The Ursuline School Names New Principal

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The new chief at the Ursuline School brings a world of experience, but close ties to the Hudson Valley and the tight-knit Catholic education community.

The Ursuline School announced that long-time Catholic educator Theresa Napoli will be the new principal of the Ursuline School, starting July 1.

Napoli was selected to head the all-girls, Roman Catholic school after a formal search. She will be succeeding Rosemary Beirne as principal of the 6-12 school.

"Ms. Napoli is an experienced Catholic school educator and administrator who is ready to fully support Ursuline's Mission and Core Values," Ursuline School President Colleen Melnyk said announcing the appointment. "She maintains a firm belief in the value of an all-girls education and the capacity of all students to learn and achieve excellence. Ms. Napoli is an accomplished, inclusive academic leader, with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative and academically rigorous programs and curriculum. We welcome her to The Ursuline School."

Napoli has over 30 years of teaching and administrative service in Catholic schools. She began her teaching career at Ursuline as a science teacher and also taught at Aquinas High School, Marymount School of New York and Convent of The Sacred Heart. In 2005, Napoli became the first female assistant principal at Fordham Preparatory School. She later served as Principal of Saint Barnabas High School and is currently the Dean of Academic Affairs at Fairfield College Preparatory School.

Napoli said she looks forward to connecting with the faculty, staff, students, parents, alumnae and the broader Ursuline community in her role as principal.

"I am wholeheartedly committed to upholding and enhancing the spirit of St. Angela Merici," said Napoli. "The Ursuline School is where I grew in my formation as a Catholic educator. My goal as a leader is to strive each day to live out the Serviam charism as a role model for all our students. I am so honored and privileged to be coming home and to be here with all of you in this blessed community, to fulfill St. Angela's mission animated by all of you!"

Rosemary Beirne served as principal of the Ursuline School since July 1, 2018, ushering the school through the challenges of the pandemic. Despite the potential distractions of the extraordinary times, Ursuline officials said Beirne remained engaged in all aspects of the school, always seeking to connect with students and encourage them, as she worked to ensure the school's core mission.

Prior to her appointment as principal, Beirne was a member of Ursuline's English Department for seven years.

About The Ursuline School

The Ursuline School is an all-girls, Roman Catholic, independent college preparatory school, grades 6-12, celebrating its 125th year. It is located on a 13-acre campus in New Rochelle. The mission of the school is to educate, inspire and empower young women to become wise, active, globally-minded leaders by cultivating lifelong learning, spiritual growth, integrity, respect for all and dedication to Serviam – “I will serve.”