You’ve Got This: Advice for New (and Veteran) Catholic School Principals
🎙️ Episode Title: "You’ve Got This: Advice for New (and Veteran) Catholic School Principals"
👤 Host: John Mihalyo
👥 Guest: Julie Delaney, Retired Catholic School Principal & Parish Development Leader
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this reflective and wisdom-packed episode, John sits down with recently retired principal Julie Delaney to explore the most valuable lessons she learned from 17 years of leading a Catholic school. Whether you’re a brand-new administrator or a seasoned principal, Julie’s honest, insightful, and faith-filled reflections offer practical takeaways for building stronger school communities.
From managing parent relationships and navigating tough conversations, to the importance of mission, faculty culture, and self-care—this episode is a must-listen for Catholic school leaders at every stage of their journey.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- Why your mission, vision, and goals must be visible and lived—not just written.
- The importance of face-to-face conversations and how empathy can defuse tension.
- How to balance transparency with confidentiality in parent communication.
- Tips for effective faculty hiring—and the cost of desperation hires.
- Why over-communicating isn't overkill—and how to do it without being repetitive.
- How to use discipline as formation rooted in mercy and faith.
- The blessing and challenge of evangelization in today’s Catholic schools.
- How to guard your time, avoid burnout, and take care of yourself without guilt.
- Julie’s advice to her first-year self—and to anyone starting their leadership journey.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- 🎧 Listen to Julie’s earlier episode on Pastor–Principal Partnerships
- ☕ Book a virtual coffee conversation with John at Elementary Advancement Solutions:
👉 Schedule here - Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions for great resources and a list of services offered to help you grow Catholic education at YOUR school!
📬 Subscribe & Share
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Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance:
As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
