I am beyond proud to introduce myself to you as the new Principal of St. James RegionalCatholic School. Many of you know me as the mom of Maeve and Nora who are entering 6th and 4th grades, but my connection to our school goes back well before they became students here.

Not only did I attend St. Madeline-St. Rose for 8 years, but our namesake, St. James Catholic High School also played a huge role in my life. My dad and brothers are alumni, and as a high
school student I was actively involved in their community as a cheerleader, a member of the Community Service Corps, and a participant in their Drama Program. I am so happy to finally be
an “official Bulldog!”

When I walked the halls of our school as a student many years ago, I had dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher. I don’t know that I ever imagined having the privilege to lead the school as its Principal and I am so excited to have the opportunity. Since those years, I have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University, a Masters of Arts in Education with a focus on Instructional Technology from Seton Hall University, and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph’s University. I have taught in elementary school and middle school and have spent the last sixteen years at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. I began there as the Instructional Technology Specialist and for
the past 4 years have served as the Director of Academic Data & Analytics, which is a pivotal member of the Principal’s Administrative team.

After working at St. Joe’s Prep for sixteen years, the Jesuit idea of being “Open to Growth” has most certainly become a key part of my educational philosophy. Children at the elementary level
are naturally open to growth and curious about their world. As their Principal, I will support and encourage our teachers in their efforts to foster that curiosity. I will also be a model of growth and learning for all. My experience as an educator and administrator in a high school provides me with unique insight into what our Middle School students need to be prepared for their transition to high school. I will support our teachers in their efforts to help our students grow into
young men and women who will be well-prepared when it comes time for them to leave St. James Regional.

The privilege of being the Principal of a Catholic School brings with it the obligation of ensuring that God is the center of all that happens at the school. The Catholic School Principal is one who must demonstrate an attitude of love, kindness, and acceptance so that all students, families, and staff feel welcome and valued. The Principal must be a role model of living her faith through words and actions, and she must provide daily opportunities for the community to do the same. This aspect of the job as Principal will be natural for me as I am a woman of faith and an active member of my parish. I consider my Catholic education and most recently my sixteen years of
employment in a Catholic institution a valuable gift.

My husband Pat, the girls and I have much love for both our parish and our school communities and feel blessed to have met so many wonderful families through our involvement. I look forward to meeting all the families of St. James Regional and am excited to partner with you to continue to provide our children an outstanding academic experience, an environment rich in faith experiences, and an opportunity to shine as children of God.

Many blessings,
Mrs. Colleen McManus