After 27 years at the helm of Saint Mary School in Ridgefield, Mrs. Anna O'Rourke retired this year as the school principal. Longtime school administrator, Mrs. Rachel Ambrosio, whose previous role was principal of St. Catherine School in Trumbull, stepped into the role with enthusiasm, tons of experience, and heartfelt love for the school.
Ambrosio, a St. Mary Parish member, is the mother of two Saint Mary School graduates.
Here, we speak with Principal Ambrosio about her current role, how her past experiences have shaped her, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
Q: You joined Saint Mary School as the new principal this past summer. How is it going so far?
A: I love it! I feel so blessed to be someone who loves going to work each day. The students, staff, parents, clergy and community have been incredibly supportive.
Q: You are no stranger to school administration or teaching. Tell me a bit about your background and how it’s prepared you for your current role as principal
A: I started my career in elementary education. After taking time off from work when my children were very young, I began working in early childhood education. I was the owner/director of the Montessori School of Redding where I started and taught our toddler program. Running my own business (small school) was a very good preparation for this position from a variety of standpoints. I was still working with kids and parents at a very formative time in a child's life, but I was managing staff, keeping to a budget and growing a small school.
Q: I hear you are an avid outdoor enthusiast. What do you like to do? Where do you go?
A: I hike my dog, Bogey, every day. I am fortunate to live in Redding where my property is adjacent to almost 300 acres of trails. Those trails are a little piece of heaven and are where I do my best thinking.
Q: Let’s talk favorites!
Book
A: Historical fiction is my favorite. Top picks would be The Thornbirds, Shanghai Girls, Hamnet, The Traitor's Wife.
Movie
A: Not a big movie buff but I am enjoying the Call the Midwife series on Netflix
Food
A: Chocolate - preferably dark. I am a big fan of Deborah Ann's. I also like linguine with clams, clams casino, and truffle
Bands
A: Dave Matthews Band, Led Zeppelin, Zach Bryan
A: It's hard to think of legacy when I just started, but I want children to grow in faith and joy in learning and to be grateful for blessings big and small. I want the staff to be a collaborative team and to work together. We are all better together than we can possibly be on our own.
Saint Mary School is located at 183 High Ridge Ave. in Ridgefield. Visit them online here and on Facebook and Instagram.