Message from the Principal

Dear Alumnae, What an honor it is for me to return to the Ursuline community as Principal during its 125th Anniversary celebration. I realize that my return to TUS is at a monumental time in Ursuline’s long school history. I have always supported Ursuline’s mission that “educates, inspires and empowers” young women to be all that they can be. In my over forty-year career in education, since leaving The Ursuline School as a science teacher, I have tried to instill in students the importance of service to others as they develop academic excellence, global awareness, and respect for all. Ironically, I am reminded of an adage that Thomas Wolfe used as his title for his best-selling novel You Can’t Go Home Again. To me, the title meant that if one leaves a known place and ventures to another spot for a period, returning to the original place might be fraught with disappointment and regret, and maybe a little sadness. Both the original “home” and the person have necessarily changed in the interim. Nothing is as it was. However, such change could be a productive path to growth.

I left Ursuline originally because I wanted to experience both personal and career growth that would take me in a different direction, a direction toward administrative responsibility. As a result, I pursued another degree while becoming Assistant Principal For Academics and Student Life at Fordham Prep, Principal of St. Barnabas High School, and Dean of Academics at Fairfield College Preparatory School. In each of these capacities, my focus was on developing the whole person as a student in a global world. I tried to develop innovative and collaborative programs that would capture student initiative and interest. My focus was on inclusivity, academic excellence, and spiritual growth.

As I advanced, Ursuline grew in so many ways as well. New buildings arose, and rigorous programs and projects were strategically planned and executed. Professional development for teachers became standard practice, community involvement, as well as spiritual formation for our entire community also flourished.

So, I have come home to a place, new, but very familiar. Both the school and I have grown, but the spirit of Ursuline remains intact. The Mission Statement has been my lodestar, and I am very grateful to the Ursuline community for welcoming me back home!

In the care and trust of Saint Angela and Saint Ursula,

Ms. Theresa Napoli