By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: FILE PHOTO
Douglas Romanik, Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep�s first lay principal, is pictured here with graduate Jessica Velasco, who is now finishing her sophomore year at Iona College in New York, where she was awarded a scholarship.
MIAMI � Archbishop Curley Notre Dame 6 to 12 Prep marked a landmark moment in its 58-year history with the appointment of Douglas Romanik as its first lay principal.
The school has been administered by the Congregation of Christian Brothers since 1985. From its founding to 1981, when the all-boys Archbishop Curley merged with the all-girls Notre Dame Academy, the school has been headed by priests of the Archdiocese of Miami and Diocese of St. Augustine, by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, by Sisters of St. Joseph, and by Brothers of the Holy Cross.
The school will continue to be a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Schools North and South America and the brothers will continue to work in teaching, counseling, and administrative roles.
�I am very excited that the Archdiocese of Miami has appointed Mr. Romanik,� Brother Moffett said. �His experience and commitment will continue to have a significant impact on advancing the school�s spirit and tradition.�
Romanik, who graduated in 1984, is one of 13 family members who have graduated from Archbishop Curley, Notre Dame, or Curley Notre Dame. He lives in Miami Shores with his wife Haydee and has three daughters, two of whom are current students at the school. The other attends St. Rose of Lima.
During his seven-year tenure at the high school, Romanik has worked as vice principal for student services, dean of students, and economics and government teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College, a law degree from the University of Miami, and a master�s degree in educational administration from Barry University.
Prior to his work at Curley Notre Dame, he practiced law for several years until assuming the responsibility of running a family-owned business.
�In the United States, a Catholic education began as a way to accommodate Catholic immigrants who were unable to assimilate into public schools that, at the time, did not provide programs or care for non-English speaking students,� Romanik said. �The Catholic school system, from its founding moment, has provided an excellent education while instilling moral values. As new principal, it is my mission to continue in this mode by ensuring that a Catholic school education remains affordable and available to all families despite economic, religious, or cultural backgrounds."
As Romanik moves into his new role, the school is making plans to embrace technology and the world of digital learning. This fall, iPads and E-texts will supplement traditional printed textbooks for all students at no additional cost to the family.
Yet the school also will remain firm in its commitment to providing an individualized learning program for each student, with guidance counselors always available to provide assistance and small classroom size allowing teachers to assess the needs of their students and give them individual attention.
Romanik, an alumnus and current vice principal for Advancement, succeeds Christian Brother Patrick Sean Moffett, who has served as principal for the past eight years.
The school has been administered by the Congregation of Christian Brothers since 1985. From its founding to 1981, when the all-boys Archbishop Curley merged with the all-girls Notre Dame Academy, the school has been headed by priests of the Archdiocese of Miami and Diocese of St. Augustine, by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, by Sisters of St. Joseph, and by Brothers of the Holy Cross.
The school will continue to be a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Schools North and South America and the brothers will continue to work in teaching, counseling, and administrative roles.
Photographer: FILE PHOTO
Douglas Romanik, an Archbishop Curley Notre Dame alumnus and current vice principal for Advancement, succeeds Christian Brother Patrick Sean Moffett, who has served as principal for the past eight years.
Romanik, who graduated in 1984, is one of 13 family members who have graduated from Archbishop Curley, Notre Dame, or Curley Notre Dame. He lives in Miami Shores with his wife Haydee and has three daughters, two of whom are current students at the school. The other attends St. Rose of Lima.
During his seven-year tenure at the high school, Romanik has worked as vice principal for student services, dean of students, and economics and government teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College, a law degree from the University of Miami, and a master�s degree in educational administration from Barry University.
Prior to his work at Curley Notre Dame, he practiced law for several years until assuming the responsibility of running a family-owned business.
�In the United States, a Catholic education began as a way to accommodate Catholic immigrants who were unable to assimilate into public schools that, at the time, did not provide programs or care for non-English speaking students,� Romanik said. �The Catholic school system, from its founding moment, has provided an excellent education while instilling moral values. As new principal, it is my mission to continue in this mode by ensuring that a Catholic school education remains affordable and available to all families despite economic, religious, or cultural backgrounds."
As Romanik moves into his new role, the school is making plans to embrace technology and the world of digital learning. This fall, iPads and E-texts will supplement traditional printed textbooks for all students at no additional cost to the family.
Yet the school also will remain firm in its commitment to providing an individualized learning program for each student, with guidance counselors always available to provide assistance and small classroom size allowing teachers to assess the needs of their students and give them individual attention.
