St. Rose, St. Stans Schools Becoming Mater Dei

St. Rose of Lima and s will be known as Mater Dei Catholic School, beginning July 1, 2012 on the grounds of St. Stanislaus Parish School.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia approved the name on Monday, according to a press release from Tara Carlo at St. Stanislaus Parish School.

The Latin term "Mater Dei" translates to "Mother of God" in English.

The school will be under the patronage of Mary, Mother of Jesus.

According to the release, Mater Dei will be committed to maintaining the traditions, customs and annual events of both of the partnering schools, as well as creating new ones.  

“Keeping both of the current names in a new title was awkward; Mater Dei offers students, faculty, and parishioners the chance to start off fresh under Mary’s mantle,” said Monsignor Joseph Tracy, pastor of St. Stanislaus. 

Mater Dei will have Diane E. McCaughan as its principal. McCaughan was a Catholic educator and adminstrator for 37 years and had been principal of St. Stanislaus Parish School for the last 17 years.

In 2000, she was selected Principal of the Year by the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education. Miss McCaughan’s professional administrative experience is expansive and includes: the establishment of a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society; creation of a Stewardship Council for student leaders; collaboration with faculty and parents for programming and activities; and expansion of a learning resource room for grades 5 through 8, according to the release.   

“It is an honor and a privilege to be the first principal of Mater Dei Catholic School,” said McCaughan.  “It is my hope that the partnership between Saint Stanislaus and Saint Rose of Lima Parishes will create a strong, quality, faith-based educational program so that the powerful legacy of Catholic education will continue to serve our children for generations to come.”

Both entities will cease to exist as of June 30, 2012 when operations are transferred to the new school, according to the release.