Notre Dame Catholic School – A Legacy of Faith and Excellence
Notre Dame Catholic School (NDCS) began in 1985 as St. Theresa’s School, opening with 14 students in a combined 1st/2nd grade class. The founding pastor, Msgr. John Scully, led the school from 1985 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1999. In 1991, the school entered an interparochial agreement, with Fr. Anthony D’Angelo appointed as pastor. In 1999, Fr. James McAteer, IC, took on the role briefly.
Sister Giovannina Saleeb, SNJM, served as the school’s first principal (1985–1989). Under her leadership, the school grew rapidly, expanding from church classrooms to portable buildings. A model home donated by Mackle Brothers Builders became the first permanent school structure.
From 1989–1997, Mrs. Mary Johnson served as principal. She guided the school through its transition from St. Theresa’s to Notre Dame Interparochial School in 1992 and initiated the two-phase construction project for a permanent school building. The school’s first 8th grade class graduated in 1991.
​
Mrs. Maureen Wickert became principal in 1997. Under her leadership, Phase I of the permanent school building and the Msgr. John Scully Gymnasium were completed in 1999. That year also marked the school’s highest enrollment to date. However, beginning in 2000, enrollment and budgetary challenges emerged.
​
Msgr. John Cippel, pastor at St. Frances Cabrini, became school pastor in 2000. In partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth, he helped bring four religious sisters to serve at NDCS. Sister Eileen Marie Woodbury, FSSE, became principal in 2001 and served through 2010, bringing spiritual stability and overseeing many improvements.
In 2004, Bishop Robert Lynch, in consultation with diocesan leadership, dissolved the interparochial agreement and placed the school directly under diocesan supervision. In 2006, Bishop Lynch appointed Fr. Richard Jankowski (St. Frances Cabrini) as pastor and reinstated the school’s interparochial status. The name remained Notre Dame Catholic School to maintain continuity and recognition.
​
The Diocese purchased the St. Francis of Assisi modular building in 2005, adding much-needed classrooms, office space, and areas for art, music, and faculty use. From 2005–2011, NDCS saw remodeling of the Early Childhood classrooms, construction of a new computer lab, and the introduction of SMART Boards and laptops for teachers.
​
From 2010–2012, a diocesan pilot program appointed Dr. Lou E. Whitaker as principal of both NDCS and Pope John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto. Mr. Fred Pendleton served as Assistant Principal the first year. In the second year, Ms. Tonya Peters, Assistant Principal at Pope John Paul II, stepped in to help at NDCS after Mr. Pendleton’s resignation.
​
In 2012, NDCS became one of seven diocesan schools under the new Diocese of St. Petersburg Catholic School System, prompting governance and financial restructuring. Deacon Scott J. Conway was appointed principal from 2012 to 2015. Under his leadership, NDCS became a leader in educational technology, launching a 1:1 device program and upgrading infrastructure.
In 2015, Mrs. Florence Buono was appointed principal. During her decade of service, enrollment grew to over 245 students. NDCS became a SMART school (Science, Math, Arts, Religion, and Technology), expanded its academic offerings (including Algebra I and introductory high school science), and enhanced both facilities and community outreach. Highlights included the construction of a centralized school office, a prayer garden with a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a strong commitment to student-led service projects.
In 2025, Mr. Pio Rizzo was appointed principal, continuing Notre Dame’s mission to form students who are academically prepared, spiritually strong, and committed to lifelong service in the name of Christ.
​
Click to view a complete list of our pastors through the years and our principals.
