Posted September 16, 2011

WEST CHESTER — The SS. Simon and Jude parish community announced that Sister Jeannine M. Norton, I.H.M., has been named school principal.

Sister Norton has more than 40 years experience in Catholic education, 12 of those as a school principal. Most recently, she worked in the Diocese of Savannah, Ga., serving the last six years as assistant superintendent.

While she is new to Chester County, she is not new to the Philadelphia Archdiocese. She attended Transfiguration of Our Lord School and graduated from St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls before entering the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She taught elementary grades in three Philadelphia schools, was principal at St. Joan of Arc School, and enjoyed a few years helping with development at Holy Innocents School. In addition, she taught in New Jersey, Virginia, and California.

“I firmly believe that it is only with a firm foundation, coupled with new perspectives, that one meets the challenge of leading children to know and achieve their God given potential,” she said.

“Our parish community welcomes Sister Jeannine with open arms,” said SS. Simon and Jude pastor Father Michael J. Gerlach. “The already exceptional Catholic education our students receive will only get better with her strong leadership and vibrant presence.”