My name is Colleen Conmy McManus, and I am beyond proud to be the Principal of St. James Regional Catholic School. I have been a St. James Regional parent since 2018, but my connection to our school goes back well before then as I attended St. Madeline-St. Rose for 8 years. When I walked the halls of our school as a student many years ago I had dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher. I don’t know that I ever imagined having the privilege to lead the school as its Principal, and I am so excited to have the opportunity. Since those years, I have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University, a Masters of Arts in Education with a focus on Instructional Technology from Seton Hall University, and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph’s University. I have taught in elementary school and middle school, and spent sixteen years at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. I began there as the Instructional Technology Specialist and worked for four years as the Director of Academic Data & Analytics, a pivotal member of the Principal’s Administrative team. 

After working at St. Joe’s Prep for sixteen years the Jesuit idea of being “Open to Growth” has most certainly become a key part of my educational philosophy. Children at the elementary level are naturally open to growth and curious about their world. As their Principal, I am committed to supporting and encouraging our teachers in their efforts to foster that curiosity. I strive to be a model of growth and learning for all. My experience as an educator and administrator in a high school provides me with unique insight into what our Middle School students need in order to be prepared for their transition to high school. I support our teachers in their efforts to help our students to grow into young men and women who will be well prepared when it comes time for them to leave St. James Regional.

The privilege of being the Principal of a Catholic School brings with it the obligation of ensuring that God is the center of all that happens at the school. The Catholic School Principal is one who must demonstrate an attitude of love, kindness, and acceptance so that all students, families, and staff feel welcome and valued. They must be a role model of living their faith through words and actions, and they must provide daily opportunities for the community to do the same. This aspect of the job as Principal will be natural for me as I am a woman of faith and an active member of my parish. I consider my Catholic education and most recently my sixteen years of employment in a Catholic institution a valuable gift.

My husband Pat, the girls and I have much love for both our parish and our school communities and feel blessed to have met so many wonderful families through our involvement. I am excited to partner with you to continue to provide our children an outstanding academic experience, an environment rich in faith experiences, and an opportunity to shine as children of God.

Many blessings,

Mrs. Colleen McManus
Principal, St. James Regional Catholic School