Over
the years, Sister Catherine Clifford has worn many hats. She’s been
a guidance counselor, a teacher, a student of criminal justice, a
volunteer at the women’s reformatory in Framingham, and a high
school principal. She also enjoys reading mystery novels and is an
avid sports fan.
Now, in her third year as principal of Marian
High School in Framingham, Sister Cathy is quick to say that her
first love is being a high school principal.
"I thoroughly enjoy the students and I respect
them. We respect each other. I have found that if they are treated
fairly, you will get that back from them," she said during a recent
interview for
.
She said she sees high school as the last
opportunity for teachers to "strongly
influence the students before they go off to college." It’s a time,
she said, to help build their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Sister Cathy, who was principal of Arlington
Catholic High School for
nineteen years before joining the Marian staff, said high school
should be a warm and welcoming place that also, of course, provides
academic challenges for its students. In fact, she always keeps her
office door open, and is
happy to welcome students who stop by to visit or wave as they go to
class.
Her work at Marian has been challenging. The
school, which enrolls 272 students, had been facing declining
enrollments and an aging physical plant before she arrived on the
scene.
But, according to Sister Cathy, enrollment is
steadily growing now; the school is gaining credibility; and the
student population is becoming more diverse.
A total of 32 countries is now represented by
Marian students, and it’s been a good experience for everyone. "The
new students and their families feel welcome here. We’re what the
world could be --- growing together," she said.
Sister Cathy grew up in Allston and attended St.
Anthony School, Allston and St. Mary High School in Brookline. She
was a guidance counselor at both St. Columbkille School and Mt. St.
Joseph Academy, Brighton.
She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Regis
College, a master’s degree in guidance from the former Boston State
College, and a master’s
degree from Northeastern University in criminal justice.
Why the interest in criminal justice? Her
volunteer work at the women’s reformatory and in probation
counseling led her to get her degree.
It took four years of night classes, but she
believes it was well worth it. She credits the Sisters of St. Joseph
for her interest in counseling and education. "They were good role
models and gave a lot of themselves," she said.
Summing up her view of education today, Sister Cathy
said she knows the world is changing, and it’s more and more
challenging for families and their children, but she believes "the
basic kid hasn’t changed. Kids still need the same things:
understanding and acceptance, challenge and compassion,
opportunities to serve and make a difference, to grow and be known.
And, they’re still great. I like them just as much as I did 20 years
ago!"
~ ~ ~
Judy Wasserman is a free-lance writer and teacher
at the Jackson Mann School in Brighton, MA.