Eliza Shearer ’24
This 2023-2024 school year, eight new faculty members joined the Visitation community. These new teachers range from the STEM to humanities departments. As the school year progresses, these new members of the community are excited to contribute their ideas and unique personalities.
Dr. Michal Kolpak is new to the math and science department. He teaches precalculus, honors precalculus, and physics. Kolpak is unique in that although he is considered a “new” faculty member, he taught at Visi for six years prior to re-joining this year. He initially worked in “the 2014-2015 school year up until the 2019-2020 school year.” He moved with his family to Jakarta, Indonesia for three years. While he was out of the country, he managed his two daughters’ online school while teaching at Roshan Learning Center, a school for refugees in Jakarta. Kolpak joined Visitation in 2014 due to a lucky coincidence. He ran into Christine McGovern, the dean of faculty, at a hiring fair. After speaking with her, “things just worked out beautifully.” He was immediately drawn to Visitation and has always appreciated McGovern for leading him to this community.
Kolpak continues to hold Visi so closely to his heart after all these years because he “loves the idea of a place where young women can fully express themselves and be free to learn and grow together. The history and the spirit of kindness at Visi make it stand out as a fantastic place to work.” Visitation inspires him to strive for perfection when working with students: “I work hard every day, but I never wonder why I am doing it. It’s so fun and satisfying to work with all my students and see them as they grow and learn.” The irreplaceable character that makes Visitation feel like home comes from the people; Kolpak looks forward to becoming closer with the community: “I’m looking forward to getting to know all my students and colleagues better. They are all interesting people worth knowing. […] I love how people walk the walk of the little virtues. It’s not like the outside world in here. Generally, people really are kind, patient, humble, etc. It’s such a good feeling. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Grace Hofmann is new to the science department and teaches honors biology and AP Biology. Hoffman recently came to this area from North Carolina where she attended graduate school at Wake Forest University. She worked as a math assistant and tutor before beginning her work as a Visitation teacher. When she was exploring job opportunities after grad school, she explained she knew Visi was the place for her: “I ultimately chose Visi because it checked a lot of the boxes that I was looking for in a position — kind administration, established school, and good location. The fact that Visi is an all-girls school was also very appealing to me — I felt that I would better be able to connect with the students through similar[ly] lived experiences.”
Hofmann feels completely at home at Visitation because of the supportive and tight-knit community: “I have been absolutely amazed by the kindness I have felt from everyone I encounter on Visi’s campus! In addition — since I attended a public high school in South Dakota — many of Visi’s traditions seem very different to me, but I am doing my best to embrace them fully.” Hofmann anticipates meeting and learning more about the Visi community: “This year I am looking forward to forming positive relationships with the students, faculty/staff, and parents alike. I am also very excited to experience my first year as a full-time teacher to truly discover what the profession is like.”
Visitation is excited to welcome new perspectives and ideas to the diverse community.
The Wicket 