Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As Mr. Myers announced last month, after 37 years in Catholic education — 26 of them at CDH — I have decided that the time is right for me to retire at the end of this school year. This decision doesn’t come from a desire to leave this school or community, but rather from a personal desire to nurture other aspects of my life.

My journey started in the classroom as a religion and social studies teacher. From there, I served as an admissions director, dean of students, associate principal, and principal. I’ve often reflected on which role brought me the most joy. To be honest, it was the years I spent as a teacher and a dean. Those were the years I was closest to the students, and it’s the students who have continued to fuel me for nearly four decades.

I can’t quite imagine what a weekday will be like when I am no longer surrounded by teenagers. No students to greet in the hallways, no noise or conversation in the cafeteria, no energy of a section game, no music from the band and choir, or performances in the theater. Whether it was a conversation in my office or a champion’s parade, being surrounded by your teenagers has been the great privilege of my life. 

To our parents and guardians, thank you for your trust. Entrusting your child’s education and formation to us requires great faith. I am humbled by the opportunity to partner with you. To my colleagues and the entire CDH staff: thank you for your sacred work with teenagers each and every day. I admire you more than you can know. To the students, there are no words to express what you have meant to me over the years. You truly reflect the Holy Presence of God and love God and the dear neighbor without distinction.   

I’m not sure what life will be like when I’m not in these halls, but I do know that I will leave with a full heart and immense pride in our students and this community.  

I look forward to spending the rest of this school year with all of you!

Blessings and God’s peace,

Mona Passman, Principal