St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Schools Message from the Pastor,  Father Bill Donahue

Dear Parents, Alumni and Friends of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Schools,
Father Bill Donahue and The Board of Regents of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Schools are pleased to announce that Patrick W. Daly has been appointed Principal of 
St. Vincent de Paul High School. The selection committee comprised of faculty, staff and board members, as well as parents and alumni, was led by Fr. Bill Donahue upon his arrival on August 1, 2017.

"Last June, the Board of Regents communicated to parents that a formal search for Principal would begin this November, but made a commitment that if the right candidate was identified, we would not hesitate to act," Father Bill Donahue stated. "We were impressed with Pat's deep experience, unique expertise, demonstrated leadership and continuous track record of success. His determination and commitment to Catholic education are inspiring. We are moving forward with great confidence."   
 
An Alumnus of Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco, California, Pat has over 20 years of successful experience as a teacher, coach and administrator in Catholic high schools. He began his career as a teacher and coach at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, California. Later, he served as the Athletic Director at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, California where he grew the program to 27 interscholastic sports providing guidance to 110 coaches. Under his five years of leadership, the school achieved state rankings in football, baseball and both men's and women's basketball while winning more league and section titles than in the previous 45 years.
   
"Athletics plays such an important role in the experience of a high school student and the life of a campus," Pat stated. "I was well supported by Bill Isetta, the Principal at Marin Catholic.  We set high goals for each program, emphasized quality coaching and achieved tremendous success across both the men's and women's teams."
 
Building on his accomplishments, Pat served as the Principal and President at St. Bernard's Academy in Eureka, California for ten years. In one of the most economically challenged counties in the state, he led this K-12 independent Catholic school out of a twelve-year decline in enrollment. Working with alumni and parents, he increased local enrollment by 167%. This was accomplished by driving improvements in curriculum and co-curricular activities, increasing matriculation to four-year colleges from 61% to 93%, and directing the creation of a co-ed boarding program which allowed the school to increase financial assistance for local students.     
 
"When faced with an insurmountable challenge, which many believe to be unachievable, you can either retreat or face it head on," Pat continued. "Through a shared vision, teamwork, hard work and a focused 'can do' attitude, we addressed our deficiencies, we were successful in improving our student outcomes, increasing our enrollment and building the Catholic identity of the school."
 
"I have known Pat Daly since we led St. Vincent's and St. Bernard's high schools a number of years ago," stated Ed Kavanaugh, former Principal at St. Vincent de Paul High School and member of the selection committee. "I am confident that he will bring the same positive elements of leadership to St. Vincent's that he demonstrated at his previous schools; dedication, drive, innovation and understanding of the traditions, students and staff under his care."
 
After his exceptional tenure at St. Bernard's Academy, for five years he was the President and Director of Development for Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, California.  Following a nine-year decline in enrollment, he was the catalyst for the school's resurgence and increased enrollment by 38% in just two years.  He improved alumni engagement, invested in a greater use of technology and implemented the only boarding program in San Francisco, which allowed for large increases in tuition assistance and financial aid for local students. 
 
" My parents believed the greatest investment they would make for their seven children was a Catholic education," Pat noted. "As the beneficiary of twelve years of Catholic schooling in San Francisco, I am grateful for the gift they gave us. The opportunity to return to San Francisco to lead the renewal of Archbishop Riordan High School was a challenge I wholeheartedly embraced."
 
Mr. Daly views St. Vincent's de Paul High School as an institution with a long and rich tradition, a tradition which he intends actively to promote throughout the North Bay. The school is blessed with a new pastor, Fr. Bill Donahue, himself an alumnus of the school, the class of 1976.  On the eve of its 100 year anniversary, Mr. Daly cited the many assets that the high school enjoys: a Pastor devoted to Catholic schools, a passionate faculty and staff, first-rate athletic facilities, an engaged Board, alumni that want the best for their alma mater and some of the best students in its community.
 
Pat has four children who have all attended Catholic schools.  His daughters Shanan and Kaelan are both in college, while his daughter Brigid (8th grade) and son Liam (5th grade) attend St. Gabriel's in San Francisco. Pat concluded, "The best part of my career has been working with the students. To see their growth in an environment rooted in our Catholic faith is a gift. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the students at St. Vincent's, their families and our entire school community." 

Sincerely,
Father William Donahue, Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Church
wpdonah@gmail.com

Rafael Velez, Chairperson, Board of Regents
summit.rafael@gmail.com


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