Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School in Moon Township has a new principal.
David Thomas comes to OLSH from Fred L. Aiken Elementary in the Keystone Oaks School District. Previously, he taught fourth grade in the Avonworth School District and also served as the assistant principal at Avonworth’s high school and middle school campus.
Thomas brings nearly 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach and school leader to his new position.
At Aiken Elementary, he led a schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support (PBIS) program, focusing on positive student behaviors, and is known for a leadership philosophy rooted in the belief that Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM).
“For me, that together part is very important,” he said. “I know when we all work together, great things happen.”
Thomas pointed out he doesn’t see his role as principal as just a punitive disciplinarian. Instead he hopes students will see him as more of an advocate, someone who’s going to help them get to where they want to go beyond OLSH.
Thomas holds a Master of Arts degree in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh and a Principal Certification from Robert Morris University, where he completed the RMU-LEAD program.
A K-8 Catholic school graduate himself, Thomas is also the parent of a current OLSH student. “The K-8 education I received really resonated with me and had a strong impact on my faith and just the foundation of who I strive to be as a person,” he said.
When he learned of the June retirement of Tim Plocinik as OLSH principal after 40 years, Thomas applied for the position, feeling it was the perfect fit for him personally and professionally. He admits, even while teaching in public schools, it was always in the back of his mind that if the opportunity arose, he’d love to work for a Catholic school.
“It really feels as if I’m meant to be here,” he said.
Although it’s only been a month, he said things are going well.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “It’s that family environment that’s so special. The faculty and staff have been tremendous. The students have brought a great energy. I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of our families.”
OLSH, an independent Catholic School founded by the Felician Sisters, has a current enrollment of 350 students in grades 9-12.
Thomas’ goal is to get to know every student by name. As for the faculty, he doesn’t want them to see him simply as their boss, but as a leader and colleague who wants to help them grow.
“I’m just so excited about the opportunity to be here and be part of this family environment that’s here,” he said. “It’s just a special school with a great tradition and I’m just excited to kind of keep that tradition alive and enhance the things we’re already doing.”
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