Schools

Ireton welcomes new faculty, staff

Special To The Catholic Herald

Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria will open its doors Aug. 29 for the start of the 2016-17 school year, welcoming more than 800 students in grades 9 through 12 at its campus on Cambridge Road.

The school announced a new academic administrative structure, which includes the appointment of two assistant principals to support the work of Denise Tobin, who begins her second year as principal.

Lonnell Battle joins Ireton as the assistant principal for academics and Mary Jordan is the new assistant principal for student life.

Thomas J. Curry starts his fourth year as head of school and is supported by a seasoned group of administrators.

The school welcomes a number of new faculty members. Chip Armstrong (chemistry), Justin Waldman (earth science and biology) and alumna Raza Vega-Shirk (biology, anatomy and physiology) join the science department; Meghan Leslie joins the academic enrichment team; alum Thomas Cogliano (geometry) joins the math department; Kevin Barger joins the history department; Beth Jones is the new librarian; and Ricky Sorlouangsana is the new quiet study proctor.

Chris O’Hara is the new guidance counselor. Shea Smith joins the staff as the new student activities coordinator. Leslie Stubbendieck is the communications and marketing manager, Paul Sundquist is the chief finance officer and Gregory Zabicki is the new accountant.

Ireton welcomes back six leaders from the rising senior class, who along with Father Edward Bresnahan, school chaplain, attended Salesian Leadership Camp in Michigan this summer. During their time away, the team chose the theme for the upcoming school year, which will guide the Campus Ministry Team as it helps students deepen their faith during the upcoming school year.

The theme comes from St. Francis de Sales’ Treatise on the Love of God: “The perfection of God’s love overcomes all differences.”

Another group of students attended a service retreat at DeSales Service Works in Camden, N.J., and others attended the diocesan WorkCamp.

Before classes begin, the school will launch its new website (bishopireton.org), which will give prospective Ireton students a glimpse into daily life at the school and reconnect alumni and friends with current happenings.

Exciting news is expected this year, as Ireton plans for its capital campaign that will bring big changes to the campus, including a new academic center and updated athletic wing.

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