By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Father Gary Kaiser, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Princeton, recently appointed Valerie Zimmer to serve as principal of St. Joseph School in Princeton.
Valerie Zimmer brings 16 years of educational experience to her role as principal of St. Joseph School in Princeton. With a background growing up in a small Catholic community and also having her own children attend Catholic school, she knows what a blessing it is to receive a great education rooted in the Catholic faith, Zimmer said.
“What interested me the most in the principal position at St. Joe was how similar the community is to the one my children and myself grew up in,” Zimmer said. “To be able to be a part of that community, and especially in a leadership role, is a true blessing.”
Father Kaiser said they are excited to welcome Zimmer as the principal of St. Joseph School in Princeton. She has shown a strong commitment to education, student growth and success, he said.
“She is looking forward to using her talents and experience to move into an educational leadership role,” Father Kaiser said. “She combines many outstanding qualities with a love and respect of her Catholic faith and we look for-ward to her sharing that Catholic faith with our students and staff.”
Zimmer said being in the classroom every day for the past 16 years helped her to develop strong instructional practices, classroom management and know the real challenges and joys teachers experience. She understands school life from multiple perspectives and is excited to bring that into her role as principal.
“I am looking forward to becoming part of the St. Joe community and building strong relationships with the staff, students and families,” Zimmer said. “One of the things I’m most excited about is supporting a school environment where faith and learning go hand in hand.”