Longtime Teacher at St. Margaret’s Regional to Become its Principal

BUZZARDS BAY – Joyce Allison-Saucier (in photo), a veteran teacher at St. Margaret Regional School in Buzzards Bay, has been named as the school’s new principal, effective July 1, 2016. Mrs. Saucier is currently serving as Middle School Lead Teacher at St. Margaret Regional, where she has taught since 1995.  A resident of Middleboro, Mass., she will succeed Mary Jackson, who recently announced she plans to return to classroom teaching at a Catholic school closer to her home.

Fall River Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Griffin announced the appointment today in a letter to the entire school community. St. Margaret Regional School has an average yearly enrollment of 160 students in grades pre-kindergarten through eight and is located on Main St. in the heart of the village of Buzzards Bay.

Mrs. Allison-Saucier holds a Master of Education in Administration degree from American International College, teacher certification from the State of Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from North Adams State College.   She is also certified as a religion teacher through a program sponsored by the Diocese of Fall River in collaboration with Notre Dame University.  She has taught in schools of the Diocese of Fall River for over 30 years.   At St. Margaret Regional she oversees the curriculum in grades five through eight, and teaches language arts and religion.  She has provided leadership and collaborated with parents, teachers, and others in numerous school activities ranging from graduation activities and class trips to formation of the school’s chapter of National Junior Honor Society.

Her professional background includes involvement on Diocesan English Language Arts Committees and service on Visiting Committees for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), including a role as Assistant Chairperson in 2015. She is also an active participant on the school’s marketing committee, working with the administration and parents.

In his letter to parents announcing her appointment, Griffin stated, “Mrs. Allison-Saucier brings to her new role as principal both excellent educational experience and a deep commitment to St. Margaret Regional School. Her dedication to the academic, social, and spiritual growth of students will combine with a focus on spreading the news in the broader community about the excellence of a St. Margaret’s education to guide the development and growth of the school in the years ahead.”

Mrs. Allison-Saucier is looking forward to beginning her new post.

“I am blessed and deeply honored to have been chosen to serve as the leader of the school I love,” she said. “I am confident that by working together we can continue to strengthen Catholic education at St. Margaret Regional School.”

The selection of Mrs. Allison-Saucier followed an interview process that included a committee composed of the pastor of St. Margaret Parish, representatives of the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office, and members of St. Margaret’s faculty and parent community. At the conclusion of the process, Superintendent Griffin recommended Mrs. Saucier for the appointment and Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., approved it.

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