St. James Regional’s Burke gets selected for Hall of Fame award
RIDLEY PARK >> “We are guardians of the mission of Catholic education.”
Barbara Burke, principal of St. James Regional Catholic School in Ridley Park, has never forgotten that simple sentence. She learned it years ago from Sister Janet Baker, RSM during a Principals’ Education Academy workshop at the Office of Catholic Education in Philadelphia. She thinks about those words often and has made the quote her mantra.
Burke was recently chosen by the Foundation for Catholic Education to be recognized for her outstanding contributions to Catholic education. Other honorees this year include Rev. Joseph Corley, pastor of Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Darby, Edward Heinemann, a teacher at Holy Family Regional Catholic School in Aston Township, who has taught in Delaware County Catholic schools for 23 years and Donohue Funeral Homes, which has served the Catholic community in Delaware County for over 100 years. The Third Annual Delaware County Foundation for Catholic Education Hall of Fame Gala and award presentation is slated for 5:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, at Springfield Country Club. Tickets are $60 and include cocktails and dinner. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Schools in Delaware County. For tickets or to become a sponsor, call 610793-8503.
Burke herself was a product of Catholic schools, educated at Holy Cross School in Springfield and Cardinal O’Hara High School where she was a member of the Class of 1968. After graduating from West Chester University, she began her long “37 years and counting” career journey in Catholic education, starting out as a second grade teacher at St. Francis of Assis School in Springfield. From there, she moved to Notre Dame deLourdes School in Swarthmore where she founded the kindergarten program in the early 1980s. She eventually moved into the position of principal at the school, where she stayed for nine years.
“I was at Notre Dame for a total of 25 years. I really loved it there,” Burke said recently in an interview. “Actually, I have loved the families at every school that I have been. I enjoy sharing my faith commitment with all of the families I meet. When I reflect back, I always think of the many wonderful families and students that I’ve been blessed to know.”
Another opportunity came along and Burke moved to St. Mary Magdalen School in Upper Providence where she stayed at the helm for seven years.
“I had really good years at St. Mary Magdalen’s” Burke recollected fondly. “I loved being able to share my love of God and my love of education with so many students and families. Each child is unique and beautiful and I felt so blessed to be a part of their lives.”
Burke said she was recruited by Father John Flanagan, pastor of St. Madeline Parish, to begin her newest role as principal at St. James Regional Catholic School in the 2015-16 school year. The majority of students at St. James come from St. Madeline, St. Rose of Lima and St. Gabriel parishes. Now in her second year there, Burke, who begins every school day with all 411 students and 23 teachers in the gym saying prayers together, has already initiated many new programs. The school has recently forged a partnership with Neumann University, expanded its technology, established a monthly “Ambassadors of Christ” virtues program, expanded student clubs, began an Instructional Support Team (IST), completed $150K gym renovations and incorporated a new foreign language program into the curriculum.
Michael Ritz, president of the Saint James Alumni Association headquartered in Eddystone, and also a member of the St. James Regional Catholic School Advisory Board, stated,”Mrs. Burke is an exceptional principal. She allows her faculty to go beyond the text books and into real life. The atmosphere that she has created at St. James Regional has made it easy for its students to have fun, learn and grow in a better understanding of themselves, their relationships with others and their relationship with God. We are extremely blessed to have her as principal.”
It was the St. James Regional Catholic School Advisory Board that nominated Burke to the Foundation For Catholic Education for consideration to receive the honor.
“Mrs. Burke has dedicated over 35 years of her life promoting Catholic education,” St. James Advisory Board member Patty Butler said this week.”As principal of St. James Regional, she is the driving force behind the success of the school. She spearheaded such efforts as the complete overhaul of the school’s technology program, with the implementation of Chromebooks and Google for Education, the hiring of a full time foreign language teacher for students in Pre-K to 8th grade, and the coordination of valuable continuing education courses for the faculty. St. James Regional is extremely proud and grateful to have such a dedicated professional leading our efforts. We felt as though this was the ideal award for Mrs. Burke, and a way that we could recognize her dedication and accomplishments. We are thrilled that the Foundation agreed with our nomination, and we look forward to sharing in this celebration with Mrs. Burke.”
“I was shocked and very humbled when I found out that they nominated me,” Burke shared. “Since coming to St. James, I have tried to raise the bar both spiritually and academically among our student body and faculty. I am trying to rekindle our commitment and mission by putting more emphasis on our academic offerings, as well as enriching our faith and spiritual life. We have very hardworking teachers at St. James, just a wonderful faculty!”
Burke and her husband Tom, residents of Ridley Township, have three children and five grandchildren. Her family will be at the Gala on April 5, as will many of the teachers, students and families whom she has touched throughout her years in education, 18 of them in principal roles.
“I will forever be grateful for the wonderful opportunity I have had in my ministry in Catholic Education.,” Burke said reflectively. “Each and every day I encountered some of the most caring and supportive pastors, dedicated teachers, and loving families. I have been truly blessed.”