St. Joseph School in Fairhaven appoints Heidi Kuliga as new principal
Originally posted on www.newbedfordguide.com
“Father Stephen Banjare, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Fairhaven, is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Kuliga as the new principal of St. Joseph School. Mrs. Kuliga is well known to the New Bedford Catholic school community as a former principal and teacher within the Diocese of Fall River.
Most recently, Mrs. Kuliga worked as the Community Business Director for Atria Senior Living in Fairhaven. Previously, Mrs. Kuliga lived in California where she was the principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School, a Pre-K to grade 8 Catholic school in the relatively rural and diverse community of Patterson, CA. Prior to moving to California, Mrs. Kuliga was the vice principal at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford, where she was the lead administrator for the middle school annex building, mentored PACT teachers, trained school ambassadors, and provided guidance and support for middle school students. Mrs. Kuliga was also the principal at Espirito Santo Parochial School in Fall River.
Mrs. Kuliga began her teaching career as a teacher at Holy Family Holy Name School in New Bedford, teaching multiple subjects at many grade levels from preschool to grade 8, as well as acting as the extended care coordinator.
“While I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me while working with senior citizens, I miss the relationships with students and their families, as well as the rewards that only a faith-filled, educational environment can uniquely bring to my soul,” indicates Mrs. Kuliga. “I am excited to once again leverage my expertise in school administration, middle school education and elementary education as I lead St. Joseph School to the next level of success. The Catholic identity and close knit community one expects from a Catholic school is clearly evident and I look forward to executing on the vision imparted by Father Stephen and the school’s board.”
Father Banjare adds, “Finding the right school leader in a tight labor market can be a challenge; thus, we are so blessed that Mrs. Kuliga has said ‘YES’ to leading St. Joseph School. Our school is positioned well to serve students from many surrounding communities whose families seek a more traditional, faith-based environment for their children. I am confident that under Mrs. Kuliga’s leadership, St. Joseph School will continue to be that beacon of hope for families.”
“Our Catholic schools partner with families to foster the culture of virtue expected of our schools and school leadership. It has been proven that a Catholic education allows each student to flourish as they learn our Catholic faith as it is integrated with foundational subjects such as reading, writing, math and social studies,” explains Daniel S. Roy, Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Fall River. “Mrs. Kuliga’s extensive career in Catholic education is an outward expression of her firm commitment to all that Catholic education affords children and their families.
Heidi Kuliga has a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from the American International College. She received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater State College. Heidi and her husband, Bob, have three adult children and are active members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. They reside in New Bedford, MA.”