Principal’s Welcome

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