Caryn DeMello
St. John Vianney School in Kailua this year welcomes Caryn DeMello as its new principal, replacing Michael Busekrus.
DeMello, the former vice principal of St. Anthony School in Kailua, has been a teacher and school administrator for 19 years.
Her new job, which she started July 1, brings her back full circle to St. John Vianney. Raised in Kailua, she had worked in the school’s after-school program 25 years ago.
Herself a product of Catholic education, DeMello attended St. Anthony School, St. Francis School and Chaminade University of Honolulu where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership.
She and her husband Dean raised their two children, Kekai and Kapii, in Kailua, providing them also with a Catholic education.
Her desire to work with children and share her faith led her to fulfill her passion in education.
St. John Vianney School is rooted in the values of service, compassion and respect, and is developing the next generation of Hawaii’s leaders through its strong academic program, its faith education and the integration of technology into the discovery and learning process.
“The Catholic values, academic rigor, and implementation of 21st century skills at our school is an exceptional educational opportunity for all,” says DeMello.
The new principal announced the inclusion this fall of 3-year-olds in the early learning center.
“We can’t wait for their presence and the added joy they will bring to St. John Vianney,” she said.
“We are also excited about our new science classroom which includes a new lab offering our middle school students additional opportunities for scientific investigation and discovery,” she said.
“I am truly blessed to be a part of the St. John Vianney ohana and look forward to leading this community in changing the hearts, minds and lives of our keiki,” DeMello said.