July 13, 2026

Matthew Collins named head of schools for St. Mary’s elementary and high school

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

Matthew Collins, left, has been named head of schools for St. Mary Parish School and St. Mary High School in Westfield. The prek-12 campus has 300 students enrolled. (IObserve file photo)

WESTFIELD – Matthew Collins, the principal of St. Mary High School, will assume a new role for the 2026-2027 academic year, as head of schools for both the high school and St. Mary Parish School. Both buildings are located on the same campus on Bartlett Street. This will make St. Mary’s the only school in the Diocese of Springfield to offer continuous early childhood through grade 12 on one campus.

The head of schools serves as the educational and operational leader for both St. Mary’s Parish School, with students in pre-school through grade eight and St. Mary’s High School.

 “In this role, I will  work closely with the pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, the assistant principals of both St. Mary’s Parish School and St. Mary’s High School, and diocesan leadership,” said Matthew Collins. “I will be responsible for advancing the Catholic mission, ensuring academic excellence, promoting enrollment growth, fostering faculty development, overseeing school operations and implementing strategic initiatives that strengthen both the parish school and high school. Essentially, it’s like being the principal with two assistant principals.”

Rob Lepage will continue his role as assistant principal at St. Mary’s High School. He will also continue to teach theology and theater. Danielle Groh has been named the assistant principal of St. Mary’s Parish School. Father Jonathan Reardon, the pastor of St. Mary Parish, will serve as chaplain of both schools.

“This model will give families the opportunity to select a school where they can have their students have a continuous Catholic education on the same campus for all their years. It allows the families to build strong relationships with the administration and teachers, and truly give them a home away from home for their children,’ said Collins, noting that transitions between elementary, intermediate, middle and high school will be easier for students and their families.

“Academically, it will help us to align our curriculum vertically, giving more structure to what the students are experiencing in school,” added Collins. “I think the biggest benefit will be our Catholic identity and campus ministry. It will allow for our students in multiple grade levels to share faith experiences with each other, attend Mass together, and grow closer to God as a community.”

St. Mary’s Parish School was founded in 1898 under the leadership of pastor Father James Donohue. A year later, the school expanded to offer high school classes. Current combined enrollment for both schools is a little more than 300 students. 

“I am excited for Matt and St. Mary’s Westfield schools as they move toward a new leadership model. I look forward to the positive impact this will have in the school community,” said Maria Wagner, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Springfield.

To learn more about St. Mary schools, go to school@stmsaints.org