Welcome Families & Friends of SJS

Families and Friends of St. Joseph School,

It is a pleasure and honor to introduce myself as the new Principal of St. Joseph School.  SJS has been serving the community since 1923.  In that time, SJS has consistently provided a sound education, deeply rooted in a rich, Catholic Christian faith.  My goal as principal is to continue this great tradition. 

Before coming to SJS, I taught for nearly ten years at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Woonsocket. This experience was primarily in Middle School where I taught religion, social studies, language arts, and science.  Leaving Good Shepherd was a deeply emotional decision.  I graduated from GS, my former principal was not only a mentor, he was a friend, and it was at GS that I met my wife Paula.  In addition to teaching, I served as acting principal at Monsignor Gadrouy Catholic School a pre-Kindergarten to grade 2 school, also in Woonsocket.  Prior to teaching, I lived and studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary.  

It is my primary goal for SJS to be a place where each person can become the best possible version of himself/herself.  While I must give credit for this phrase to speaker, Matthew Kelly, I will use it because it not only rings with truth and realism, but its optimism is enlightening. To be our best self is to be who God made us to be. That is the only path to personal fulfillment.  It is my personal opinion that after a faithful Catholic home, a Catholic school is the best place for young men and women to reach their true potential. 

As a professional educator, I believe that an effective school is one which is well organized, structured, and provides a creative, rigorous, safe, and engaging learning environment. I look forward to working with you to help all of our students grow into capable, confident, young Catholic men and women. 

Peace,

Mr. Jim Woodmansee