Dear SJA Community;
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is such a special place for my family and me. I moved to Boca Raton in 1979, when it was a very small town but just as vibrant as it is today. My family established roots in the community and joined the parish right away. It has been my home parish ever since.
Early in my career I worked in sales and sales management. When I met my husband David, and we had children, I decided to switch to a more family-friendly career which meant earning additional degrees in the field of education. I joined the Diocese of Palm Beach in 2002, and have worked in several schools including St. Ann, St. Juliana, St. Clare and St. Joan of Arc. Two of our children graduated from SJA and had a wonderful experience that prepared them well for high school and beyond.
Coming back to SJA for the 2023-2024 school year was like coming home for me. Having attended Catholic school for most of my education, I realize what a true gift it is to be able to give that to our own children. I do miss the influence of the Sisters of Mercy, whose love, and hard work established the foundation of excellence we continue to build on today. We are working hard to bring that back with the support of our Pastor, Very Reverend Nestor Rodriguez, who is renovating the convent and establishing relationships with various orders of Religious sisters. We are confident God will guide us and provide who we need.
SJA is a special community of like-minded people who want the best for their children, and who come together as a community to make that happen. I am truly grateful for all the support I receive as the leader from our Pastor, employees, parents, and parishioners.
My goal for SJA is to provide an excellent, loving, caring environment in which children can thrive academically, socially and physically while growing their faith and keeping it at the forefront of everything we do. Please join me, parents and faculty members, in being the best Catholic role models for your children to help them navigate the demands of our current world successfully.
I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back to SJA for the 2025-2026 school year, and to make all of our new families feel truly welcome members of the community.
Yours in Christ,
Rita Kissel
Principal, St. Joan of Arc Catholic School