Get to Know Principal Matt Garber

October is National Principals Month! To celebrate, we’re sharing short Q&As with each of our principals—giving you a glimpse into their leadership style, favorite parts of school life, and what drives their #PHMExcellence every day.

If you could swap places with a student for one day, what class or activity would you be most excited to participate in — and why?

I’ve never worked in a high school setting, and I currently have two high school students at PHS, so I’d be really curious what it would be like to swap places with a student at the high school.

What’s your go-to morning routine (or must-have snack/coffee order) that helps you tackle the day?

Black Coffee first thing every morning!

What were you like as a middle or high school student — and what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

I was a relatively strong student academically. The advice I would give my younger self would be to build strong work habits and study habits as early on as possible. Those translate to being successful in all areas of life after high school.

If your job as a principal had a theme song, what song would be your walk up song–the one playing when you walked into school each day?

Sweetness – Jimmy Eat World

What was your favorite school lunch or snack when you were a student? What is your favorite school lunch now as a principal?

Favorite school lunch was the old rectangle pizza.

What’s one fun fact about you that most students or staff don’t know?

I have flown an airplane.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of school that might surprise people?

I love Notre Dame football.

What’s one thing on your bucket list you still hope to do one day?

Walk the Camino de Santiago.

What’s your favorite school tradition or event?

Staff vs. Students end of year events (basketball, kickball, volleyball).

If you could describe your school in one word, what would it be?

Beautiful