Meet our Principal
Mrs. Kimberly Leonard
I am completing my fifth year as a principal at St. Walter-St. Benedict, and previously worked for 4 years as a teacher. Being an educator has been one of my greatest passions, and I find it immensely rewarding to make a positive impact on the lives of my students and their families.
I have been happily married to my husband, Dwight, for 30 years. Together, we have three wonderful children: Josh, Grace, and Suzy, who have been the center of our world. Our family is completed by our two dogs, Moose and Zoey, who we adore. In my free time, I love to spend time together, go on vacation, and attend our kids' sporting and music events. I am also an avid sewer and love to create memory blankets, pajamas, and other creations.
Welcome from Principal Leonard
As I begin my fifth year as principal of St. Walter–St. Benedict School and my eighth year serving our school community, I have been thinking about what it truly means to say, “Every Minute Matters.”
Those words may mean something different to each of us. Ask the commuter at LaSalle Street Station who missed the Metra by seconds and must wait an hour for the next train. Ask the runner who finished just one minute behind the winner. Ask the parent driving away after leaving their child at college miles from home how much they wish they had one more minute together.
Every Minute Matters.
As principal, I take pride in every minute I spend at school, helping our teachers, students, and families walk through our doors for a full day of learning, laughing, praying, and growing together. Every member of our school community shares the same goal: to keep our children safe and help them thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.
My goal this year is to help our families and staff make the most of every moment our students are in school. Every day is a new chance for our students to know God's love, grow in their faith, and use the gifts He has given them.
This school year will bring many new opportunities as we embrace being together on one campus. Our staff has worked hard to shine every floor, clean every desk, and prepare and organize our classrooms so that we are ready to welcome every student.
Growth happens when we are prepared to meet students where they are while encouraging them to move forward by learning a new skill, saying a new prayer, meeting a new classmate, or connecting with a new teacher or staff member. We are all capable of growing every day in one way or another.
Whether you are new to St. Walter–St. Benedict School, or have shared this journey with us for many years, I want every person who enters our school to know that we are here for your child. We are committed to supporting their spiritual, academic, and personal growth, and to making sure that Every Minute Matters while they are in our care.
I am proud of the work our teachers and staff do, and I am grateful for their commitment to providing experiences and opportunities that allow every child to thrive. Through a rigorous curriculum, a strong Catholic identity, and a school community rooted in faith, we proudly promote academic excellence, spiritual growth, and Catholic values.
I look forward to another wonderful year of learning, faith, and growth together.
Kim Leonard
Kim Leonard
Principal