A quarter-century of dedication
After consultation with the Marianist Brothers of the Province of Meribah and his council, Fr. Andre Fetis, S.M., the superior general of the Society of Mary, has appointed Bro. Joseph D. Bellizzi, S.M. ’78, as provincial of the Province of Meribah and Fr. Peter H. Heiskell, S.M. ’86, as assistant provincial. To devote himself completely to his new responsibilities, Bro. Joseph has decided to step down as principal of Chaminade High School on June 30, 2024.
“I know I join the entire Chaminade Family in thanking Bro. Joseph for his 25 years of extraordinary leadership as principal and assuring him of our prayers as he takes up his new service,” said President Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81. “I am grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and passion for Marianist education that he has shown since taking up the office of principal in 1999.”
As Chaminade High School approaches its centennial anniversary in 2030, we are blessed to have had Bro. Joseph at our helm for nearly one-quarter of Chaminade’s history. His leadership has inspired countless faculty, staff, and students to make Jesus known, loved, and served throughout our mission of Marianist education.
In his 25-year tenure as principal, Bro. Joseph has advanced Chaminade’s mission as a leading Catholic high school on Long Island. He has seen the expansion of Chaminade’s physical footprint, attracted highly-accredited faculty, fostered growth of the academic program, and ensured the school’s financial strength.
After graduating from Chaminade, Bro. Joseph entered the Marianist Community at Chaminade in 1978. He earned degrees from St. John’s University and New York University and joined the academic faculty in 1982.
Bro. Joe served as assistant principal at Chaminade from 1987-1990. In 1990, he became assistant principal at Kellenberg Memorial High School. He later returned to Chaminade as director of its Marianist Community in 1996 and remained in this position until 2003. In 1999, he became principal and continued to teach freshman religion and serve as a moderator of PREP and the Parents Club and as chairman of the School Council.
As provincial, Bro. Joe will act as a representative for the Province of Meribah with the Marianist General Administration in Rome, oversee the affairs of the province, and work on a long-term care plan for the brothers at both Chaminade and Kellenberg.
Looking towards 2030
Based on Bro. Joe’s upcoming retirement and after consulting with the Marianist Community, we are happy to announce the appointment of Mr. Robert Paul ’92 as the 12th principal of Chaminade High School, effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Paul’s appointment marks a milestone in Chaminade’s history as the school’s first lay principal. “His many years of experience as a Marianist educator, an adept administrator, and a trusted teacher and coach have prepared him well for this new service to the Chaminade Family,” said Bro. Thomas.
“I congratulate the Marianist Community for appointing Mr. Paul as Chaminade’s next principal,” said Bro. Joseph. “A competent and keen leader, Mr. Paul will certainly move our school in the right direction as we approach the centennial.”
After graduating from Chaminade, he completed his undergraduate studies at Boston College and his graduate studies at LIU Post. In 2000, Mr. Paul joined the Science Department faculty. Mr. Paul currently serves as assistant principal of academics, a position he has held since 2017. He is also an assistant coach of the Varsity Basketball Team.
In his current role, Mr. Paul oversees the direction of our academic programs and classroom initiatives. As principal, Mr. Paul will work more closely with faculty, staff, students, parents, and the wider Chaminade Family to foster an inclusive school culture in the Marianist charism. He will lead our efforts to enhance academic programs, support student achievement, and promote a positive learning environment.
“I am humbled and honored by the Marianist Community’s appointment,” said Mr. Paul. “Bro. Joseph’s tireless leadership is one we can all admire and hope to emulate. His efforts have certainly placed us in a strong position as we approach our 100th, and I look forward to building on those efforts with the Chaminade Family for the years to come. Our mission tells us that we are called to educate the whole man – mind, body, and soul. We will work together so that Chaminade High School continues to be the gold standard of Catholic high school education.”
Advancing the academic mission
A reflection of Chaminade’s commitment to providing a rigorous and competitive academic program, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Technology Mr. Gregory Kay ’98 has been named chief academic officer. In this new position. Mr. Kay will broaden his oversight of our academic program and initiatives, leading faculty development and student achievement.
“Under Mr. Kay’s leadership, our school has made strides in integrating technology into our curriculum, enhancing student engagement, and allowing significant innovation in teaching and learning,” said Bro. Thomas. “His vision and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.”
After earning degrees from Siena College and St. John’s University, Mr. Kay joined the academic faculty in 2002 in the Social Studies Department. In his administrative role, he spearheaded the rollout of student and faculty iPads, made significant upgrades to classroom technology, implemented the AP Course program, and developed the technological infrastructure of the campus.
We are confident that Greg and Bob will continue their effective working relationship that they have built over the years as they continue to lead Chaminade High School and its strategic plan for its 100th anniversary.
Posted On
10 Sep, 2024