June 14, 2023

Longtime administrators at St. Stanislaus School to retire

REGIONAL
By Sharon Roulier

 

SPRINGFIELD – Two longtime administrators and veteran educators from St. Stanislaus School in Chicopee are retiring with the ending of this academic year.

Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph Cecelia Haier, principal, and Karen Shea, assistant principal, both administrators for 24 years, have been serving at the school since 1988. 

Sister Haier is originally from Eden, N.Y., and transferred to St. Stanislaus School from Milwaukee, Wis., in January 1988.

Shea, a native of Chicopee and parishioner of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica Parish, is an alumna of the school. She was a school aide for several years before becoming a seventh grade teacher in September 1988.

The two educators were seventh grade teaching partners in the junior high section of the Catholic school for 11 years, transitioning into administration at the request of then pastor and rector, Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Kolodziej in September 1999. They both continued to teach one class of eighth grade math and civics until the present.

The two administrators said they were proud to have successfully led the school through the NEAS&C accreditation process three times during their tenure. Also, during their 35 years at the school, they said they had witnessed many changes and improvements as St. Stanislaus School continues to thrive.

“A few words are woefully inadequate to express the gratitude we feel toward Sister Ceil Haier and Mrs. Karen Shea for their decades of selfless service as leaders of St. Stanislaus School,” said Conventual Franciscan Father Brad A. Milunski, pastor of St. Stanislaus Basilica. “At the same time, it is very fitting that we honor them in the 125th anniversary year of our beloved school. May the Lord continue to guide them, watch over them, and fill them with peace as a reward for the outstanding example and legacy they have selflessly given to us and the community.”

The two administrators were recognized for the Father Lawrence Cyman Award in 2001. Under their leadership, the school administration also was acknowledged by the Western Mass News Surprise Squad in 2022.

“Sister Ceil and Karen have been such a big part of my formation as a teacher here at St. Stan’s,” said Kathy Dziok, a computer teacher at the school. “They are literally the glue that has kept our school together for so many years. The dedication and devotion of these two women towards St. Stanislaus School, the students, the teachers, and the entire community of parents, parishioners, and benefactors has always amazed and inspired me.”

The school also received the MassLive Reader Raves award for Best Private School in 2023. As part of the school’s 125^th anniversary, a new St. Stanislaus statue was commissioned and hand-carved in Italy. The statue now stands in the school lobby.

“Our time here has been a labor of love, from yearly themes to many school and Franciscan faith traditions, such as Hope Day and Advent Friends. We have had the privilege of working with fantastic students, dedicated friars, faculty and staff, along with supportive parents and families,” said Sister Haier. “Our hearts are filled with gratitude as our ministry at St. Stan’s comes to a close and the next part of life’s journey begins.”

“I trust in the plan because I know the author,” said Shea.