🎙️ Episode Title: "You’ve Got This: Advice for New (and Veteran) Catholic School Principals"

👤 Host: John Mihalyo
👥 Guest: Julie Delaney, Retired Catholic School Principal & Parish Development Leader

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this reflective and wisdom-packed episode, John sits down with recently retired principal Julie Delaney to explore the most valuable lessons she learned from 17 years of leading a Catholic school. Whether you’re a brand-new administrator or a seasoned principal, Julie’s honest, insightful, and faith-filled reflections offer practical takeaways for building stronger school communities.

From managing parent relationships and navigating tough conversations, to the importance of mission, faculty culture, and self-care—this episode is a must-listen for Catholic school leaders at every stage of their journey.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why your mission, vision, and goals must be visible and lived—not just written.
• The importance of face-to-face conversations and how empathy can defuse tension.
• How to balance transparency with confidentiality in parent communication.
• Tips for effective faculty hiring—and the cost of desperation hires.
• Why over-communicating isn't overkill—and how to do it without being repetitive.
• How to use discipline as formation rooted in mercy and faith.
• The blessing and challenge of evangelization in today’s Catholic schools.
• How to guard your time, avoid burnout, and take care of yourself without guilt.
• Julie’s advice to her first-year self—and to anyone starting their leadership journey.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• 🎧 Listen to Julie’s earlier episode on Pastor–Principal Partnerships
• ☕ Book a virtual coffee conversation with John at Elementary Advancement Solutions:
  👉 Schedule here
• Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions for great resources and a list of services offered to help you grow Catholic education at YOUR school!

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