Mrs. Julie Schmidt
Assistant to the Headmaster

We are pleased to announce a new Assistant to the Headmaster: Mrs. Julie Schmidt. We extend our deep gratitude to outgoing Assistant, Daniel Schreiber, who has served diligently the last 10 months, as he transitions to 3rd/4th grade as a classroom teacher. SJL Academy's new Assistant has a tremendous amount of diverse experience and talents as a classically trained violinist and involvement with several local theater companies.

Mrs. Schmidt grew up in Stevens Point, WI where her family was a part of St. Peter's parish. Her dad was very active with the Knights of Columbus and her mom sang in the choir (most of the hymns were sung in Polish). Julie remembers her First Holy Communion fondly, where she had to climb a rickety wooden ladder held tightly by the nuns as she placed the crown of yellow roses atop Mary's head.

At the age of 6 she started playing the violin. After a bit of a hiatus raising a couple of goofy kids, she continues to play with the Gracenotes Symphonic Community Orchestra. Mrs. Schmidt also teaches beginning violin lessons. Music and theater are major parts of her life. She has been on stage in many plays and musicals, but in recent years has found a true passion in directing.

Mrs. Schmidt also enjoys painting, camping, hiking and being in, on and near water. She has a green thumb and wishes to bring her gardening expertise to the benefits of the students of the new academy. Her and her husband Rod are parishioners. Rod along with their dogs Piva and Maple keep Julie laughing!

Julie worked as a Teacher's Aide for 21 years in the public school system. For many years it was a great fit, but then, suddenly, it wasn't. As she relates, "The minute I learned about St. James the Less Academy, my heart strings started plucking!" Julie was literally one of the first persons Dr. Green met when he moved from Texas and joined the St. James community. Mrs. Schmidt is excited and prepared to wear as many hats as necessary to help make the school a success. She will be a facilitator of many important everyday systems for the school. As Dr. Green contends, "The administrative assistant of the school is perhaps the most important person at the school because that person is the one who is the first contact for many visitors. He or she is the face of the school and also keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, often taking care of many unexpected and tedious yet essential tasks." We are blessed to have Mrs. Schmidt and her naturally joyful, friendly face greet you as you walk through the doors of SJL Academy!