Welcome to The Principal’s Office! Every other week, we will feature a Q&A with a principal from schools across the archdiocese. We kick off this series with Relynn Rensolo, principal of Holy Family School in Topeka.
Q: How long have you been principal at Holy Family?
This is my third year at Holy Family, but I’ve been with the archdiocese for 31 years. I’ve also been principal at St. Matthew and Christ the King, both in Topeka. St. Matthew’s was [for] a couple [of] years, and then Christ the King for 22 years.
Q: If a student had to describe you in one word, what would it be and would you agree?
Smiley! I do like to tease and have fun.
Q: What’s one thing happening at Holy Family right now that people outside of the building may not know about?
We’ve had a busy summer getting ready to open a brand-new playground. The playground before had been here for 30 years. We also installed all-new lighting in our building this summer, and we’ve got three floors. And we received a $20,000 anonymous donation, and all they asked me to do was spend it on technology. So, we have all-new Chromebooks in the building also!
Q: What made you want to lead a Catholic school specifically?
I started out in public [school], and I taught there for seven years. Then, I was a public school administrator in Tonganoxie. My priest at the time, Father Pat Riley, just kept asking me if I would consider leading a Catholic school. After a lot of discussion and a lot of prayer, that’s where the Lord led me.
Q: Tell me about a moment that reminded you why you do this job.
We have a lot of new students in our school this year, and after the first week of school, I was having a conversation with one of our new students and asking how things were going and how they liked it. I’ll never forget: She looked at me, she had tears in her eyes, and she said, “I didn’t want to switch schools, and now I’m so glad that I did.” And I said, “Well, why are you glad that you did?” And she said, “Because everyone’s so friendly, helps me, and I feel included.”
That was huge for me because that’s what we want. That’s what we want all of our kids to feel. We’re here to help kids and ultimately help them get to heaven and help them into sainthood. That’s our goal. But it’s these little moments along the way like that that keep us going.
Q: What’s something your school does that you’re proud of?
We have so many activities and events here at Holy Family that encompass all of our heritage. We have Fiesta and German Fest in the summer for our school. We do Cinco de Mayo and a big celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe. Holy Family is made up of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joe and Sacred Heart parishes.
Q: What’s one word or phrase you find yourself saying to students or staff all the time?
“I’m so proud of you” and “All we ask is that you always give your best.”
Q: Vacation in the mountains or at the beach?
Oh, I am definitely a BEACH girl! 😉
