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ANNETTE BONANNO NAMED PRINCIPAL AT NOVATO'S OUR LADY OF LORETTO SCHOOL

    This August when Our Lady of Loretto Catholic School (OLL) opens its doors for the 52nd year, Annette Bonanno will assume the duties of Principal. Ms. Bonanno takes over the reins from Susan A. Maino, who has served as Principal for nine years and is retiring. The 30 year-old native San Franciscan will be the twelfth principal of OLL, which is located in the heart of Novato. OLL offers an excellent educational program with small classes for grades Kindergarten thru eighth grade. Before and after school care is also available.

    After her appointment as Principal by OLL Pastor, Father William McCain, Ms. Bonanno stated, "I am so impressed by the sense of community that prevails at Our Lady of Loretto and the dedication, talent, and enthusiasm of the teaching staff! It’s wonderful to see such an active parish, with such a variety of opportunities to get involved."

    Ms. Bonanno went on to say, "I feel that OLL's reputation as a nurturing environment for the children is best-reflected in the school's Mission Statement."

    Our Lady of Loretto School is dedicated to excellence in education that is Christ-centered and rich in Catholic tradition. With Christ as the model and teacher, they foster the development of students who are:

                            Compassionate
                            Humble
                            Responsible
                            Involved
                            Spiritual
                            Thinkers

San Francisco Roots
    A native San Franciscan, Ms. Bonanno grew up In the Richmond District. She is one of four daughters born to Jack and Patricia Bonanno, who are also native San Franciscans. Mr. and Mrs. Bonanno have been married for 33 years and are members of St. Monica's parish, where Annette and her sisters attended grammar school.

    From St. Monica's, Ms. Bonanno went to Lowell High School where she became involved in Musical Theater and Choir. Ms. Bonanno is excited about the inception of the new Children's Theater Company elective that is being offered this year at OLL. Parent Linda Bonino is spearheading the project which will present a spring production of "Seussical, Jr.".

Educational Background
    From Lowell, Ms. Bonanno went to the University of Arizona where she earned two degrees, one in Elementary Education and another in Italian. Her teaching career began at St. Gabriel's in San Francisco where she taught 2nd grade for six years and 4th grade for two years. While she was working at St. Gabriel's, Ms. Bonanno pursued an advanced degree in Educational Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco.
The nationally-renowned program provides an excellent preparation for stepping into Administration. It is a combination of both the practical and theoretical aspects of educational leadership, with hands-on experience as one pursues the degree.

    For the past year, Ms. Bonanno has been employed by the San Francisco Unified School District as an Equity Release Teacher. In this position, she has provided academic support and release time for the teachers at the district's Star and Dream Schools.

    Upon accepting her new position as Principal of OLL, Ms. Bonanno feels called to return to Catholic Education and is excited about joining such a warm and dynamic school community.

   On a personal note, Ms. Bonanno relaxes through dancing, running, hiking, and swimming. She plans to move to San Rafael, and she is looking forward to exploring the Marin countryside.

     As OLL continues into the next 50 years, it is evident that Our Lady Lady of Loretto is being given over to the direction of a young, enthusiastic, and well-qualified new leader.