Get to Know Mrs. Ens

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in England and attended Catholic schools there, so Catholic education has always been a big part of my life. I now live locally and have been part of the St. Patrick School community for almost 20 years. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and young son. St. Pats has really become an extension of my family over the years.

What inspired you to become a teacher and how did you come to join St. Patrick School?

I think I was always destined to become a teacher! As the oldest of four children, I used to play “school” and pretend to be the teacher. I also always loved being a student myself. While I was at Boston College, I put my name on a list of students who were graduating and were interested in teaching in Catholic schools. One day, I got a call from the principal of St. Patrick School at the time, Arthur Swanson, inviting me in for an interview. From the moment I walked through the doors, I had a feeling that St. Pats was where I was supposed to be. I was fortunate to learn from so many wonderful veteran teachers who were here when I started, and their example has stayed with me throughout my career.

What do you enjoy most about working at St. Pat's?

Without a doubt, it’s the children and being in the classroom. There is something magical about starting each school year with a new group of second graders and watching them grow, learn, and become more confident throughout the year. I’ve also been lucky enough to teach many families over the years, including families where I have taught several siblings. Seeing those children grow up and having lifelong relationships with their families has made me feel incredibly connected to the St. Pats community. After all these years, I still truly love coming to school each day.

Are there any special projects or lessons that you're particularly passionate about?

I especially enjoy teaching our second-grade units on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and the American West. I love being able to bring history to life for the children and seeing their excitement when they begin to understand what life was like for people during those different periods in our country's history. Those are the kinds of lessons that I find myself looking forward to teaching year after year.

What is a funny/memorable moment from teaching?

One of my most memorable traditions at St. Pats is the annual Polar Express that the second and eighth graders do together. We have done it every single year I’ve been here, and it is something I look forward to each December. I especially love seeing my former second graders grow up into eighth graders and watching them help create that same magic for the younger children. It’s a wonderful reminder of how quickly the years go by and how special it is to be part of a school community where you get to watch children grow. The Polar Express has become one of my favorite St. Pats traditions and holds so many wonderful memories for me.

How has teaching at St. Patrick School influenced your own personal growth or faith?

Teaching at St. Patrick School has deepened my appreciation for what a Catholic school community can be. Having grown up attending Catholic schools myself, I knew how meaningful that kind of education could be, but being on the other side of it has given me an entirely different perspective. For me, teaching is about much more than academics. It is about helping children grow into kind, thoughtful, compassionate people and giving them a strong foundation in their faith. Over the years, my students and their families have taught me just as much as I have taught them. I truly feel that being at St. Pats is my calling and that I was meant to be here.