Principal Appointed to St. Mary School, Taunton

TAUNTON — Fall River Diocesan School Superintendent Dr. Michael Griffin has announced that Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has appointed Elyse Sackal (seen in photo) as the new principal of St. Mary Primary School in Taunton.

The announcement of the appointment, which becomes effective July 1, was made by Griffin on Monday, June 8, in a meeting with school faculty and in a letter to the entire school community.

Sackal will replace Sandra Parker, the school’s principal for the past three years, who this past winter announced her intention to retire at the end of the current academic year.

St. Mary Primary School, located on Washington Street at St. Mary’s Square in Taunton, has a yearly enrollment of approximately 200 students in grades pre-kindergarten through five.

Sackal holds a bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College in Elementary Education and English Literature, and has completed the course requirements for her Masters of Education Degree in Reading & Literacy from Providence College.  She is currently a teacher at St. Mary –Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro.  She is also serving as co-chair of the Diocesan English Language Arts Committee and has presented workshops for teachers on curriculum, current teaching methodologies and technologies.

In his letter to parents announcing her appointment, Griffin noted Sackal’s demonstrated leadership skills and added, “Ms. Sackal is highly accomplished in the integration of technology into the classroom, as well as the differentiation of instruction to meet student learning needs.”   He described Sackal as “a friendly, positive, collaborative leader, who is highly regarded by her students, parents and fellow educators.”

“Underlying all of these skills is her strong belief in the importance of Catholic schools,” Griffin pointed out, “and her understanding of the central role played by faith, prayer, sacraments, and service to others in the life of the school community.”

Sackal is looking forward to beginning her new responsibilities. “I am blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to serve the Saint Mary Primary School community,” she said recently. “I look forward to supporting the school’s rich history of Catholic faith and traditions while contributing to the school’s future spiritual and academic growth.  I am eager to begin working together with the faculty, parents, and students for the ongoing success of the school”.

The selection of Sackal followed a search process that included interviews with diocesan school officials and representatives of the school.

Diocese of Fall River

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