Catholic schools name new principals, presidents

    The following are brief profiles of the 14 new presidents and principals of Catholic high schools and elementary schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
HIGH SCHOOLS

    Alice Bairnsfather, principal, Ursuline Academy (high school), New Orleans, has devoted the last 25 years to high school education. For the last 3 1/2 years, she has served as the academic assistant principal at Ursuline Academy. She previously worked as the assistant principal of Dominican High School and taught math and technology classes at Archbishop Shaw High School, the Anchorage School District in Alaska, and Terrebonne Parish public schools.
    She earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction, a bachelor of science degree in mathematics education, and an associate of science degree in computer programming from Nicholls State University. She is a member of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Catholic Educational Association.
    “I am excited and humbled to accept the position of high school principal of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, the oldest girls’ school in America,” Bairnsfather said. “I would like to thank the Ursuline sisters and the Ursuline community for putting their trust in me to continue the mission begun 286 years ago.”
   

    John Charles, principal, St. Augustine High School, New Orleans, is a 1971 graduate of St. Augustine. He assumed his new position in March. Charles served most recently for seven years at Archbishop Rummel High School teaching physics, chemistry and math. Charles spent 18 years at St. Augustine teaching math and physics and coaching basketball. He later served as assistant principal of St. Augustine from 2000-05.
    Charles earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of New Orleans. He has begun a doctorate in educational leadership.
    “I felt like it was a calling for me to come back,” Charles said. “I feel like I’m coming home. I am looking forward to serving in this new position at my alma mater.”