BRIARCLIFF MANOR – The Superintendent of Schools Office in the Archdiocese of New York has welcomed new Catholic school leaders for the 2025-26 academic year, commissioning newly appointed principals and announcing additional leadership appointments at schools across the archdiocese.

From August 12-14, the newly appointed principals participated in a three-day principal onboarding program at the Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff Manor. The onboarding, led by Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, and Sister Anne Massell, PBVM, Associate Superintendent of Leadership, centered on the themes of Catholic identity/spiritual leadership, academic leadership, and administrative leadership. The days combined practical preparation for the school year with prayer, reflection, and a commissioning service.

“You’re a minister in a Catholic school. And that’s the most important part of who you are as a Catholic school principal,” said Sister Mary Grace Walsh. “It’s not simply about leading a school — it’s about leading children to Jesus Christ.”

She also reminded the principals of the importance of keeping Christ at the center of their work: “‘I have blessed the Lord who gives me counsel, who, even at night, directs my heart.’ (Psalm 16:7) … Keep the Lord ever before you, with him in front of you, and you cannot fail. We can do anything if we keep our eyes on Jesus.”

Sister Anne Massell encouraged the new leaders as they began their ministry of servant leadership. “May you always know the presence of God as you minister, and as you begin your servant leadership in your schools,” she said. “They are truly blessed to have you. May God bless you as you bring the presence of Christ to your schools every day, rebuilding His Church.”

The newly appointed principals for the 2025-26 academic year are:

• Dr. Paula McKeown, St. Clare School, Staten Island
• Kim Papineau, St. Martin de Porres School, Poughkeepsie
• Brigid Killelea, Kingston Catholic School, Kingston
• Thomas Hamilton, St. Columbanus School, Cortlandt Manor
• Dr. Lorraine Rodriguez, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and Pastoral Center, Elmsford
• Jacqueline Fretwell, Sacred Heart School, Hartsdale
• Jacquelyn Alvarez, St. Eugene School, Yonkers
• Andrew Utate, Incarnation School, Manhattan
• Amy Dunne, School of the Blessed Sacrament (Lower School), Manhattan
• Alec Carrion, Christ the King School, Bronx
• Jessica Weber, St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx
• Joseph Mille, Transfiguration School, Manhattan

Throughout the year, these principals will continue formation by gathering monthly for mentorship, support, and direct guidance from the Superintendent of Schools Office.

In addition, three experienced principals have received new appointments for the 2025-26 academic year:

• Joan Fox, Principal, St. Anthony-St. Paul School, Nanuet (formerly of St. Eugene School, Yonkers)
• Michelle Pasquale, Principal, St. Augustine School, Ossining (formerly of St. Lucy School, Bronx)
• Mary Bellone, Principal, St. Barnabas School, Bronx/Yonkers (formerly of Mount Carmel Holy Rosary School, Manhattan)

All three bring significant experience and leadership to their new school communities, further strengthening the mission of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York.