Southington Catholic To Start New School Year with New Principal

An open invitation to stop by at Southington Catholic School on Sunday, August 28th, a perfect opportunity to meet Principal Eileen Sampiere and enjoy light refreshments and engaging conversation with this distinguished Catholic school administrator as she shares her vision for SC. Coffee, donuts and hospitality in the school cafeteria at 11 am, Sunday, August 28th.  Coffee, donuts and hospitality will be served in the school cafeteria at 11:00 am on Sunday, August 28th. We hope to see all our parents, friends and supporters at this welcoming event.

This summer the new town-wide Catholic School has been working hard to prepare for its second scholastic year with the the vision of moving forward in the development of a “new transitional model for the future of Catholic education”, The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford described it. There is an opportunity now to turn the page from the traditional parochial school to a 21st century regional school.

In the late spring of 2016, Co-Pastors Fr. Ron May, (St. Dominic), and Fr. Nick Melo, (St. Thomas), announced the appointment of Eileen Sampiere as the school’s new principal effective July 1, 2016.  

Sampiere will assume the helm at Southington Catholic in continuing the transition from the traditional ‘parochial’ (parish) school model to a pilot ‘area-wide’ Catholic school serving the needs of multiple parishes.

The announcement in the spring by MaryPat Wirkus of her retirement after a remarkable career of 37 years in education opened the position for a new principal. Wirkus spearheaded the successful formational year of the merger of the St. Dominic and St. Thomas Schools into the area-wide school that is Southington Catholic.  Having served in several schools as principal for most of her career, Wirkus said, “The merger was the most challenging of many challenging tasks and I am deeply grateful to the determination of so many on our team who made it happen through the Grace of God.”

Principal Eileen Sampiere

A resident of Meriden, (native of Waterbury), Sampiere comes to Southington as an accomplished professional in Catholic Education, having served with distinction for the past 24 years as Principal of Corpus Christi in Wethersfield, where she is credited with the implementation of major renovations and additions to the school, increased enrollment and leading the way at Corpus Christi to its National Blue Ribbon School status.  Twice the recipient of the National Catholic Education Association’s award of Distinguished Principal of the Year, Sampiere is a highly respected mentor and leader among principals in the Archdiocese of Hartford.  Sampiere earned her B.S. in Education, minor in Social Studies at St. John’s Univ. in Jamaica, NY, her M.A. in Education at Fairfield University and her Professional Diploma (sixth year) in Educational Administration and Supervision at Long Island University. She received recognition early in her career for her important achievements as principal of Our Holy Redeemer School in Freeport, NY and at St. Anne’s School in Garden  City, NY before returning to her native state.  

Asked for her insights as she approaches another challenge to innovative development in education, Sampiere said: “Though I have not been at Southington Catholic during its first year, I recognize the many challenges of change and that the past year’s accomplishments required a great deal of experience and talent of Mrs. Wirkus and the dedicated support of a great team working together. Looking forward, I know that truly welcoming and connecting with parents is paramount. They have to leave a meeting knowing their questions and concerned were listened to and heard. Equally important in what teachers do in their classrooms each day and that children go home happy in the welcoming environment of a loving and nurturing environment. The school must, of course, provide a sound foundation in academics consistent with the highest standards of Catholic education within the needs of a quality 21^st century classroom.”

Many conversations during the past year with co-pastors, principals, parents, students, school board members and teachers have evidenced a prevailing sense of excited enthusiasm for the future. The vision is considered to afford many advantages, including: (1) adjusting to trending shifts in demographics, culture and technology of 21^st century education, (2) opportunities for viable innovative strides in advancing curriculum, programs and activities, (3) greater efficiency in operational and fiscal management of the school while delivering the highest standards of Catholic education and (4) the re-awakening of a wider parental interest and desire in considering the advantages of a fine Catholic education for their children in a Christ-driven environment.


For more information about enrollment in Southington Catholic School or an appointment to speak with Mrs. Eileen Sampiere and have a tour of the classrooms, parents and guardians may call 860-628-2485. You will learn much more right now by visitingSouthington Catholic's website.

MaryPat Wirkus

Appleseed joins many former students and parents in the community, the faculty and staff and the co-pastors of Southington Catholic  in congratulating MaryPat Wirkus on her retirement as we extend our warmest wishes to her in the next fulfilling chapter in her journey in life.    A Tribute to the Gift of Faith to Our Children



       A Testimonial 

A letter from Southington Catholic School Board Co-chairman,John Leary