I love education at any level," she says. "But I am very excited to be back in a parish setting. I find Saint Agnes to be a very spirit-filled parish and I an looking forward to working with Father Robert (Bob) Jallas and Father (Peter) Harmon."

Sister Mary Joan says she is hoping to build enrollment, add to the growth in the technology area and "possibly add a pre-school." They have just finished putting a long-range plan in place, so I think this is a good time for a new administration to come in," she says.

"The former principal (Rose Henebry-Keane) has been wonderful to work with and I did not have to hire any new teachers this year. I have had individual conferences with all the teachers and staff this summer. I just want to continue to build on what has been done before me."

"I want to build a faith community among the parish families, the school staff, parents and the students," says Sister Mary Joan. "More than anything else, I really want the children to have a connection with the parish.'