Mrs. Barbara Dalmut
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I am honored to be serving as the Principal of St. Ambrose Catholic School for my fifth year. Prior to becoming principal, I taught six years in the fifth grade and two years in the eighth grade. There is no place I would rather be, no faculty I would rather lead, and no community that I would rather serve.
When we think back to the “good old days”, we dream of a time when everyone knew each other, and people truly cared about one another. That special spark is what makes our school so precious. In a school with 200 students, teachers have an opportunity to really get to know their students. Families develop bonds and a strong community is born!
My dear husband Pete passed away in August 2010. Our four children are grown, but they all benefited from our commitment to Catholic education. I stayed at home with them for 19 years, and enjoyed every minute of it. From my years of volunteering and substitute teaching, I was able to learn first-hand the many benefits of a Catholic school. I held many volunteer positions, including Volunteer Coordinator, Homeroom Parent, Hot Lunch Coordinator, Art Teaching Assistant, and Junior Great Books Coordinator. Some of my closest friendships were developed through our school volunteer work.
Education has always been a priority in my family. I have enjoyed my studies — a B.S.Ed. and J.D. from the University of Georgia, and an M.Ed. from Marymount University. I have practiced law, been a freelance editor, and served as regional manager for a healthcare company. Every experience has led me back to Catholic schools– there’s no place like home!
I believe in the power of prayer. I was drawn to St. Ambrose, and have found a home here. There is no community more faithful than ours. Throughout my life, I have been greatly influenced by three saints — St. John Bosco, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. John Vianney. I read their life stories as a child, and they have continued to inspire me today. My hope is that we can provide inspiration for our children so that they can look back one day and say that their days at St. Ambrose helped strengthen their faith.
As we look forward to our year together, let us strive to make our school a place where children love to learn, and where we all grow closer to our loving God. May God continue to bless St. Ambrose and our community!