Vanessa Chavis, a longtime Catholic school educator and administrator, is the new principal at St. Benedict the Moor School in New Orleans.
Chavis holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Holy Cross College and a master’s degree in education from Loyola University New Orleans. She taught at All Saints School and St. Mary’s Academy and served as principal of All Saints School from 1999-2001.
In 2001, she became the inaugural principal of Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School.
She also served as principal of St. Louis Cathedral School and St. Peter Claver School. Chavis, who is a certified “Pre-K CLASS” observer, also served as dean of students at Resurrection of Our Lord Elementary School in 2019.
“I was raised Catholic by loving parents in All Saints Catholic Church,” she said. “With 30 years of administrative experience, I look forward to integrating the school’s philosophy, mission, goals and policies as we move into a new system of educating our students virtually, globally and beyond.
“I intend to focus on each child and see each of them as God’s creation, ready to take a role as a leader, because we have given each of them a foundation built on love, compassion and support. ‘To Teach as Jesus Did’ is the ministry I embrace when building community with students, staff and families. It is the basis for educating the whole child.”
Chavis said her favorite Scripture verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strength ens me.”
“I am looking forward to working with all the talented and dedicated educators at St. Benedict the Moor School,” she said.