About Me
Bio:
Barry Donnelly is a 1971 graduate of Saint Joseph Regional High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English from Boston College in 1975, and his Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Iona College in 2001. He began his teaching career at St. Joseph Regional High School on January 3, 1977. He was appointed Business Manager in 1979, a position he held until becoming Assistant Principal for Academics in 2000. He was appointed the 7th Principal of St. Joseph Regional High School in 2007, and was named the school’s first President in 2016.
Hometown:
Ramsey, New Jersey
Teaching philosophy:
I believe that it is essential that a high school education develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. While it remains important that students master a certain body of knowledge, the ability to communicate what they have learned effectively and to work collaboratively as part of a team to analyze problems and develop solutions is paramount. And as a Catholic school teacher, I think often of the motto of the Xaverian Brothers: “In harmony, small things grow”. Our faith manifests itself in a multitude of small ways each day, and so, it is only in working together that we finally become the faithful men God challenges us to be.
When I’m not at SJR you’ll find me:
Watching the New York Rangers or attending a Bruce Springsteen concert
Ask me about:
Mystery Ride
I like to work at SJR because:
It is home. I have spent 47 of the last 52 years of my life walking the halls of this school, 4 years as a student, and 43 as a faculty member. I would never have signed on for such a long ride if I hadn’t felt comfortable and welcomed by the thousands of students, parents and faculty members with whom I have shared this amazing journey over the years.
