Faroh In First Year At Sacred HeartIn his first year at Sacred Heart Catholic School, Principal Jim L. Faroh Sr. is more than happy to be in his position.
"I've been absolutely thrilled. It's a privilege to be here. I enjoy being here. It's truly an honor and a privilege," Faroh said during an interview Oct. 15.
In his 36th year in education, he's held many different positions, several overlapping one another. He's been a teacher, coach, administrative assistant, athletic director, college professor and a principal."I've had all those different roles in 36 years," he said.
He taught fourth through sixth grades for 13 years at a public school in Michigan City. Also during that time, he taught art, music, physical education and high-ability students.
For the next 13 years, he was the principal of a Catholic grade school, St. Mary's Catholic School, Michigan City, that included preschool through eighth grade. While principal at St. Mary's, he also was the principal at Marquette Catholic High School.
For five of those 13 years, he taught at Purdue North Central in Westville. He taught Celebrating Cultural Diversity to undergraduates and graduate students.
During the next nine-year period, Faroh was a principal at public schools. Of those, the first four were in Marion and then five were in Huntington. He then made the move to Sacred Heart in early August.
Faroh said the pastor, staff, parents, students and parish all have been great.
"There's a proud history here that I'm happy to be a part of," he said.
Sacred Heart has a model where "God and education lead the way. I think that's tremendous," he said.
When Faroh heard the principal's position at Sacred Heart had opened up, he was thrilled and applied for it immediately. He was happy to get it.
All schools have a mission to educate children the best they can.
"The difference here is we have an additional mission to educate about the word of God as well," Faroh said. "To teach as Jesus did.
"My philosophy is rather simple. It's to do what is best for students. I find things work out best for students when I keep this philosophy paramount in what I do," he said.
Faroh said he has many goals for Sacred Heart and for himself, many are to continue what's already been happening at the school.
The goals include to continue the excellent reputation of the programs at Sacred Heart, to be the best educational leader Faroh can be and to join with all the different stakeholders of the school.
"Everyone here has been wonderful to me," he said.
In his few months working in the Warsaw community, Faroh said he's had the opportunity to talk to various officials of area schools, had lunch with the Chamber of Commerce and just met many people.
Sacred Heart has a highly qualified staff, and they are all committed to the Catholic education, he said. Teachers and staff all work very hard.
"We're here to teach the whole child spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally," he said. "Sacred Heart is a very safe and caring environment."
Everyone at Sacred Heart - whether they be teachers, staff, parents or students - chose to be there. That, Faroh said, says a lot.
The students are excellent, he said. They are talented, dedicated and set goals.
He also praised the school's facility, technology and student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The Catholic elementary school also has a full-time nurse, educational aides and resource teachers.
"It's just a real blessing to be here," he said.
As principal, Faroh said he has an open-door policy. Once a month, he also makes time for parents to come in to see him with their ideas and suggestions.
"I believe in a lot of recognition. A lot of awards," he said.
His Principal's Mascot Award recognizes students, staff and parents for special acts of kindness, accomplishment and "things out of the ordinary." Not only does the person receive a certificate, but they also get to keep one of many stuffed toys for a day. One even looks like Faroh with glasses.
Another thing Faroh is starting at Sacred Heart is a student council. Elections will be Tuesday for representatives of first through sixth grades. He said they will be ambassadors for the school and help the school out when they can. It's important for students to be involved with their school and to set goals, he said.
"Sacred Heart to me just has the best of everything," Faroh said. "It has a spiritual atmosphere, outstanding students, dedicated teachers and a great facility. And great parents, community and parish support."
Faroh has his own support at home. His wife, Patricia, teaches first grade in Marion. His daughter, Michele, 25, works for Eli Lilly, while his son, Jimmy, 21, is a senior at Ball State University.
