Every time someone falls on the playground or needs to call home, what better place is there to go than to the office secretary? The office staff manages many everyday task to help everyone around the school: makes copies,  takes care of sick children, lets people into school, delivers messages and more. Considering the many wonderful ways the office support the school, students should take a moment come down to the office and wish a warm welcome to the new office secretary, Mr. Berg!

Prior to joining the St. Robert community, Mr. Berg was no stranger to Wisconsin, having been born and raised in the area.. Mr. Berg states, “I was born in Milwaukee, the first of five children. My parents used to own a grocery store with my grandparents called Uptown Shop-Rite just outside of Wauwatosa.” Mr. Berg grew up in the city and attended Christ King. He then completed high school at  Catholic Memorial High School followed by a degree at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where he trained to be an illustrator.

Mr. Berg still has a great passion for art and design. Berg  explains,  “I enjoyed that experience [going to art school] so much that I am going back [in] school to become certified as a professional art teacher.” Hey, if St. Robert ever needs a substitute art teacher, they know where to find him!

Additionally, Mr. Berg is excited to start a new year fresh at a new school. He has brightened our days with his “ big, friendly personality, a can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and the occasional box of doughnuts or pie (because who doesn’t love doughnuts and pie?).” He also notes, “I am excited to get to know everyone! What a great community St. Robert and Shorewood has! I feel right at home.” Mr. Berg is looking forward to meeting new people and getting to know his way around the St. Robert community. Berg has worked in  school systems before, with prior experience at St. Dominic. At each new job he may encounter, Mr. Berg is sure to greet everyone with open arms and a huge smile.

A school secretary is expected to wear many different hats, so that can-do attitude is helpful when he juggles his various roles here at school. Mr. Berg explained a bit about his job when he stated, “I like to think that working in the office at St. Robert is similar to working in mission control at NASA. I’m not the astronaut or the engineer – I’m the guy behind the big computer screen, making sure everything runs smoothly. I know where everything is, where everything belongs, and if something should ever go wrong, I’m there to sort it out.” Mr. Berg spends most of his days at the front desk, helping with various tasks that are needed to be accomplished. Although it may not seem like it, Mr. Berg’s job is a key asset to keeping the school running efficiently and smoothly.

Overall, Mr. Berg is taking the school year in stride, and has already begun helping out the school community of St. Robert in a positive way. He loves children and always keeps an upbeat attitude, making everyone’s day just a little bit brighter. Mr. Berg is settling in great in the new community so far – as he states, “I LOVE St. Robert School! In fact, I’m thinking about getting myself a pet bobcat!” Next time you walk past the office, stop and go inside! Get to know your new office secretary and spend some time talking with Mr. Berg!