Dear St. Joseph Parish School Family,

I am thrilled to write to you as the new principal of Saint Joseph Parish School, a place that has always held a special place in my heart. After spending twenty-two wonderful years teaching here, it is both humbling and exhilarating to return to this vibrant community where I have so many cherished memories.

I am also excited to introduce Mr. John Nunney, who joins us this year as our new Dean of Students. Mr. Nunney will play a vital role as an additional administrator, focusing on building positive relationships, overseeing school culture, managing student discipline and collaborating with our team to ensure a fruitful and enriching student experience. With Mr. Nunney’s support, we are confident in our ability to maintain and enhance the strong, faith-centered environment that defines our school.

As we begin this new school year together, I want to share with you our key areas of focus:

• Strengthening Our Catholic Identity Our faith is at the core of everything we do. This year, Mr. Nunney and I are dedicated to deepening our Catholic identity, ensuring that our spiritual life is not just a part of our education but the very heart of it. Our faculty is currently reading “Educating for Eternity: A Teacher’s Companion for Making Every Class Catholic.” We want our students to experience the joy and strength of our faith in every aspect of their school life.

• Pursuing Academic Excellence Academic excellence remains a top priority. We are committed to providing a challenging and supportive learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Our goal is to empower each student to reach their full potential and excel in their academic journey. This year, our faculty will focus on the Science of Reading. The diocese will release a list of preferred reading series for the 2025-2026 school year this fall, and we will communicate our choice later this year.

• Ensuring a Safe and Nurturing Environment T he well-being of our students is paramount. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing atmosphere where every child feels secure and valued. This includes both their physical safety and emotional health, ensuring that our school is a place where every student can thrive. Last year, with the help of a safety grant, we added additional security cameras and installed phones in every room of the school. We have already begun collaborating with our local safety forces to ensure a safe start to the school year.

As principal, I am deeply committed to being a good steward of the funds entrusted to us by our parishioners and school families. I will work diligently to ensure that every dollar is used wisely and effectively to benefit our students and advance our mission.

At St. Joseph Parish School, we are more than just a school community - we are a family in Christ. This sense of belonging and mutual support is what makes our school truly special. With Mr. Nunney on board, and with all of us working together, I am confident that we will make this year a memorable and successful one for our students.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school community and Catholic education.

Peace and Goodness,

Mrs. Maureen Goodwin, M. Ed.

Principal, St. Joseph Parish School