"I'm stepping into some big shoes," said Mary Kloster, the new principal at St. Henry's Catholic School in Perham. She was hired this year to take over the position left vacant by Mary Thomas, who retired after 26 years with the school.
For Kloster, the opportunity to work at St. Henry's came up at the perfect time in her life. This is the first year Kloster and her husband are empty nesters, with both their son and daughter now off in college.
The two have a lake home on Big Pine and were toying around with the idea of moving there year round. Although still in the process of selling their house in Fargo, they plan on permanently residing in the area as soon as the house sells. Kloster's husband, Paul works for RDO Equipment in Fargo selling large construction equipment.
While previously living in Fargo, Mary Kloster taught first, fourth, and fifth grades at Holy Spirit Elementary for 28 years. Six years ago, she went back to school and received her masters in Educational Administration.
Her first impressions of Perham have been very positive. Kloster said how much she appreciates the warm welcome she has received from the community and the school.
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"It helps that I have the same first name as the previous principal," she said with a grin. "That way, at least people know my name is 'Mary.'"
She explained how easy the transition has been with Mary Thomas' help and the wonderful parents and staff at the school. This assistance is vital when the school is right in the middle of a massive heating and air exchange system project where a 1916 heating system is being replaced.
St. Henry's School is also gearing up for its 125th anniversary next summer.
Kloster said how welcoming the kids have been. She enjoys getting into the classrooms and even though there are a lot of names to remember, she's up for the task. Enrollment at the school remains steady, with 101 students at St. Henry's this year.
One specific contribution Kloster plans to bring to the school is an increased emphasis on technology. She has already worked to bring in some new computer programs and is working on developing a technology plan.
When she's not busy working at the school, Kloster enjoys scrap booking, working out, and being outdoors. She is looking forward to getting involved with some civic activities in Perham. With snow coming this way quickly, she and her husband are eager to get out snowmobiling.
Kloster hopes that she will be able to bring in some fresh ideas and build upon the outstanding program already in place at St. Henry's. "I am humbled to be here and to find out what a great school it is," she said.
