May 5, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ,
It is with great sadness that I write to you today as our beloved school principal, Mrs. Michelle Russo, has announced she has decided to step down after 10 years of dedicated service to our school community.
During her tenure, Mrs. Russo has made a tremendous impact on our school, fostering a positive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and personal growth. Since my arrival, it has been a privilege and pleasure to work beside her. Her unwavering dedication to our students, staff, and families has been a true inspiration, and her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of all those who have had the privilege of working with her.
Mrs. Russo, together as a team with Mrs. Shaughnessy, our assistant principal, has worked to create a school culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and creativity. They have provided our students with an exceptional Catholic educational experience that has prepared them for success in all areas of their lives. As a Catholic school, we strive to create an environment that is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and Mrs. Russo has been a shining example of this commitment to our Catholic faith.
As we prepare to say goodbye to Mrs. Russo, I want to express my deepest gratitude to her for her outstanding leadership and service to our school community. Her unwavering commitment to our school’s mission has been a true inspiration to us all, and we will miss her dearly. The challenge of filling her shoes is formidable; there’s no doubt about that. But I am sure that the Lord who blessed us with Mrs. Russo has His eye on the families of St. Francis Xavier, and He will guide the process to choose a new principal.
As we move forward, I have asked our School Advisory Board (SAB) as well as Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Denise Peixoto, to assist me in the search for Mrs. Russo’s replacement. The SAB is composed of dedicated and passionate individuals – parents, faculty, alumni, and community members – who share our commitment to providing our students with the highest quality Catholic education possible. We will be working tirelessly to find a new principal who shares our values and vision for our school. We are committed to finding the right fit for our community. We will be advertising the position through early July, and the board will make a recommendation of three names to interview and vet, and then I will make the final decision.
If you know of any candidates who would be worthy of consideration, please share the Principal Job Description with them and have them submit their resume and accompanying letter to info@sfxacushnet.com.
Members of the School Advisory Board:
- Rev. Ryan Healy (Pastor, Chair)
- Michelle Russo (Principal)
- Anabela Shaughnessy (Assistant Principal)
- Christopher Moniz (Vice Chair)
- Jillian Allain
- Heath Antonio
- Helen Dandurand
- Paula Ferullo
- Erin Marcotte
- Odesia Melo
Mrs. Russo will continue to be an active, visible presence in our parish community. She has also assured me that she will remain as a support throughout the transition as long as she is needed.
Please click here for a message from Mrs. Russo.
I ask that you join me in praying for Mrs. Russo as she embarks on this new chapter of her life, and for our school community as we navigate this time of transition. I know that transitions like this are hard on families, but the dedication of our faculty and staff means that the foundation of the school is strong and healthy, and we will keep moving forward. Let us ask God to guide us as we search for a new principal and to help us continue to grow in our faith.
Thank you for your continued support of our school and our Catholic mission.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Ryan J. Healy
Pastor