NEW BEDFORD — All Saints Catholic School Principal Sherri Swainamer announced in January that she will be leaving her position as principal at the close of the school year.
Swainamer shared her plan to leave at a meeting with faculty and in a letter to parents sent home with students. Present at the meeting with faculty were Fall River Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Michael Griffin, Ph.D, and All Saints Catholic School Director, the Rev. Monsignor John Oliveira, who is also pastor of St. Mary Parish, a sponsor of the school.
In his comments to the faculty and in a separate letter to parents from him, Griffin thanked Swainamer for her years of dedicated service to All Saints Catholic School, as well as for her previous contributions as a teacher and administrator in other Catholic schools in the Fall River Diocese.
“Under her guidance, All Saints Catholic School has achieved high standards of academic excellence and a wonderful school environment that daily calls students to grow in faith, and to put their faith into practice,” said Griffin. “All are grateful for everything Mrs. Swainamer has done to build the spirit and community of All Saints Catholic School, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.”
Griffin also announced that current All Saints Catholic School Assistant Principal Susan Massoud will succeed Swainamer as the school’s next principal.
“After discussions with Catholic Schools Office officials, and conferring with Monsignor Oliveira, I am pleased to share with you the news that Mrs. Massoud has been appointed by Bishop George W. Coleman as the next principal of All Saints Catholic School, effective July 1, 2013,” he said. “Mrs. Massoud has worked closely with Mrs. Swainamer and has made many contributions to the school’s success.”
Griffin pointed out that Massoud will bring much experience to her new role. Prior to her time at All Saints, she was assistant principal at Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford. Her background also includes years of service as a technology coordinator, teacher and campus minister at Holy Family-Holy Name School and Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth. Massoud holds a master’s degree in Catholic School Administration from Boston College and Principal Licensure by the State of Massachusetts.
Massoud praised Swainamer for her leadership and said that she will work closely with her through the months ahead to ensure a smooth transition and the continued growth and success of All Saints Catholic School.
Oliveira led the faculty in prayer at the meeting. He added his thanks to Swainamer for her vision and leadership these past few years and expressed confidence in the school’s ability to continue to move forward in its academic and spiritual mission under the guidance of Massoud.
