Janna Walkowiak truly cares about children and Catholic education, and this is evident in every part of her work. Ms. Walkowiak spent a year of her early career at a public school but made the switch to Catholic education because she desired to work at the intersection of faith and academics. She is looking forward to applying her experience here at St. Peter Catholic School as our new Assistant Principal.
“Being in an environment where faith is the foundation brings a community together and helps develop and foster connections,” Ms. Walkowiak says.
Education is near and dear to Ms. Walkowiak’s heart. She most recently taught middle school English at St. Robert Bellarmine School in Omaha. During the pandemic, she felt a call to pursue her Master’s in Educational Leadership.
“What I love about education, in general, is that we are helping students lay the foundation for their future endeavors,” Ms. Walkowiak says. “There was no better feeling in my time as an educator than seeing a student put in the work and being successful in their goals.”
After seeing the posting for the Assistant Principal position here at St. Peter Catholic School, Ms. Walkowiak did some online research and loved what she saw. When she interviewed and learned more, she knew this community would be a great fit.
“I am very excited to join the parish and meet everyone,” Ms. Walkowiak says.
While Ms. Walkowiak notes that this will be somewhat of a learning year for her, she is looking forward to learning the procedures, routines, and curriculum and, most importantly, getting to know the students and staff. She hopes to spend a lot of time in the classrooms.
“My role is to support in any way that I can, so I look forward to understanding the school better to see where I can make the biggest impact,” she says.
Ms. Walkowiak’s family is very important to her. Raised in Grand Island, she has two siblings, a mom and dad, a brother-in-law, and two nephews. Oliver, a shih tzu-poodle mix, is also an important part of her family. In her free time, Ms. Walkowiak enjoys reading and bargain shopping at Costco or Sam’s Club. Family vacations are also quite enjoyable.
If you see Ms. Walkowiak around, make sure to introduce yourself.
“Even in the brief interactions that I’ve had at the school, it became immediately apparent that St. Peter is a wonderful community,” she says. “I am looking forward to continuing the school and church’s mission of preparing students spiritually and academically. “
Ms. Walkowiak can’t wait to get started and continue the vital work of Catholic education.
“What I love most about Catholic education is that we have created a space where academics and faith are entwined,” she says.
For more information about St. Peter Catholic School, visit saintpeterlincoln.com/school or call 402-421-6299.
