epiphany school

Germany Native Brings Creative Ideas to Epiphany School

By Pauline Hovey
Special to the HERALD
(From the Issue of 1/18/07)

When Ulrike “E. K.” Williams arrived in the United States in 1987 from her native Germany, a young, energetic graduate seeking a teaching job in her major of physical education, she could not have anticipated what God had prepared for her. Unable to find jobs that lasted more than several months, she was forced to commute back and forth to Germany. But her life changed drastically when she met a young man who was renovating the house of the family she was living with in the States. They married in 1991, had two daughters, and several years later she landed her ideal job—teaching physical education and directing the extended day care program for K-6th graders at Epiphany Catholic School in Culpeper.
Williams finds herself at home in Epiphany’s small, intimate setting, where fewer than 200 students are registered and space is limited. The school lacks a gym, which Williams calls a “daily challenge.” When the weather cooperates, she holds PE in the parking lot of Precious Blood Church, whose building is physically connected to the school. The alternative plan is the parish hall. But that challenge doesn’t hamper Williams. “To do with what we have and be creative, that’s the cool part,” she said. “I keep thinking that it’s a wonderful way to teach our kids to make do with what we have, to show them how to create with what they are given.”
Apparently the parish hall serves many purposes—not only does it double as an area for church-related events and the school’s gym, the school also uses it for music, art, lunchtime, and extended day care. “We have to perform a quick change from one minute to another,” Williams said.
Her ability to adapt and be creative has benefited Epiphany students, who last year celebrated an International Day as one of Williams’ ideas for the extended day care program. As program director she is “always thinking about what kids would enjoy. I thought cultural awareness would be cool. They could learn about different countries without having to travel.”
Williams invited parents and friends who were native to other countries to bring in food, photos, and cultural items representative of their country. The children were given a passport with their name and for each presentation they attended of the 18 countries represented, they received a stamp. The idea was well received and Williams is already planning something new for 2007—a guessing game where children have to determine which profession is represented by the invited guests based on their descriptions and information presented.
Another area where Williams has used her creativity is in starting a recycling program at the school. “In Europe, everybody recycles everything,” she explained. “I wanted to teach the children the importance of the earth and recycling.” She knows she’s had an impact, because some students are using her idea at home.
Williams calls her profession “a very rewarding opportunity to be part of God’s plan to shape these children for God’s service. It’s important to help the children realize that they are a tool for God and whatever that tool may turn out to be, they can use it for him.”