Looking back one year ago, I remember feeling very overwhelmed and anxious about starting at St. Paul's High School.  I knew it would be a very tough beginning because I was starting in a brand new school and I was moving from a rural setting to the city.  My first impression of St. Paul's High School was very good. I got to know a few teachers and students before the year started because I was managing the football team.

After the year started I learned that St Paul's High School had much more to offer than just the academic content. I knew that I was also responsible for the spiritual care of my students.

St. Paul's High School offered many opportunities for the spiritual growth of students, and I took that as a great opportunity for myself to grow even more in my own faith. After a few months I could sense that my ability to reflect on my daily work and my faith had increased.

If I have to list the positive experiences I had at St. Paul's High School this last year, the number one item would be "Closeness to God". Several times, this last year, I went to the chapel during my spare to pray for my students and family. I found that no other place of work would give me the opportunity to stop all I was doing and pray.

St. Paul's High School is a community. There are reminders, everywhere, that God is present in our lives, being in the form of a crucifix, statues, artwork and mainly in the compassion from my colleagues.  I feel at home working at St. Paul's.

Now, I am starting my second year here, and I have already experienced many positive events, such as playing at the opening Mass.

I look forward to making this new year another positive experience in my life.

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Source of photos:  Denis Costa