Sister of St. Joseph Kathleen Nace has been a familiar presence at St. Rose High School, Belmar, since 2006 when she came on board as assistant principal.

Over those three years, Sister Kathleen has become highly regarded for her strength in leadership, academics and technology, co-workers say, and it’s expected she will bring those skills with her into the principal’s office this September.

As assistant principal, Sister Kathleen was responsible for all student activities as well as facility and the management of athletic fields. In that capacity, she said, she “came to know the St. Rose High School community, its commitment to Catholic education and to the spiritual, academic and social development of its students.”

Sister Kathleen has a master of science degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton, Ohio, a master of education degree from Rutgers University, and a bachelor of science degree in Mathematics from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia.

Before coming to St. Rose High School, she was the dean of studies and vice principal of Holy Family Academy, Bayonne. Prior to that, she was math curriculum coordinator and a teacher in St. Michael School, Philadelphia, All Saints Catholic School, Pottsville, Pa. and St. Rose of Lima School, North Wales, Pa.

Citing her 20 years experience as a Catholic school teacher and administrator, Sister Kathleen said she is “committed to continue the tradition of excellence at St. Rose and to advance its mission into the future.”

She unwrapped a series of goals she’s set for the first year as principal to do just that. First and foremost, she said, will be continuing the tradition of celebrating diversity at St. Rose.

“Our student community is comprised of all races and creeds, interests and talents,” she said. “I also want to continue to vigorously support the academic excellence of St. Rose through the ongoing growth of our advance preparatory courses and the guidance department.

“We are thrilled to report that again this year, our graduating seniors had 100 percent college and university acceptance – many to upper tier and Ivy League schools,” and were awarded more than $13.5 million in grants and scholarships, she noted.

Another goal set for the new school year is the creation of a Prayer Garden, which will transform a recently purchased corner lot into a contemplative space where students and staff will be able to enjoy quiet time, she said.

The prayer garden is the focal point of the project, said Sister Kathleen, who added that smaller gardens to be included in the project will be a rain garden, bible garden and Shakespeare garden.

“Ultimately, the beneficial use of this property will enable St. Rose High School to expand our facilities to meet the growing needs of Catholic academics and co-curricular activities for the students and community.

“This will take a number of years to study, to plan, to secure resources and to build,” said Sister Kathleen. “My first step toward this long-range goal will be to establish a blue ribbon committee of exceptional persons to study the opportunities and feasibility of developing the corner lot.”

A related step will be consideration of a master capital plan for the St. Rose High School campus, she said.

“As assistant principal for several years and now principal, I have come to know the St. Rose High School community, its commitment to Catholic education and to the spiritual, academic and social development of its students. I’m committed to continuing the tradition of excellence at St. Rose and to advancing its mission into the future.”