Welcome from Principal Theresa Hanna

Four years ago I walked through the doors of St. Joseph School seeking an opportunity to continue my vocation and passion for teaching. It was my own personal journey of faith. For 20 years I taught at St. Boniface School in the city of Rochester. After hearing of its closing I looked to God for direction. Upon entering the hallways and classrooms of St. Joseph School I felt enveloped by compassion, understanding, and warmth. I immediately experienced the strongest sensation of being home and knew that "the school with heart" would be the newest chapter in my life where I could share my gifts, talents and passion for teaching. This sensation was due to my encounters with students, parents, teachers, staff, and most importantly, Sr. Christina.

As of July 1, 2012, I became the new principal of St. Joseph School. Before this moment I had learned as a student at the Catholic schools I had attended from elementary school through high school. In college I pursued the Catholic identity provided by Nazareth College and the Catholic School Leadership program at the University of Rochester. I am who I am because of my Catholic School education. In my early years I learned as a student in a desk at St. Helen's School from first grade through the eighth grade. In Cardinal Mooney High
School I learned about community, service and continued to develop my faith. My faith and family has made me who I am and who I will become.

I am a lifelong learner and reflective in practice. I am and always will be actively involved in the teaching and learning process of Saint Joseph School. I am a teacher with just a larger classroom and more doors to enter. I embrace technology, science, and math as noted in the results on the NYS Science test results for the past four years while I have been the Science teacher for the fourth grade students at St. Joseph School. I am also human and realize that one grows by learning from experience, tradition, feedback, and even mistakes.

In order to know who I am you must also understand what I believe. I believe education should be student-centered. It should provide equitable learning opportunities, maintain high expectations, and engage as well as challenge students academically. I believe collaboration is a key factor in achieving your child's personal success story. Learning will transcend beyond the desk through educational opportunities such as the Green Machine, video conferencing, and participation in service projects. Creating lifelong learners who are
living examples of Jesus' mission is a major part of my vocation.

My actions and words will communicate my commitment to you, the students of St. Joseph School, and the community. I will model, demonstrate, and establish a standard of excellence in teaching and learning. My presence will be visible in the hallways and in the classrooms. Student and adult learning are at the center of the faith-filled vision. The development of a Christ-centered learning environment that stimulates the academic, social, and emotional development within our walls, for all our students is part of the mission I whole-heartedly support and will strive to achieve for the students and families of St. Joseph School.

While my eyes are directed toward the future, the past and the present are never out of mind or vision. The traditions and teachings of our faith will be the common thread that is interwoven into our instructional practices and the relationships that we form in and beyond the school's walls.