‘We’re Catholic first, not just a school,’ says new Glasgow St. Joseph principal
This is the first in a series of reports highlighting new Catholic school administrators in the diocese.
The best professional advice Virginia “Ginny” Mongar has ever received is “Kids First.”
“What we are doing here should benefit our students and their families. Why else would we be doing it?” said Mrs. Mongar, the new principal of St. Mary School in Glasgow.
Mrs. Mongar has been working in education for over 15 years, serving in a variety of roles: preschool educator, Parents as Teachers coordinator, and classroom teacher at the elementary and middle school levels.
She has also worked in curriculum and professional development.
She sees her role as a Catholic school administrator as much more than “management.”
“I have the privilege of helping create and maintain an environment where students, families and staff can grow academically, socially and spiritually,” she stated.
She believes the purpose of a Catholic school is to form disciples.
“We want to encourage the growth and development of our students, with Christ at the center of everything,” she said.
That allows Catholic schools to create well-rounded, faith-filled individuals.
“We can educate them and show them Christ so they can go out and do that for others,” she stated.
Mrs. Mongar believes a successful Catholic school produces students who are well-educated, compassionate and firm in their faith.
“If a Catholic school is successful, our graduates will show it out in the communities they serve,” she said.
Mrs. Mongar is committed to helping St. Mary School maintain its faith identity.
“We’re Catholic first, not just a school,” she said.
She, her husband and their two daughters live in Marshall, where they are members of St. Peter Parish and the girls attend St. Peter School.
Mrs. Mongar enjoys reading in her spare time and going on camping trips with her family when the weather allows.
Her favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.”
When things get difficult at work, she turns to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, her Confirmation saint, for inspiration and intercession.
Mrs. Mongar asks for prayers for wisdom and guidance as begins her service to the St. Mary School community.
“Please pray for our students, teachers and families as we grow together in faith and support one another,” she added. “Most of all, I ask for the grace to listen to God and trust Him to lead me in this role.”
She’s hopeful that the St. Mary School community will continue moving forward together with patience and faith.
“We’re all working towards the same goal: growing strong youth in faith and education,” she said.
