Leadership

I am truly blessed to have been chosen to lead St. Rose Grammar School for the 2024-2025 school year.

I am a graduate of Rowan University with a degree in History and Secondary Education. I was a high school social studies teacher for two years. I completed my Master’s Degree in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland, College Park. I worked as a high school counselor for eight years. I also have completed my NJ Principal Certificate to the NJ Excel Program, a certificate in Catholic School Management through Villanova University, and my New Jersey School Safety Specialist Certification.

Prior to this appointment, I have spent six years as a building principal in the Diocese of Trenton and in the public sector. Last year, I was the Principal of Aura Elementary School in Glassboro, NJ. Although my year was rewarding and extremely educational I knew my calling was in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Trenton. Previously, I served five years as Principal at St. Benedict School in Holmdel, NJ. Prior to becoming a Principal, I served as the Director of Admissions at my alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy for four years. My focus has always been to spread the mission of Catholic Education and provide this unique brand of education to all families who seek it.

At St. Benedict I was extremely successful in boosting enrollment and spearheading capital campaigns to help the school grow. My charge is similar at St. Rose. I will work tirelessly to fill our classrooms and ensure sustainability for decades to come. I was successful in building a new PreK program, building a state of the art Outdoor Classroom, and navigating the global COVID- 19 pandemic.

In my short time at St. Rose Grammar School, I have met a group of intelligent and loving teachers committed to the mission of Catholic Education. I am so impressed with their dedication to our students and their intrinsic desire to provide the strongest education possible. 

Schools are communities. I have been excited to meet so many parents eager to assist St. Rose in any way possible. I am eager to join and learn more about this amazing community. I am excited for my future here at St. Rose. Please reach out to family, colleagues, and friends and tell them about the awesome education at St. Rose Grammar School. Please encourage them to call, take a tour, and join our family. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Kevin Donahue
Principal
St. Rose Grammar School

Ever since Monsignor William J. McConnell, the second pastor of St. Rose Church (1906-1932) established St. Rose Elementary School in 1921, the mission of Catholic education continues to the present day-- to proclaim the good news of the Gospel and provide a place for children to encounter God and to grow in his or her faith.  Catholic schools participate in the evangelization mission of the Church for both Catholic students and those of other faiths.  “The New Evangelization calls each of us to deepen our faith, believe in the Gospel message and go forth to proclaim the Gospel” (United States Catholic Bishops).  Through the experience of a Catholic school, the child becomes a Christ-bearer to his or her family, parish community, and society through his or her personal integrity and the way he or she responds to the needs of others. This is our strong identity as a Catholic school.

You will find St. Rose Grammar School to be a unique and blessed community where faculty, staff and students form a family of support and care in an environment of faith and learning.  We strive to educate the whole child—academically, socially, physically and spiritually. While giving your son or daughter a well-grounded educational foundation, there are many opportunities for your child to grow and be challenged here at St. Rose.  Our school also boasts of a wonderful sports program throughout the year and other clubs and activities.

One of the first impressions a visitor observes coming to our school is that our children are happy.  We look forward to welcoming your child to be part of our St. Rose Grammar School community where every child is known and loved!  

May the Lord’s blessings be with you and your family!
Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Arnister 
Pastor