By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Holy Rosary School has a new principal

MEDFORD -- To her new position as principal of Holy Rosary School, Cathy Bunke brings 36 years of experience as a teacher or principal in Catholic schools. For 26 of those years she worked in the La Crosse diocese, and for nine years was principal of St. Bridget School in River Falls.

Most recently, however, she was head of a private Montessori school, also in River Falls. "I needed to get back into a Catholic school," she said of her decision to apply for the principal's job. "I've missed that. You need a direction on which everyone can focus."

She had interviewed for positions in three other dioceses, but Medford "just felt the most comfortable," she said. "Now I am sort of back home, and it's nice to be back in the Superior diocese." Bunke grew up about 20 miles from Medford, and she is anxious to reconnect with several colleagues and other acquaintances in the area. She earned her master's degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and received her administrative license through the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Bunke, who succeeds Barbara Bugar as principal, will be working with 11 teachers and a four-person support staff. Holy Rosary has 160 students enrolled in preschool through sixth grade in its new education center.

Her first weeks on the job have been spent getting acquainted, and she is gratified to have received such a warm welcome. "A lot of parents have already come in to introduce themselves," she noted, "and there is a very active Home and School group. We also have a pastor (Fr. Gerald Willger) who has boundless energy and is very supportive of the school."

High on the new principal's list of priorities is to maintain "a very faith-filled and prayerful" environment. Working to increase enrollment is also among Bunke's goals. The preschool program is nearly at capacity; all other grades have openings.

While Holy Rosary School offers art, music and computer programs, as well as several extra-curriculars, Bunke is open to working with other schools to provide additional opportunities for the students. She also looks forward to cooperating with the church's religious education program, particularly in sacramental preparation.

The first day of school at Holy Rosary is Sept. 1, and Bunke is anxious to get acquainted and start learning everyone's name.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004