Mary Reiling, a recognized leader in elementary and middle school education, became the Head of School of The Frances Xavier Warde School in July, 2006. Ms. Reiling came to Chicago after opening Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Alpharetta, Georgia. During her thirty-year career, she has taught middle school, written textbooks for Loyola University Press, and served as principal of St. Leo School in Fairfax, Virginia and of Gesu School in Cleveland, Ohio.
While at FXW, Ms. Reiling has spearheaded several key initiatives including, the co-teacher program for the primary grades, laptops for middle school students and key curricular improvements that have changed the direction of the academics at the school. Students take more foreign language classes (Spanish and French), get extensive language development in speaking, writing and literature, and take rigorous math and science classes. Her move to allow more student support through a well-funded resource department of school psychologists, resource teachers and a speech pathologist has allowed the entire school to be run like a gifted program. Students graduating from The Frances Xavier Warde School regularly get accepted at the leading high schools in the city.
Erin Horne
Principal, Early Childhood
Erin Horne has worked at FXW since 1998, beginning as a 3rd grade classroom teacher. As she prepared for her 4th year at FXW, she was asked to assume more leadership responsibilities as the assistant principal. Erin earned her Masters in Educational Leadership through Concordia University and transitioned from assistant principal to principal in 2007. Erin is looking forward to continuing her work with the preschool teachers on curriculum and working with the children and parents to make the learning experience at FXW the best for every child.
Kate O’Brien
Lower School Principal (K-3)
Kate O’Brien began her career at FXW in January 1998 as a 4th grade assistant teacher. Over the years, she taught preschool, 1st and 2nd grade. September 2010 marked Kate’s first year as Principal of the OSP Campus. Kate earned a Masters Degree in Language and Literacy and was part of the Catholic Educators Co-hort Program at Loyola University, earning a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership. Kate thoroughly enjoys being an administrator working with teachers on the curriculum and partnering with the students and families to best meet the needs of their children.
D. Michael Veitch
Middle School Principal (4-8)
D. Michael Veitch brings over 30 years of experience in urban and international education to FXW’s Gold Coast campus. Formerly Middle and High School Principal of the Lycée International American Section in suburban Paris and Director of American Programs at the Lycée Rochambeau in Washington, D. C., Mr. Veitch served most recently (2001-2008) as Director of Admission and Financial Aid at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
“From my first academic appointment as a Fulbright Scholar in France, I have always been associated with schools – both American and International – where high academic standards are the rule. But I’ve also learned from my years of middle school teaching (in Chicago’s Public Schools and abroad) that in order for children to thrive in school, there need to be vital sports and music, drama and visual arts programs that encourage students to develop their talents outside the classroom too.”
This “work hard, play hard” ethic is what Mr. Veitch brings to FXW in his post of Holy Name Campus Principal.
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