Principal Profiles: Catherine Luke

With the first day of school quickly approaching on Wednesday, Sept. 5, kids are starting to think about who they will have for teachers and which friends will share the same classroom. But what about the head honcho at school...the principal? Over the next few weeks, Patch will have a question and answer with Norton Public School principals so that students and their parents can get to know the person in charge. First up is Catherine Luke, principal at

Name: Catherine Luke

Age: 47...soon to be 48 in August

How long have you worked in the Norton school system? I have just completed my first year in Norton as the principal of the L.G. Nourse Elementary School. I am very excited to begin my second year as the principal.

What is your favorite part of being principal in Norton? One of my favorite parts of being the principal of the L.G. Nourse is working with the children. I love to see them grow academically, socially, physically and emotionally. It is rewarding to  know that I have been a part of the process. Another favorite part of my job is that I love to work with the dedicated staff at the L.G. Nourse. They provide quality education on a daily basis for every child.

What are your goals for the school this year? This school year, we will be working on collecting an organizing data through the use of AIMS Web. This server based program will help to track the achievements of all students at the L.G. Nourse. It will help us to meet the needs of all leaners and to help each student meet with success. Additionally, we will be working on utilizing the new evaluation tool. This too focuses on student achievement. Teacher and administrative goals are based on student growth. It is a very exciting time to be in education.

What is your favorite song? "Mercy" by Duffy

What is your favorite movie? "I. Q." with Tim Robins, Meg Ryan and Walter Matthau is my favorite adult movie. My favorite children's movie is "Despicable Me."

What is your favorite television show? "Big Bang Theory."

What is your favorite hobby? I like to garden, watch movies, and go camping in Vermont.

When you were a student, did you always want to become a principal? If not, what did you want to be? When I was in school, I wanted to be a teacher. I was fortunate enough to have taught for 25 years before becoming an elementary school principal. I spent most of my teaching career teaching the third grade. I did not think about becoming a principal until a little later in my career. 

Tell us something interesting about yourself that students and staff might not know: I was born in Reading, Berkshire England.  My mother, father, and two older brothers (Kevin and Ian) immigrated to the United States in 1968 when I was 3 years old. We moved to Millis, Massachusetts first. We lived in an apartment for appoximately two years. I went to kindergarten and part of first grade in Millis. We moved to Norton in November of 1970. I attended the L.G. Nourse for the remainder of my first grade year and for second grade. On a side note, I still have family living in England.