By Amanda Bosch, New Principal of St. Lambert Elementary
Can you give us a short glimpse of your background in education?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Special Education from Augustana University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Sioux Falls. I began my career in the Sioux Falls School District, where I had the privilege of serving diverse student populations as a special education resource teacher for K–5 students. I later moved into administration, where I served as an assistant principal and continued to support students, staff, and families in creating a positive learning environment and ensuring student success.
How did you hear about the principal opening at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools?
It’s truly amazing how God works in our lives. For eight years, I worked across the street from St. Lambert Elementary and had the opportunity to connect with Ms. Davis for various reasons. During that time, I often thought about what it might be like to work in a faith-based environment specifically in the Catholic school system. I learned about the position when a current parent at St. Lambert Elementary shared the principal opening with a colleague of mine. My colleague knew of my Catholic faith and thought I might be interested in the opening. That small nudge was just what I needed to explore how God might be calling me to serve the St. Lambert community.
What attracted you to the role of principal or an elementary principal in general?
What drew me to the role of principal is the opportunity to serve children while building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. I love learning alongside teachers to support strong academics, connecting with families, and being an active part of a caring school community. It is a true privilege to guide students in their academic growth, in making choices that reflect our core values, and in deepening their faith.
How has your transition been from a public-school system to a private school system?
The transition from a public-school system to a private school system has gone very well. My experience as an assistant principal provided a strong foundation and prepared me for this leadership role. While many aspects of the position are familiar, I’ve focused on learning the specific systems and processes unique to Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools and St. Lambert Elementary. What makes this transition especially meaningful is being part of a faith-based community and having the opportunity to integrate faith into our daily work and school culture.
What makes your current school special?
There are so many things that make St. Lambert Elementary special! Above all, it is the people. Our dedicated staff, wonderful students, and supportive families truly make this community what it is. We are blessed with a team that is deeply committed to our mission and to helping every child grow in faith and learning. The diversity within our student body is a beautiful strength, offering opportunities to learn from one another and to celebrate that God created each of us uniquely in His image. At St. Lambert Elementary, we learn and grow together and are surrounded by a community where students and families truly know, support, and care for one another.
How is your job rewarding?
My job is rewarding in so many ways. Whether it’s joining a class in daily prayer, sitting in a lesson, working through an academic task with a student, problem-solving with a teacher, participating in a PE activity, or chatting with students during lunch—each of these moments makes my work meaningful. The daily moments—both big and small—remind me how each interaction helps shape our students’ growth, learning, and their journey of faith as they grow into the saints God calls them to be.
What were you most looking forward to in your first year in your new role and what are you looking forward to for next year?
This first year, I was most eager to meet everyone including students, staff, and families. One of my personal goals is to learn all of our students’ names! It’s also been a wonderful year of learning and experiencing all of our school traditions for the first time, which has been both exciting and meaningful.
Next year, many of the experiences that were new this year will feel familiar, and I’m excited to build on them, strengthen relationships, and continue growing with our school community in how we live out our mission and core values.
What has been your favorite memory so far of your first year?
I have many wonderful memories already, but my favorite part of the week is Friday morning school Mass. I get the opportunity to sit with a different class each week, and it’s a joy to share that experience with all of our students. Our students leading the Mass and taking on roles during it is a responsibility they take seriously and truly enjoy. Having so many students involved with Praise Singers is amazing to see. Our students add so much beauty to our weekly Mass. It is truly the highlight of my week!