PaulOndreicka
By Peter Martin
On March 4 , 2003 , Paul Ondreicka received a professional tip from his friend John Murphy . Having recently retired from the New York Fire Department after a 24-year career , retiring as a captain , Ondreicka was open-minded to a life shift . “ I had known that John ( Murphy ) was making an annual trip to Italy , and the school was in need of security support during this time ,” he explained . “ I filled in part-time in his temporary absence – this opportunity introduced me to the morning ‘ Greeting ’ session , and nearly two decades later , I never left !” Ondreicka points to the strong sense of community as the key ingredient to his Saint David ’ s tenure . “ The education that these students receive is tremendous ; Saint David ’ s is an incredible school . In hindsight , I wish my own boys had attended !”
In 2008 , Ondreicka became a full-time employee and formed a reliable duo with Mr . Murphy for both the morning and afternoon shifts . Over the past decade , he points to the building construction and physical transformation of our 89th Street campus as a landmark change . Despite that major change , consistency has been essential to success , “ I am a guy who does things by the book . Whatever the protocol and rules are , I take pride in following with regularity . Over the years , I ’ m not sure if I had a single sick day . My work ethic comes from the way I was raised . If you have an obligation , you should fulfill it .” He also alluded to the institutional leadership that has helped maintain consistency , “ My time here has coincided with Dr . O ’ Halloran , he always set good protocols and expectations to ensure everything is run smoothly .”
For generations of Saint David ’ s families , that consistency and reassurance of seeing the same team at the helm was never taken for granted . “ There ’ s a mutual
“ Ondreicka points to the strong sense of community as the key ingredient to his Saint David ’ s tenure .”
trust , it ’ s an important relationship ( with parents ),” he reflected . When asked what his favorite memory of the past 19 years was , the response was immediate , “ Having the opportunity to play in the band for the Christmas concerts was the best .” As the entire community congratulates Paul on his retirement , he shares his admiration for everyone who has impacted his experience . “ My first impressions were of the community ’ s collective happiness — I will miss the energy .”
As we look to the future , we are thrilled that after two successful careers ( FDNY for 24 years and Saint David ’ s for 19 ), Mr . Ondreicka will be able to spend more quality time with his family . “ The Fire Department and Saint David ’ s actually have several similarities ,” he added . “ In terms of community , having that strong association and bond is unique . Now that I ’ m retired , I hope to attend more of the regular FDNY functions , as well as visiting my boys , who all live in the tri-state area .”
Congratulations , Mr . Ondreicka . Keep us posted on your retirement , and come visit us soon ! •
Peter Martin is Strategic Communications Specialist at Saint David ’ s School .
Summer 2022 • 11