Day in the life: Mr. Mathis
Stepping onto the Moreau Catholic campus as a new staff member is one thing, but stepping into the role of Assistant Principal of Climate and Culture is a whole different adventure. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Steven Mathis, our new Assistant Principal, to learn about his day-to-day life at school, his journey across different educational spaces, and what it is like adjusting to life at Moreau.
If you ever wonder what a day in the life of an Assistant Principal looks like, for Mr. Mathis, it starts right at the front of the school. Every morning, you can spot him outside greeting students as they arrive for drop-off, bringing an upbeat, happy welcome to the start of the day. From there, he stays on the move, walking the hallways during passing periods, popping into classrooms whenever he can and talking with students during break and lunch.
Between reminding people to grab their hall passes and advising the Student Leadership Council, he really tries to focus on staying connected with the student body.
Before coming to Moreau, Mr. Mathis worked at schools near the San Francisco Airport and in the Presidio. Living in Oakland, those commutes were long, so finding a position closer to home was a major win.
This decision was based on more than just his commute, he was looking for a school community that truly aligned with his personal values. He says he’s a huge family man, which relates to one of our four Holy Cross pillars, Being Family. That focus on building strong relationships and commitment to restorative practices made it feel like the perfect fit.
Coming from a background in both public and charter schools, as well as a small religious school growing up, joining a Catholic school has been an eye-opening experience for him. Mr. Mathis shared that he enjoys learning about the Catholic faith and Holy Cross traditions. In fact, being at Moreau has allowed him to unlearn some of the old stereotypes he grew up hearing about Catholicism, proving that stepping into a new environment with an open mind can completely reshape your perspective.
Whether he’s welcoming students in the morning, brainstorming with student leaders, or exploring the deeper values of our school tradition, Mr. Mathis is already making a strong impact. His passion for accountability, connection, and community reminds us that no matter where you come from, finding a place where you belong makes all the difference.