It didn’t take long for Charles Llewellyn to feel at home as the new principal of St. Andrew Catholic School.
“When I first got here, they threw me a welcome dinner and I knew right away that this was a very special place,” Llewellyn said.
Llewellyn came to St. Andrew Catholic School at 3304 Dryden Road in July, becoming the new principal for the first time in 29 years. Former principal Clarice Peninger retired after her many years of service.
Whether the school is looking for volunteers or trying to raise money, the Catholic community never falls short, Llewellyn said. In fact, since Llewellyn’s arrival, the school has already remodeled the main office and front foyer, installed new outside doors that lead into the school and set a fresh coat of paint in the classrooms and halls.
The grand re-opening of the parish hall was observed recently. Llewellyn welcomed the St. Andrew Catholic Community with celebrations after each mass on Sunday. “There is always something good going on here,” Llewellyn said.
The school and church logo also has been changed. In an effort started by a committee that pre-dates Llewellyn, the school and church was able to adopt the new logo this year. The logo is a light blue shield with a red cross inside it. Llewellyn had the shield with the cross painted on the wall at the entrance to the school building.
“My goal is try and not be behind my desk all day,” Llewellyn said. He is often seen walking the halls and checking in on classrooms throughout the day. Llewellyn says he tries not to go more than an hour behind the desk.
St. Andrew Catholic School was established in 1954 and Llewellyn said it has always had a good reputation in the Fort Worth community. It is the second largest catholic school in Fort Worth, behind Nolan Catholic High School.
Despite its long history, Llewellyn is still committed to bettering the school and the community. He announced his commitment to upgrading the technology services and resources available to both students and teachers.
“My goal is really to create the best possible learning environment,” Llewellyn said.
Llewellyn grew up in Fort Worth and is the youngest of eight children. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington on a baseball scholarship and was most recently the assistant principal at Hillwood Middle School (Keller ISD) for the past four years.
Llewellyn is a devout Catholic and was excited to get the opportunity to be a part of such a great St. Andrew community.
“This job has been the perfect combination of my personal faith journey and my professional life,” Llewellyn said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to be a part of such a great community.”
While Llewellyn has enjoyed his first few months at St. Andrew, he is sure there are many more to come. Llewellyn expressed the “good feeling” he feels to be able to be a part of something as great as the St. Andrew Parish.
“I am always thankful for the opportunity I have to impact the lives of children and help them grow in their faith.” Llewellyn said.
