GASTONIA — Michelle Vollman has been named principal of St. Michael School and will start July 1.
In a letter to the St. Michael School and Parish communities, Father Lucas Rossi, pastor, noted, “During her interview, it was clear to the search committee members that Ms. Vollman is an emerging leader. She brings great excitement and enthusiasm to her new position.”
Vollman comes to Gastonia from Huntersville Elementary, where she taught for four years. She has taught in the classroom since 2012.
She was a founding teacher at Cabarrus Charter Academy, where she served as lead teacher, overseeing curriculum planning and advocating for the teachers and students under her leadership.
She has participated in over 100 hours of professional development including educational strategies which focus on teaching to the whole child. She also recently achieved Google expert certification – particularly relevant as schools have had to rely on virtual learning and communication tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, Father Rossi noted.
Vollman earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and she will begin master’s degree studies in educational administration in July at Queens University in Charlotte.
One of Vollman’s first tasks will be to implement a virtue program the school purchased last fall called “Disciples of Christ, Education in Virtue.”
Developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, it is structured on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas teaching children the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Vollman will also help lead the school in incorporating a new Catholic liberal arts curriculum, in the classical model, phasing in with the 2021-’22 academic year.
Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of diocesan schools, said, “St. Michael’s School is a valuable part of our diocesan school system, and we at the CSO look forward to working with and supporting Principal Vollman as the school community plans, prepares and launches the new curriculum and pedagogy of the Catholic liberal arts while embracing the state-of-the-art technology at the school.”
Vollman said she is eager to make a difference in the lives of St. Michael’s students, teachers and families.
“I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful parish and school family,” she said. “What I love about St. Michael’s is that it has such a rich history and has seen its fair share of successes and milestones in the past. As the new leader of St. Michael’s, I hope that it will see many more during my time here.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter