Dear Families and Friends of IJP School,

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I have some exciting news to share with you. As you know our current Interim Principal, Dr. Kelly, was with us only during this time of transition while we were looking for a new principal. Our Search Committee was working hard studying different applications to find the best candidate for this important position. After all the interviews we decided that the best candidate is Mr. Joseph Francis. 

Mr. Francis is a lifelong student of Catholic education. He attended Saint Joseph School in Holbrook, MA from preschool through eighth grade and Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, MA. After high school, he continued his Catholic education and received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. During this time, he also served as class president for three years. Mr. Francis received his master’s degree in educational leadership and policy from Boston College as a member of the Catholic Leadership Cohort, a program designed to transition Catholic teachers into leadership roles.

Mr. Francis has been at St. John School in Canton, Massachusetts for four years. He started as a grades 4/5 Social Studies teacher and then moved into the grade 2 classroom, where he has been for the past three years. Before his time at Saint John, Mr. Francis served as a classroom aide in various early childhood and elementary classrooms at the school he attended. Besides teaching, Mr. Francis is a big supporter of the Drama Program, has run numerous clubs, coached soccer, and currently serves as the Faculty Sunshine Coordinator.  Beyond his professional role, Mr. Francis enjoys traveling, and is looking forward to exploring the Chicago area! 

We are happy and excited to welcome Mr. Francis to our IJP family. At the same time we are grateful to Dr. Kelly for her dedication and help, especially during this time of transition. Not a long time ago, as you know, she earned her doctorate and spent a lot of time analyzing different avenues and programs that can benefit Catholic schools. I was hoping that after her departure there would be a way to benefit from her expertise in this field. And there is! Even though Dr. Kelly is busy with new projects, she is still willing to help us as our Development and Outreach Coordinator. She will focus on gaining exposure in the Southland for our school to gain support, funding, and increase enrollment as well as pursue grants to benefit our students’ educational experiences. Dr. Kelly will also work with stakeholders to help develop a long term strategic plan. Together we can implement and take advantage of different programs that will strengthen our great school with its long and rich history.

Special thank you to our Principal Search Committee for their time and effort in helping us find the right fit for our school. Mr. Francis comes to us highly recommended from all aspects of his educational journey. Thank you to the following parents: Mr. Ed Briscoe, kindergarten parent, Mrs. Rosio Copeland, parent of first, third, and eighth grade students, and Mrs. Barlow, alumni parent and parent of an eighth grader. Also, great thanks to our teachers, Dr. Brewer and Mrs. Ladner for their perspective and insights as staff members. Thanks to Mrs. Dull, Mrs. Klupchak, and Dr. Kelly, as well, for their thoughts on the principal search as long time stakeholders at IJP.

Welcome Mr. Francis and thank you all!

Father Kris

Special Announcement from Fr. Kris