Dear Parishioners,
Before sharing another update regarding our school leadership structure for the coming school year, I want to acknowledge an important transition in our school community.
After further discernment regarding the coming school year, Mrs. Rebecca Kasallis has decided to step away from her role as Assistant Principal and from her work at Nativity of Mary. Her presence on our campus will certainly be missed, and I am deeply grateful for the many ways she has served Nativity throughout her nearly 20 years with our school community. She has given countless hours to our students, families, and faculty and has played an important role in the life of our school. We wish her every blessing in what lies ahead and remain grateful for the many ways she has given of herself to Nativity.
When I last communicated our plans for the coming school year, the Shared Leadership Model was the best path forward for our school. With Mrs. Kasallis stepping away from the Assistant Principal role, however, it became clear that I needed to revisit that plan. I am grateful that, in the midst of this transition, God has provided a new path forward for our community. After further conversations, we have been blessed to identify an experienced and trusted leader who is willing to serve as our full-time Interim Principal for the 2026–27 school year: Mrs. Tami Lodge.
Mrs. Lodge was previously serving as the Director of Middle School at Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul. I had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Lodge during my previous parish assignment, and I have great confidence in her leadership, good judgment, and commitment to Catholic education. I am grateful for her willingness to answer this unexpected call and serve our school community at Nativity of Mary. While we may not have anticipated this change, I believe we can also see God’s providential care for us in providing a steady and experienced leader at this important moment.
With the appointment of an Interim Principal, the Shared Leadership Model previously communicated will now serve as a support structure for Mrs. Lodge’s leadership rather than as a substitute for the Principal’s role. I have full confidence in the members identified in that model and in their ability to support Mrs. Lodge, our faculty, and our students in their respective areas of responsibility, providing continuity as we move into the new school year.
I also recognize the impact that the changes in our school leadership this summer have had on our school community. I know these changes have understandably brought some uncertainty, and I am grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding. At the same time, I want all of us to know that we are moving forward with confidence, gratitude, and hope. We have a strong faculty and staff, experienced leadership in place, and a community deeply committed to the mission of Nativity of Mary School. I am grateful for the many people who have stepped forward to serve our school, and I trust that the Lord will continue to guide Nativity as we begin this new school year together.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Bill Duffert