NEW BEDFORD – 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.   Kuliga is well known to the New Bedford Catholic school community as a former principal and teacher within the Diocese of Fall River.

She begins her new post after working most recently as the Community Business Director for Atria Senior Living in Fairhaven.  Previously, while living in California, she was the principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School, a Pre-K to grade 8 school in the relatively rural and diverse community of Patterson, Calif. Before to moving to California, Kuliga was vice principal at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford, where she was the lead administrator for the middle school annex building; she also mentored PACT teachers, trained school ambassadors, and provided guidance and support for middle school students.  Earlier in her career, she was principal at Espirito Santo Parochial School in Fall River.

Kuliga began her career in education at Holy Family Holy Name School in New Bedford, teaching multiple subjects at many grade levels from preschool to grade 8, as well as serving 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,” said 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 shared that, “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,” explained Daniel S. Roy, who is 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.”

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.  She and her husband, Bob, have three adult children and are active members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Bedford, where they reside.

About St. Joseph School

Saint Joseph School is an integrated part of a larger faith based parish community of St. Joseph Church and is dedicated to proclaiming the love of God as found in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Our school seeks to provide a quality Christian education that meets the academic and spiritual needs of our students.  All children will learn and grow in a faith-based environment that is nurturing, safe, and encouraging.

Our school environment fosters love of God, respect for oneself and others, compassion, justice, and service. Learning experiences challenge students to grow in understanding and appreciating their human worth, to take responsibility for their own learning and development, and to care for the world in which they live. The school encourages students to develop responsibility towards themselves and others and fosters respect for all persons and the world around us. Guidance in making good choices based on Catholic values is integrated throughout the curriculum. Visit our website to learn more:  www.saintjosephschool.org

O Reverendíssimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
O Reverendíssimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River