Deacon Schutzler

YARMOUTH – Father John Kelleher, pastor of St. Pius X Parish and School in Yarmouth, is pleased to announce the confirmation of Deacon Peter Schutzler as the new principal of St. Pius X School, commencing the 2025-26 school year.   The current principal, Mrs. Joanna Ryder, is stepping down from this role as she focuses on her growing family.

As a veteran educator and administrator, Deacon Schutzler currently is the Theology chair at St. John Paul II School in Hyannis, teaching high school Theology courses as well as the campus ministry lead since 2022.  He also provided oversight for the implementation of social/emotional learning support for the JPII student body.

Previously, Deacon Schutzler was the principal at Holy Family Holy Name School in New Bedford where he oversaw the creation and implementation of the return to school plan following the pandemic as well as collaborated with the creation and implementation of the merge plan that created St. Teresa of Calcutta School in that city.

Having spent over 15 years teaching or leading Catholic schools in Pennsylvania and southeastern Massachusetts, Deacon Schutzler reflected that, “Catholic education offers students the invaluable gift of developing each student’s personal relationship with Christ.  I have been so blessed to be able to guide students on this journey and help lead them along the way.  During my time at JPII, it was very clear which students came from St. Pius X School as they were the ones who knew the Catechism, volunteered to help unceasingly, and demonstrated their faith in how they interact with their classmates and community.  I am truly humbled to lead such an amazing faith-filled school and blessed to have the support of the leadership and parish.”

On this change to the school, Father Kelleher said: “I am very pleased that St. Pius X School will continue to have a faith-filled, experienced, and talented educator as our next principal.  SPXS is well-known for its commitment to serving the diverse population in surrounding communities whose families seek a nurturing, faith based, learning environment for their children.   I am confident that under Deacon Peter’s leadership, our school will continue to enhance our Catholic community life – rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ.”

“The unique aspect of a Catholic education is the integration of a Catholic worldview into all foundational subjects such as reading, writing, math, science and social studies,” explained Daniel S. Roy, Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Fall River.  “Moreover, it is no secret that Catholic schools, in partnership with families, cultivate an environment where students can thrive spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.  The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have such a committed group of school leaders like Deacon Schutzler who have said YES to Catholic education.”

Deacon Schutzler has a master of science degree from Chestnut Hill College and a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University.  He and his wife, Kate, live in Mashpee and have two grown daughters.  They are active members of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, where Deacon Schutzler serves as a permanent deacon.

About St. Pius X School

Our mission is to prepare our students to learn, to grow, and to lead.  Within a community of teachers, staff, parents, and parish family, we are joined in partnership to educate our children in Catholic faith and values.  SPXS also provides a setting of academic excellence and high expectations serving a diverse population of families on Cape Cod.  SPXS also promises an environment that inspires the pursuit of knowledge, promotes service, and instills leadership and opportunities for each student to attain full potential as a caring citizen and person of faith.  The goal of every SPXS graduate is to become successful and competent young men and women who continue their educational path in competitive secondary schools.

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