PORT ANGELES — Queen of Angels Catholic School will host an open house Tuesday to allow the public to meet the new principal and be updated on the school.
Thomas Cody McDonald will be the new principal for the 2017-18 school year. He joined the staff July 1, replacing former Principal Ann Austin, who left the position at the end of the school year.
The open house will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the school at 1007 S. Oak St. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be open house activities. All are welcome to stay for a barbecue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., said Casey McInnes, a member of Queen of Angels School Task Force, a booster club to promote the school.
“The open house is for anyone interested in Q of A School and for those families who already attend,” said McInnes, who added that both Catholics and non-Catholics are welcome to attend the private school.
“It is a chance to meet Mr. McDonald and the staff, see the building and look at what Q of A has going on. See the books and the classrooms. Talk to the teachers about the curriculum.”
McDonald returns to the Pacific Northwest — he was born in Tacoma at Fort Lewis — after serving as the dean of students at the Veritas Preparatory Academy in Phoenix.
“I am excited to be joining Queen of Angels School,” McDonald said.
“It is rich in faith and tradition, and I am happy to be part of that. I am also looking forward to helping Queen of Angels School grow and serve this area for hundreds of years to come.
“I plan on continuing the great traditions of this school, will help it grow and will ensure student formation in mind, body and soul.”
McDonald has a background in leadership, theology and philosophy, according to a news release from the school.
He and his wife, Lauren, have two sons: Aleksander, 1, and Marek, 6 months.
The couple say they enjoy the beauty of the Northwest, the release said.
McDonald is also an artist.
“He hasn’t had time for painting or drawing lately but wants to eventually get back to it,” McInnes said.
Queen of Angels School is celebrating this year 90 years of educational service.
For questions or more information, contact the school office at 360-457-6903 or see www.qofaschool.org.
Thomas Cody McDonald, right, seen here with his son and Father Dennis Robb, is the new principal for the 2017-18 school year at Queen of Angels Catholic School in Port Angeles.
