Dear St. John the Apostle School Families,
My name is Tony Arens and I am excited to introduce myself as the new school principal for St. John the Apostle School. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead alongside a great staff at a school full of rich and spiritual traditions that strive for excellence in education. I am enthusiastic about joining a great community where we can share our faith, instill virtues, and empower our students to seek their full potential.
I began my educational career right here at St. John the Apostle School in the 2012-2013 school year. I taught health and physical education as well as serving as the athletic director for six years. In 2015, I accepted an additional position in the Diocese of Lincoln, serving as the League Director for the Lincoln Junior High Sports Program, where I managed the collaboration of the 11 Catholic elementary schools, as well as other private and home school organizations. In the 2018-2019 school year, I taught and served at Cathedral of the Risen Christ School in the same positions.
I have been married to my amazing wife Katie for three wonderful years. We met in 2014 at St. John the Apostle School where we were both teaching. We have two beautiful children, Leo, who recently turned two years old, and Amelia (Millie), who is seven months old. We keep very busy with two little ones, as well as spending time with our big families.
I believe that great schools are a result of great teachers, staff, parents, and community members. It is my goal to help grow our purposeful community through collective efficacy, communication, professional development, and collaboration with all stakeholders to continue to build and foster the tremendous culture embedded at St. John the Apostle School. Pope Francis states, “The family remains the basic unit of society and the first school in which children learn the human, spiritual and moral values which enable them to be a beacon of goodness, integrity and justice in our communities.” I look forward to working with all of you, the first educators of your children, to help achieve our common mission and vision with the ultimate goal of helping each other get to Heaven.
I am beyond excited to begin this new journey with all of you and the opportunity to lead alongside a great staff and community. I will be working closely with our teachers, the office, custodial, and food service staff, along with the Home and School Association, to provide your children with the best opportunity to learn and grow academically, socially, and spiritually, doing it all in the name of the Lord.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your children as the new principal of St. John the Apostle School. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to share. I am looking forward to an amazing school year serving those I have been called to serve.
Sincerely,
Mr. Tony Arens
“If God is all you have, you have all you need.” John 14:8
St. John the Apostle School Slogan 2024-2025
“Come & Behold”
Personal Mission Statement:
My mission is to model, inspire, and nurture Faith and integrity in a way that develops personal reflection, ownership and an authentic caring for others.
Philosophy of Leadership:
- I believe in leading with integrity; therefore, I will stay true to my core moral values in my commitment to lead others in a positive way.
- I believe in servant leadership; therefore, I will lead by example, focusing on the growth and well-being of those I serve.
- I believe in building and fostering positive relationships; therefore, I will commit to creating and promoting a safe, encouraging culture that promotes collective efficacy.
- I believe in the importance of creating a purposeful community; therefore, I will model a commitment to excellence and focus on what matters most by facilitating and promoting positive can-do attitudes.
