Sept. 5, 2018

MASSENA – Trinity Catholic School recently welcomed and hired Joyce Giroux as the school’s new principal.
Mrs. Giroux is not new to Trinity, having worked as the school’s music teacher for 24 years, teaching general music, band, instrumental lessons and chorus, as well as directing 24 mini-musicals throughout her tenure.
Giroux received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education from the highly selective Manhattan School of Music, as well as an Educational Administration Certification from the University of Montana. She taught grades Kindergarten through 12 at schools in Brooklyn, New Jersey and Montana, before settling in Massena in 1994.

Giroux would looks forward to the opportunity to serve and give back to the Trinity Community that welcomed her with open arms 24 years ago. “I have overcome some tragedies in my life that have given me the ability to help people see through the difficult times and treat them with empathy and compassion. I accept the challenge of continuing the legacy that has been established through the years and ask for prayers and support as I work hard to offer a well-rounded Christian education to our students,” she said.

NEW TEACHERS
In addition, Trinity Catholic welcomed and hired three new teachers.

Alanna Tyo will be working in Kindergarten. Ms. Tyo holds a Bachelor’s degree in French as a Second Language from the University of Ottawa and will finish her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in December 2018. Tyo comes to TCS with 8 years of teaching experience. Tyo aims to “bring joy to the classroom while allowing students the chance to become creative, critical thinkers.”

Christine Millhausen will be working in third grade. Mrs. Millhausen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology as well as her Master’s Degree with a Concentration in Reading, from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Millhausen comes to TCS with 11 years of experience in Special Education, and as a classroom teacher in public and private schools in Kindergarten and grades 3- 6 in schools in Texas, the Bronx, and the North Country. Millhausen says, “It’s very important for me to motivate my students to not only succeed academically but to also give them the skills to achieve in all aspects of life. I feel an essential part of teaching is to show children how to properly respect/treat others and themselves.”

Mrs. Jamie Barnum will take Mrs. Giroux’s position as the school’s new music teacher. Barnum has owned and operated a private piano studio for many years in Massena as well in Canada. She has been involved in accompanying in the community as well as serving at Sacred Heart for Saturday mass. Along with her degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music, University of Toronto and two years at a Theological College, Barnum is presently studying for her MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) certificate. Barnum’s experience has allowed her to teach in many settings over the years and she is excited to share once again in a private school system. Music education has been a source of great joy and fulfillment in her life and she is thrilled to pass on this passion to her new students at Trinity.

More information can be found on the school’s website at www.trinitycatholicschool.net.