St. Stephen's principal retires

WARWICK — Mary Lou Moccia, who has served as the principal of St. Stephen - St. Edward Elementary School in Warwick for the past 17 years, recently announced that she would retire effective Aug. 31.

Moccia's desk is busier than usual as she prepares to retire from her long held position as principal, where she performed almost all the tasks required in the day to day administration of the parochial school.

When she was once asked, "How many assistant administrators do you have?" she answered, "None. It's just me."

In a letter addressed to the parents, students and parishioners, she wrote:

"I have seen almost two full sets of K through eight students come through our school. I have had the privilege of working with wonderful pastors and parochial vicars. The teachers have been a joy to work with. Saint Stephen's has the finest group of parents in the Region. Most of all I have had the opportunity to help educate your children. The children have been a source of joy and inspiration to me. I can honestly say that there has not been one day in the past seventeen years that I have not wanted to come to school."

Moccia explained that although she is retiring as principal she is not leaving the region or the field of education.

"I'll still be around," she said. "But working in a different capacity."

Moccia urged everyone to welcome the new principal with the same warmth and openness that she received.

In her letter she added:
"May God bless every family. May Saint Stephen-Saint Edward School remain strong and continue sharing the Faith with all those who enter. Thank you for making my time here so special."

- Roger Gavan