Welcome to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School
“Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” Corinthians 10:17
One of the first things I noticed about St. Mary Magdalen when I arrived, as a teacher, was how embraced I felt by the community. This is a place I could call home. We want you to call St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School home as well.
Welcome! My name is Bernadine Mahar – students call me “Dr. B”. I am the principal. Speaking on behalf of all our wonderful teachers and staff, we are excited to see you and looking forward to the Fall!
Let me tell you a little about myself. I grew up with five brothers and sisters in Maine, New Jersey and Michigan. I met my husband at a wilderness camp near the Everglades in Florida. My husband and I have lived on a little farm on Whidbey Island for 28 years. On our farm we have two dogs named Boots and Dottie, a cat named Jujube, 13 chickens and a bunch of apple trees. Our son Levi was raised on the farm but now lives in Arizona.
I’ve been a teacher, wilderness camp counselor, a school counselor, Dean of Students, and an elementary school principal for many years. Altogether, I’ve dedicated myself to education for over 35 years. I received my Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Washington in 2006.
I love to cook, go on walks, ride my bike, read, and play with Boots and Dottie. And, I love helping to make our school a safe, fun, productive and rewarding learning environment for students and families.
I hope you are playing, reading and having way too much fun with your family, and friends when you can see them, this summer. I hold great promise for the upcoming school year!
Stop by and say hello. I always welcome your visits, your questions, your suggestions – this summer and throughout the year.
Doing this work in a faith filled community is my pleasure and privilege.
Peace. Yours, first and always, for the students,
Bernadine A. Mahar, Ed.D