
“I think it was while I was in Blue Springs when I decided that I wanted to become an administrator,” he said. “I admired the leadership I was under while I was there, which inspired me. I really enjoyed my time in Blue Springs. Those were my first years as a teacher, my growing years. They took good care of me and helped me to become a better teacher.”
John O’Connor has had a busy week. As principal over two Catholic high schools – St. Mary’s and Archbishop O’Hara – he is trying to figure out how to have a presence at two places, while also learning to “let go,” relying on his team of assistant principals.
“This is the first week where I have realized that it is hard to be at two places at one time,” said the longtime educator. “I have wonderful assistant principals, though, at both buildings and am very confident in letting go some of those responsibilities. I just need to realize that it is OK to let go.”
The Kansas City-St. Joseph Catholic Diocese decided earlier this spring to combine the administration of St. Mary’s and O’Hara. This is leading up to the opening of a new Catholic high school in Lee’s Summit, which is planned for 2015. The name of the high school, which will combine the populations of both schools, is set to be released at the end of August.
Under the administrative plan created by the diocese and O’Connor, O’Connor will alternate days between the two schools. He will serve two days a week at each building, and then alternate his location on Fridays. Sara Kenney will serve as the assistant principal and athletic director at St. Mary’s and will be the administrator in charge in O’Connor’s absence.
O’Connor said when he learned about the new administrative direction, he was “excited about the opportunity.”
“I know the vision of where we are going and understood what the diocese was trying to do,” he said. “I think it is exciting to be able to work with both (high school) communities, trying to build those relationships and bonds now before the new building opens.”
O’Connor is entering his 19th year in education and is a 1988 graduate of O’Hara. After spending four years teaching mathematics and social studies at Hall-McCarter Junior High in Blue Springs, he spent time as an administrator in the Raytown School District and at St. Thomas More Catholic School. He was also a teacher and activities director/dean of students at O’Hara. He was in his first year as principal at O’Hara when he was asked to lead both high schools.
“I think it was while I was in Blue Springs when I decided that I wanted to become an administrator,” he said. “I admired the leadership I was under while I was there, which inspired me. I really enjoyed my time in Blue Springs. Those were my first years as a teacher, my growing years. They took good care of me and helped me to become a better teacher.”
While O’Connor appreciated his time in the public school system, he said there was always something calling him back to Catholic schools.
“I think I have always been drawn to teaching and helping young men and women develop into wonderful human beings,” he said. “I have also always been called to serve, wanting to help. I think it is my faith and giving something back to the community that kept me returning to O’Hara and to Catholic education.”
O’Connor said he has been “welcomed with open arms” to the St. Mary’s community and has been enjoying getting to know both the students and parents. He said he believes in academic excellence and a safe environment and wants students to know that he has big expectations.
“St. Mary’s may be a small school, but they have a huge heart. That excites me,” he said. “I have asked the teachers and the staff to set their bar high because we are preparing these young men and women to go on pursuing their dreams. I am hoping that I can gain their trust and show them that what I am doing is in the best interests of the students and this community.”
