Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in Indialantic welcomes veteran educator Kathleen Falk to lead the school’s more than 270 students in the fall and to continue the more than a half-century old tradition of serving the beachside community.
Falk is leaving her position as the assistant superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of St. Augustine to replace Mary Ann Irwin who is retiring after five years of running the fully accredited Pre-K through 8th grade school.
Falk’s love for the classroom had her searching for a new position elsewhere which led her to our beachside community.
“Holy Name has an amazing reputation” Falk said. She further explained that the school is well known for its organization, community support and academic excellence.
“Mrs. Irwin has done an amazing job” Falk said, adding that she has spent most of her career rebuilding schools and mentoring other principals, so it’s a refreshing change to come into such an successful and supported community. Falk said she’s eager to learn the culture here on the Melbourne Beachside and put her skills and experience to good use.
The students, families and staff at Holy Name met Falk last week at a meet and greet event while she was in town. “Everyone has been so nice and welcoming,” Falk said. Students were said to be finding excuses to go to the office last Friday to get a peek at their new principal.
“The unknown is a little scary for the students,” Falk said.
The students were glad to meet her. One student especially liked her “spiky hair.”
Originally from Elizabeth, New Jersey, Falk studied Political Science at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania before going on to earn a master’s in educational leadership from the University of North Florida. She worked for the Archdiocese of Newark, serving as principal of St. Genevieve School while helping to care for her ailing father.
After his passing she moved back to Florida and held various positions for the Archdiocese of St. Augustine such as the director of religious education, principal at San Juan Del Rio Catholic School in Jacksonville and assistant superintendent of schools.
Falk, 54, has been married to husband Andrew for 23 years, and has three sons. She describes motherhood as her most rewarding and important accomplishment.
While she brings an extensive resume in Catholic education and school administration, Falk considers herself first and foremost a teacher. “It’s not about numbers for me. It’s about helping children reach their fullest potential,” she said, adding that she looks forward to bringing emotional, spiritual and academic support to the Holy Name family.
A product of Catholic education herself, Falk attributes her own success and her children’s success to having followed that path. Parents say faith formations and Catholic traditions combined with academic excellence is why Holy Name of Jesus is a top school for barrier island residents.
Falk said she is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of our beautiful beachside community and looks forward to meeting more of the residents, and Holy Name family in the fall.
