May 9, 2018
Feast of St. John of Avila
Dear JPII & SFXP Parents,
Due the addition of St. Margaret Regional School to our current 5-12 school and in consultation with the Diocesan Superintendent, I am pleased to announce the new constitution of the school’s administrative leadership, effective July 1, 2018.
I will serve as Head of School of our Pre-K–12 Catholic school. In this capacity, I will focus on mission and values, strategic planning and positioning, community relationships, institutional advancement, and institutional vitality. To best focus on these areas, I will no longer function as Principal of St. John Paul II High School.
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino, current JPII Assistant Principal, will become the high school’s second Principal. Ms. Valentino is an experienced teacher and administrator whose knowledge and deep commitment will benefit the school significantly in her new capacity. Ms. Valentino has been instrumental in school life and leadership since becoming Assistant Principal in 2012. She earned a BS from Fairfield University and an MA in Management and Leadership from Lesley University. Additionally, Ms. Valentino will pursue certification in Catholic school leadership.
Dr. Andrew J. Ballou takes the position of Assistant Principal for Academics. Dr. Ballou is a respected teacher and leader among faculty members and students. As Assistant Principal, Dr. Ballou will assist Ms. Valentino in daily operations and specifically oversee the school’s academic program. Dr. Ballou holds a BA from Maryville College (TN), an MTS from the Iliff School of Theology (CO), an MA from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a PhD in American History from Boston University. Dr. Ballou will continue to teach part-time.
Ms. Valentino and Dr. Ballou will begin their new roles on July 1, 2018.
Mrs. Beth Kelley will continue as St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School Principal. A new Principal of St. Margaret Regional School will be named in the weeks ahead. Together, Ms. Valentino, Mrs. Kelley, the new St. Margaret Regional School Principal, and I will work hard to create a vital Catholic school with high-quality programs and opportunities at the primary, middle, and high school levels.
Finally, to JPII families especially, I assure you these changes do nothing to lessen my commitment to the school I was hired to found in 2006. Our new administrative team represents continuity and growth; and I am eager to form one, excellent Pre-K–12 Cape Catholic school with their help, and yours.
Sincerely,
Christopher W. Keavy
Head of School