August 19, 2021

Susan Sullivan named new principal of St. Mary Parish Elementary School

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Rebecca Drake

SPRINGFIELD – Father John Salatino, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Westfield, has named Susan Sullivan principal of the parish’s elementary school.

Sullivan’s appointment follows the unexpected death of the school’s longtime principal, Juli Jensen-Derrig, last June.

“I’m very happy to welcome Susan to St. Mary’s Elementary School,” said Father Salatino. “With God’s grace, I am confident that her time as principal will be fruitful for our school and for her. She brings with her years of experience, dedication, and enthusiasm from working in Catholic schools in the eastern part of the state. I know she will put that to good use here at St. Mary’s.”  

Sullivan grew up in Marlborough, Mass., and graduated from Immaculate Conception School there. She earned a bachelor of science degree in textiles and clothing design/merchandising at Framingham State University and accepted a position as a purchasing agent, buying electrical components and computer hardware and software for Honeywell Corporation in Marlborough. She later earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Worcester State College and began her educational career in the public school system, teaching in the Tyngsborough and Wayland, Mass., schools.

Sullivan later taught for 10 years at St. Mary of the Annunciation School in Danvers, Mass., and for three years at St. Bernadette School in Northborough, Mass. At both schools, she also wrote grants to fund science materials and field trips for multiple grades. At St. Mary of the Annunciation School, she also initiated and planned the school’s 60^th anniversary gala, which included a performance by world-renowned Irish tenor Ronan Tynan. She also conducted professional development sessions for teachers and was a member of the Leadership Action Team, which managed the school during a period of transition between principals.

Sullivan holds a master of arts degree in education from Cambridge College and obtained a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in school leadership from American International College in Springfield.

Regarding her new position at St. Mary Elementary School, Sullivan said, “One of my goals as principal of St. Mary’s Elementary is launching formative assessments that will inform teachers’ instruction in a timely manner. Those assessments will begin this year in grades K-8. Another goal will be to train and support teachers as we unveil a new math program in grades K-8.  

“Finally, it is very important to me and our staff that we continue to support charities and support the scholarship fund for the late Juli Jensen-Derrig, who was a fixture at our school for many years. We know she is watching over us,” said Sullivan.

Daniel Baillargeon, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Springfield Diocese, expressed confidence in Sullivan’s ability to lead the school into the future.

“We received many applications for the position of principal at St. Mary’s Elementary and from the pool of qualified candidates, Susan’s skills certainly stood out among them,” Baillargeon said. “When we talked with her in her interview, she was clearly the very best person to lead the school forward. Not only is she accomplished and dedicated to Catholic education, she is kind and personable. I’m sure she is going to do a fantastic job in what is an already very strong Catholic school.”

The new principal said she looks forward to working with the Catholic schools administrators. School staff, and the pastor of St. Mary Parish. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for Dr. Dan Baillargeon and Joshua Agnew in the Catholic Schools Office,” she said. “They are bringing all the Catholic school principals in the diocese together for a dialogue and a model of cooperation and collegiality.  

“I am also blessed to be working for Father John Salatino, who has invigorated the St. Mary’s community since his arrival,” said Sullivan. “I am grateful, humbled, and blessed to be a member of this talented team.”

Sullivan, who is single, said she loves nature and the outdoors and is an avid gardener. She also enjoys traveling and has visited places throughout Europe and the Caribbean.