Christmas came early this year for Holy Family School Principal Michael Gnat. The National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) declared Nov. 17 Principal’s Day, and the Dale City School decided to really show Gnat how much they appreciated him.

This is the first time the school has hosted a big celebration for Principal’s Day.

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) gave Gnat a plant in a terra cotta pot that was signed by all the students and teachers.

"He really turned the school around," said Mary Brooks, a member of the PTO.

Gnat joined the Holy Family community last year and helped them achieve accreditation.

Karen Forsythe, administrative assistant, organized the day’s program of appreciation.

"He’s a man on a mission," said Forsythe, adding that every day, Gnat comes up with ideas of how to improve the school. "He’s always thinking."

According to Forsythe, Gnat is always available for the students. He enjoys being on the playground during recess to interact with the children.

Father Mark Carrier, parochial vicar, started the morning’s activities with a blessing.

Principal’s Day also included an opportunity for the children to dress down and the PTO sponsored a luncheon that followed the program.

A lawn chair was set up in the gym just for Gnat. He was instructed to sit back, put his new slippers on, relax and enjoy the show.

The show opened with the first performance of the Holy Family Band, a new group at the school. The cheerleaders then performed a cheer, written especially for Gnat.

Each of the grades came forward to sing for their principal. Classic songs like "He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands" were modified to include a verse about the principal and the multicultural atmosphere was celebrated with "Buenos Dias, Señor Gnat."

Members of the eighth-grade class drew pictures of Gnat that were presented by Robert Balthazar and Marcus Walker. Sixth-grader Tia Stewart recited a poem that she wrote.

After the show, the presents continued and Gnat received Build-A-Bear bear, named Principal Gnat Jr.; new winter attire, jacket, hat and gloves; and an electric drill, drill bit set and tool box for when he needs to help fix something in the school.

"I’m principal of one of the best schools in the diocese," Gnat said. He thanked the school community for the gifts and performances. He admitted that he could not run the school if it weren’t for the excellent group of staff, parents and students.

"We’re building something special here," he said. "The school is on track to being a premiere place."

According to Gnat, the school welcomed three displaced children after Hurricane Katrina. The money collected from the dress down day will go to the poor, and every Friday the school collects canned food.