Dear Osbourn Parents,

My name is Joseph Gabalski and I serve as the new principal of Osbourn High School. I am very excited about this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with you, the students and staff as we continue the tradition of educational excellence at OHS.

I would like to take a moment to share a little about myself as I am sure you have many questions about me. I have lived in the City of Manassas for over 15 years and both of my daughters attend Manassas City Public Schools. I know the great sense of pride the community feels for Osbourn High School and I am happy to be a member of the Eagle family.

Previously, I worked in Loudoun County as an assistant principal, serving at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn and at Freedom High School in South Riding. As an assistant principal, I supervised all the departments within the high school setting. Prior to working in Loudoun, I taught International Baccalaureate Music and Theater at Stonewall Jackson in Prince William County.   As I learn more about what Osbourn has to offer, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I firmly believe that ninth grade is a critical year where we can make a significant impact on students as they transition to the high school level. Osbourn has a great Freshman Academy in place and I am looking forward to being a part of the team that continues to grow and develop it even further.

Throughout my educational journey, I have found that I truly love working with high school students.  High school teachers and staff can be “difference makers” for students, guiding them towards reaching their goals.  I can credit many people for influencing my desire to work at the secondary level.  I remember vividly how influential my high school basketball coach was in my life.  The time, effort and unconditional caring he gave was one of the greatest examples I have seen regarding the powerful impact an educator can have on a student, especially students who are budding young adults. Even as a musician, I had one instructor that had tremendous patience and a unique ability to get the best out of all his students.  After witnessing his work with diverse students with varying skill sets, I saw the impact a motivated educator can have on students and I knew I wanted the opportunity to do the same for others.

The world we live in seems to change daily and 21st century high schoolers are faced with many challenges. Experts tell us that 50% of the jobs that high school students will compete for when they enter the job force have yet to be created. We have an opportunity to ensure they are equipped with key skills they must have to be successful. Effective communication and the ability to work collaboratively with others is paramount. They also need to be prepared to function in a global economy where creativity and critical thinking skills are essential. My goal is to work with you, our instructional staff and our community partners to equip our students to not only participate in this ever-changing global economy, but to emerge as leaders within it.

I am looking forward to more opportunities to connect with our school community. I encourage you to visit our website for updates about events occurring throughout the school year and over the summer. I welcome the opportunity to meet with parents by appointment.  Please contact Mrs. Coni Jones at 571-377-7004 to schedule a time to meet with me.  

I am grateful to the Superintendent and the School Board for the opportunity to lead Osbourn High School.

Sincerely,
Joseph Gabalski, Principal