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Meet BCHS Principal Dr. John Atha
Dr. Atha began his career in education as a math teacher in Hamilton Southeastern Schools in 1988. He taught and served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Twin Lakes and Noblesville school corporations prior to becoming Noblesville Schools' director of curriculum and instruction in 2004 and the assistant superintendent in 2005.
Dr. Atha earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Joseph's College in 1987 and his master's in education (1998), specialist in education (2003), and doctorate in education (2009) from Ball State University. He and his wife, Mary, have six children and are members of Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Westfield, Ind.
Principal's Weekly Note
May 18, 2012
Dear Bishop Chatard Parents:
This is a very crazy time of year. Trying to wrap-up the school year causes all sorts of
emotions. There is a sense of urgency to make sure we have completed our 'to do'
lists, and there is joy and sadness in the fact that we must say 'goodbye' to many
people who we love and value. For schools, this is the time of transitions. This is why it
is so important to have a commencement ceremony for our seniors - it gives us the
opportunity to celebrate the transition of moving from one phase of life to the next.
Our graduates will be moving from the somewhat controlled world of high school to a
world of greater freedom and greater personal responsibility. The Bishop Chatard High
School diploma they receive is our way of declaring to the world that they are ready for
this transition. We are very proud of them, and we congratulate them!
I also want to acknowledge our faculty and staff and the role they have played in
teaching and supporting our students. I am certain we are all aware of the importance
of great teachers. The research strongly confirms that the quality of a child's teacher is
the most important factor in a student's learning, and this is one of the main reasons
our students continue to perform so well academically. However, our students have a
reputation for not only performing well academically, but also they are also known for
doing whatever it takes to live out our mission of being a strong faith community
committed to learning, leading, and serving by seeking excellence in their involvement
in sports, clubs, activities, and community service. This is directly related to the many
adults who give of their time, treasure, and talents - and I would like to sincerely thank
them for all that they do for our kids. We are truly blessed to have great teachers!
Next week is dedicated to final exams. Students will only need to be at school for
classes that are giving a final exam. The exam times can be found on our website and
in the weekly update. Please make sure that you touch base with your child to see if
they are prepared for their finals and to make sure they take care of the details of
wrapping up the school year - like cleaning out their lockers and returning all of their
textbooks. Also, please keep our graduates and their families in your thoughts and
prayers as we celebrate our 48th Commencement Ceremony this Sunday at 2:30 P.M.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us!
Dr. John F. Atha, Principal
Thought for the week:
"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but
with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much
necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for
the soul of the child." Carl Jung
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