“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Catholic Schools Week: Formed in Faith and Learning
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
Sisters Thelma Schlomer (left) and Patrick Ann O’Connor (right) coached girls’ volleyball at St. Lawrence Elementary School, one of the many sports Sherri Kirschner played as a student.
Sherri (Collins) Kirschner accepted the call to teaching later in life, but the seeds of that vocation were planted early. Surrounded by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati throughout her education at St. Lawrence Elementary School, Seton High School, and the College of Mount St. Joseph, Sherri was inspired to pursue a life in Catholic education, especially through the influence of her sixth-grade teacher, S. Patrick Ann O’Connor.
Although Sherri’s professional path first led her to work in public relations, retail management, and eventually running a home daycare, she felt drawn back to the classroom. She returned to Mount St. Joseph to earn her teaching certification through online and evening classes, later teaching at St. James in White Oak (Cincinnati, Ohio), and St. Louis in Batesville, Indiana. In 2012, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration with a Catholic focus from the University of Dayton.
For the past 15 years, Sherri has served as a principal in Catholic schools. She currently leads Our Lady of the Lake School in St. Joseph, Michigan, and credits much of her approach to leadership and education to the example set by S. Patrick Ann, whose influence left a lasting impression during Sherri’s formative years.
Sherri recalls how S. Patrick Ann held her students to high standards, while also taking the time to truly see and understand them. As a volleyball coach, S. Patrick Ann expected commitment and accountability from her players. When Sherri missed a game and arrived late to another due to family circumstances, S. Patrick Ann initially addressed the situation firmly—but after listening carefully to Sherri’s explanation, she offered her a chance to demonstrate responsibility and commitment moving forward.
“That moment stayed with me,” Sherri recalls. “She was strong and clear about expectations, but she was also willing to listen and show compassion.”
In another classroom moment, Sherri learned a similar lesson about responsibility balanced with understanding. After forgetting to have a test signed, Sherri was given a consequence meant to reinforce accountability. When her mother—who was raising Sherri on her own while working two jobs—spoke with S. Patrick Ann, the situation was handled with care, allowing Sherri to meet both her school responsibilities and a long-awaited Girl Scout commitment.
Reflecting on these experiences, Sherri recognizes how S. Patrick Ann modeled an approach rooted in both structure and kindness—one that deeply shaped her own philosophy as an educator.
“Following the example of the Sisters of Charity,” Sherri explains, “I try to live with kindness. I don’t judge. I don’t make assumptions. I see children for who they are in front of me, and I want them to know they are loved, cared for, and safe.”
Grateful for the Sisters of Charity who influenced her life and vocation, especially S. Patrick Ann, Sherri shares this message of appreciation: “Thank you for listening to God’s call and for treating each child as your own. You gave us compassion, strength, and a nurturing spirit that stays with us long after we leave the classroom.”
Laker Little Library
Sherri Kirschner, principal of Our Lady of the Lake School, recently put in a little library outside the St. Joseph, Michigan, school.
vulcano
Principal Sherri Kirschner with preschool students at Our Lady of the Lake School in St. Joseph, Michigan.
sherri with lion
Sherri Kirschner, a graduate of the College of Mount St. Joseph, will forever have the heart of a lion.
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