New Principal for our Parish School: Sr. Stella Maris Namae, SMK

September 29, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ,

Praised be Jesus and Mary!

I am pleased to share with you that after prayerful discernment, consultation with both the parish and school leadership teams, and with Archbishop Sample’s blessing, I have appointed Sr. Stella Maris Namae, SMK as principal of St. John the Baptist Catholic School.

Sr. Stella is a perpetually professed sister of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, a religious community of sisters dedicated to the education of children. Sr. Stella holds two master’s degrees (Education and Information Technology) and a Ph.D. in Education. She has over twenty years in education as an educator and administrator from elementary to high school. She was previously serving at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Aloha, Oregon as their Director of Catechesis.

I have included a letter of welcome from Sr. Stella. I am excited to welcome her into our parish and school family and to partner with her to prepare the way to continue the great tradition of Catholic education that has continued for over 100 years here at St. John the Baptist.

St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

Yours in Christ,

Rev. John Marshall
Pastor

Dear Teachers, Parents, and Students of
St. John the Baptist Catholic School,

My name is Sr. Stella Maris Namae. I belong to the congregation of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega (SMK). I am honored and humbled to introduce myself as the new Principal of St. John the Baptist Catholic school.

I would like to take a moment to share a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in Uganda. A first born of four sisters, one of whom went to be with the Lord. My parents are retired educators, my dad is passed but my mom is still alive. I pursued my undergraduate studies in Kenya and did my graduate studies in Canada. With this diverse background in education and many years of experience as both a teacher and Principal, I am excited to join a great team of teachers, staff, parents, and community members to share my deep passion for nurturing the spiritual and academic growth of our students.

Throughout my journey as a catholic sister, I can attest to the transformative power of education in shaping the lives of young minds. Additionally, I have had the privilege of serving as faculty in the teacher education program at University of British Columbia, where I had the opportunity to guide and inspire future educators.
Throughout history, catholic schools, not only provide a rigorous academic curriculum but also cultivates a strong sense of faith, moral values, and compassion. It is my firm belief that education is a holistic endeavor that encompasses the development of character, integrity, and a deep love for God and others. Together, we will strive to create an environment where students can flourish academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
I am committed to fostering open lines of communication and collaboration among staff, parents, and students. I firmly believe that a strong partnership between school, church, and the home is essential for the success of our students. I encourage you to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with me, as we work together to create an environment that supports the growth and development of every child.
In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you. I am excited to witness the incredible talents, achievements, and potential that lie within our school community. Together, we will continue to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid by all of you, while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
St. Pope John Paul II said of teaching as “more than a profession”. It’s rooted in our deepest convictions and values. I believe that great schools are a result of great teachers, staff, parents, and community members. It is my goal to help grow our purposeful community through collective efficacy, communication, professional development, and collaboration with all stakeholders to continue to build and foster the tremendous culture embedded at St. John the Baptist School. I look forward to working with all of you to help achieve our common mission and vision with the ultimate goal of helping each other get to Heaven.
I am beyond excited to begin this new journey with all of you and the opportunity to lead alongside a great staff and community. I will be working closely with my teachers, the office, custodial, and food service staff, along with the Home and School Association, to provide your children with the best opportunity to learn and grow academically, socially, and spiritually, doing it all in the name of the Lord.
Thank you for entrusting your children's education to St. John the Baptist catholic school. I am confident that together, we can create an environment where your children can thrive and reach their full potential.

May God bless you all.

Sr. Stella Maris Namae, SMK