AURORA—A pair of veteran Catholic educators are ready to set up the curriculum and community at Pope St. John Paul II Catholic Academy here next year.

 

Sister Ann Brummel, OP, will be head of schools and Karen Behrns will join her as principal.

 

“I am excited to be a part of this new beginning,” said Sister Brummel. “I am passionate about Catholic education and strongly believe Catholic schools are an essential part of our society. 

 

“I feel privileged and honored to be a part of the new ... academy,” she wrote in an email interview. 

 

Bio's in brief   Sister Ann Brummel, OP: M.A. Administration; B.A. Elementary Education; post graduate courses in school finance, curriculum, and other topics; certifications in school administration and teaching; master catechist Recently: On sabbatical after being principal at Rosary High School in Aurora   Karen Behrns: M.A.s in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Leadership; B.A., Physical Education and Health; certifications in  school administration and teaching Recently: Principal at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Aurora; active in diocesan education committees

“The Task Force has done an amazing job to keep Catholic education available on the east side of Aurora,” she added, offering “special thanks to all who worked so hard.”

 

Behrns is looking forward “to being more actively involved with curriculum development and how to bring 21st century skills to our students. 

 

“While never losing sight of our spiritual mission,” Behrns added, “I’m excited by the challenge to take an already dynamic curriculum and find ways to bring a more rigorous and contemporary look to strong skills and standards. 

 

“Our opportunities at this point are endless as we’ve already started to nurture relationships within our community and are reaching out to sister cities and parishes as we focus on world languages and global knowledge,” Behrns said. 

 

Sister Ann will be making a change, going from her recent post as principal of Rosary High School in Aurora to the academy, which will serve kindergarten through eigth-grade  students.

 

That background, she said, will help her help the academy’s students.

 

“My experience in high school is a blessing.  I have first hand experience from (prekindergarten) through grade 12. 

 

“I have a clearer knowledge and understanding of what students need to be successful in high school.”

And, she added, “Most of my experience has been in grade school administration.”

 

Behrns is also looking forward to  her personal change. 

 

While excited about their own new roles, both women understand change of any kind can be tough on students and families. 

 

“Change is always difficult,” said Sister Ann. “It is especially difficult in this case. Each of the four schools involved have a very rich history. Parent and students should be proud of their present schools.”

 

She encouraged parents to “help their children look at the bright side. It is important to be positive, accepting of others, kind, and welcoming. 

 

“Look for all the new and exciting possibilities. The sky is the limit when the best from each school becomes the new Pope St. John Paul Catholic Academy,” she said.