Ms. Catherine Scotkovsky
Ms. Catherine Scotkovsky
School Principal
Why did you want to be a teacher?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher my freshman year at Resurrection High School. My Health- Physical Education teacher was Mrs. Pancratz. I was a tomboy at heart. I loved sports and it was during my freshman year that I realized I wanted to be a gym teacher. It was the best decision I made.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of being an educator is when things click for a student. You have a student who has been struggling with a concept or a subject, and the one day it all clicks, and you see the student change from being frustrated to succeeding and enjoying school. As a principal, I look forward to watching many more students learn to love school.
What was your favorite subject in school?
First and foremost I loved gym. I also loved math. Math is like a puzzle and I loved finding the solution to the puzzle. I loved math because the answers were either right or wrong.
What is the funniest thing that has happened in your classroom?
One year during a 1st grade gym class, the class was using the scooters. One little girl rolled over her finger and came to me crying uncontrollably. Her finger was bent to the side and I started to panic because I knew fingers weren’t supposed to look like that. I started to put ice on her finger and she told me, “It’s not that finger it is the finger next to the crooked finger.” I took a deep breath and said a little prayer that we averted disaster. The young girl went on to graduate from West Point and whenever she came for a visit we always laughed about the crooked finger.
Why did you become a principal?
I always thought about being a principal. Ms. Mary Kay Tschanz was my principal for 18 years at St. James School, Highwood, Il. I was always impressed with her patience, ability to solve problems and her deep faith. Two years ago Ms. Tschanz was diagnosed with ALS. I decided that after 25 years of teaching, it was the right time for me to pursue my administration degree. I am honored to be inspired by a wonderful principal who was respected by her students, parents and teachers. I know she would be happy to see that I am a principal.
Do you have any pets?
I have 2 lovable black cocker spaniels, Rooney and Lady Jane. They are goofy and always good for a laugh!
What do you do for fun?
I love to quilt, travel and cook. I started quilting about 20 years ago, and I find it very relaxing. I enjoy traveling; I have been to Ireland and many places in the US. I love being in the kitchen. IN our family the kitchen was the heart and soul of the house and it is a very comforting place. Finally, I am very close with my sisters, and my nieces and nephews. We all spend a lot of time together.
What is your favorite book? What are you reading now?
My favorite book is “A Tree grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith. It was the first “grown up” book I read as a freshman at Resurrection high school. I always admired Francie’s fighting spirit and her unstoppable dreams. I have not had a lot of time to read for pleasure lately, as I am finishing up my second Masters.
What do you like best about St. Lad's?
I like how respectful and genuinely nice the children of St. Lad’s are. I have met some very nice, hard working parents who value their children’s education. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the families and children of St. Ladislaus.
