By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Father Andrew Thomas, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstadt, recently appointed Samantha Erny to serve as principal of Sts. Peter and Paul School in Haubstadt.
Erny said the school holds a special place in her heart as a longtime teacher and parishioner at Sts. Peter and Paul. Over the past nine years, Erny said she has “had the joy” of teaching at Sts. Peter and Paul. Over that time, she has come to deeply love the students, staff and families that make the community so alive, she said.
“When the opportunity arose to serve in a new capacity as principal, I saw it as both a calling and a privilege,” she said. “I felt a strong pull to lead in a way that continues to nurture both the faith and academic excellence our school is known for. Being able to serve the school and parish I love so dearly is a true blessing, and I’m honored to step into this leadership role.”
Father Thomas, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstadt, said Erny stood out to the interview committee because she had been a part of an already thriving Catholic school culture.
“She knows from her time teaching in the building that our Catholic faith isn’t just frosting to make education sweeter,” Father Thomas said. “Instead, it is leaven that makes all of the curriculum work. This shared vision, deep faith and professionalism were clear indicators for the interview committee.”
In her time as a teacher at Sts. Peter and Paul, Erny has come to know the school community deeply in its culture, values and what students and families need to thrive, she said. She believes her time in the classroom gave her a strong background in curriculum and student support. It taught her the importance of building meaningful relationships with both families and coworkers, she said.
Erny is most excited about the opportunity to walk alongside students, staff and families in new and meaningful ways. This role allows her to support the school community from a broader perspective, she said.
“I look forward to partnering with others to ensure every student grows in faith, learning and character,” she said. “I’m also eager to build strong relationships, continue our tradition of excellence and create an environment where everyone feels seen, supported and inspired. It’s a new chapter for all of us, and I’m grateful to be on this journey together.”