Before starting his new position at St Rose of Lima School, Principal Bardhyl Gjoka was looking forward to coming to the district. He had already met with school faculty, parents, and religious leaders at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church; all that was left was to start his new job. Mr Gjoka began his position on July 1.

"It's an honor to be here," said Mr Gjoka, sitting in his new office on July 25.

Mr Gjoka replaced Sister Colleen Therese Smith, who served as principal at St Rose since the 2014-15 academic year. Sister Colleen left to serve as the director of mission advancement for the United States province for her community, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus based in Hamden.

Many things contributed to Mr Gjoka's desire to work in Newtown. Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, Mr Gjoka described a desire to "do something for the town."

"I have always felt obligated: What can I do?" he explained.

Before being appointed at St Rose of Lima School, Mr Gjoka served as principal at St Aloysius School in New Canaan. According to a press release from St Rose of Lima School, Mr Gjoka served as principal for four years at St Aloysius, and he has served as assistant principal at All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk. Mr Gjoka earned a bachelors degree in math and physics from the University of Shkodër in Albania, a masters degree in education from Fairfield University, Fairfield, and a sixth-year diploma in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, according to the release.

Mr Gjoka lives in Norwalk with his family - wife Vjollca Zefi and two sons, Emanuel, 15, and Andrew, 9. Mr Gjoka said his wife is a preschool teacher at All Saints Catholic School.

Since starting on July 1, Mr Gjoka said he has been impressed with Newtown. Just a few weeks into his new job, Mr Gjoka said he had already met First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and Newtown Police Chief James Viadero. Mr Gjoka said he was impressed by both of the town leaders. Newtown, he said, is blessed, and he hopes to build a strong relationship with the town. Mr Gjoka said he wants to make sure St Rose of Lima School is involved in anything in the town that can benefit Newtown children.

"We want to make it clear that we are here to collaborate. We want to make sure we establish that professional relationship and continue to grow on it. Everyone benefits from it, and most importantly, kids will benefit from it," said Mr Gjoka.

One of his biggest hopes for the 2018-19 school year is to make sure parents do not "second guess the quality of education" at the school. Any parent concerns will be addressed, he said, and he wants to establish a learning environment "where students are challenged and prepared when they go to high school."

Mr Gjoka said he already approved a new science program with enrichment programs and lessons that can be assigned online for extra support. He expects St Rose teachers will love it.

When asked what he most wants Newtown to know about him, Mr Gjoka said he is dedicated and has a strong faith and commitment to his job.

In the press release, St Rose of Lima Church Pastor Monsignor Weiss said, "We interviewed many candidates, looking for a person of integrity and faith who is a proven leader, an exceptional educator, and an innovative thinker. We are proud of our rich school history and of our many alumni who are doing great things in this world. We also recognize the need for keeping our curriculum fresh and competitive so that we blend tradition and innovation to create the best possible learning environment for our children. Mr Gjoka clearly fits all of these criteria, and we are delighted to welcome him aboard."

While Mr Gjoka said he is committed to "getting things done," he asked for patience from school families since everything takes time in education. He plans to enforce proven and modern teaching techniques while continuing to support the school's Catholic traditions.

Mr Gjoka said he hopes students will talk to him and tell him how they are doing. In the past, he said, he frequently asked students how they are and made changes based on the responses.

"I hope they will take me on that offer to give me feedback," said Mr Gjoka.