About TCA

 

Welcome from the Principal

Welcome! If you are reading this letter, it means that you have taken an interest in our school.

THANK YOU for taking the time to check out our website.  We have worked hard to make it user friendly and informative.  A great way to see what Trinity has to offer is by reading through the faculty and staff biographies, along with the grade and course descriptions.

The primary reason for our existence as a Catholic school is to provide our students the opportunity to grow in faith and community service, leading them to an awareness and understanding of social justice.  My goal as Principal is to create an environment where students feel empowered to be their best and fall in love with learning.

We are so very proud of our school and look forward to a bright future as we continue to expand our academic and extracurricular programs, acquire new technology, and continue to form our students in the Faith.  We take pride in helping our students develop strong foundations of compassion, academics, and faith that they take with them long after they graduate from TCA

As the last Catholic school in the Tri-Community area (please see our history), we welcome students from a number of towns in South Cenral Massachusetts.  We further look forward to welcoming you to our campus at 11 Pine Street, Southbridge, MA so that we may share with you the school where students build relationships that last a lifetime.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Angela Symock

 

 

 

Mission Statement

Trinity Catholic Academy, a Pre-K to Grade 8 STREAM school, promotes academic excellence, the arts, athletics, and character through respect, compassion, and service, among our diverse family, inspired and guided by the wonder, beauty, and power of the Holy Trinity.

History of Trinity Catholic Academy

The first Catholic school in the Southbridge area was opened by the pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish, Fr. John Drennan invited the Sisters of Saint Joseph to teach in the former Saint Peter’s church in 1889.

For almost forty years the reconditioned church served as the parish school. In 1936, Fr. Mullins, the pastor of the parish then completely renovated the school, providing such modern conveniences at the time as electric lights and clocks.

In the years that followed there were double grades for the elementary school on the first floor and the high school occupied the second floor, complete with a science lab housed in a tiny room over the main doorway.

New Changes

The next major change came in 1959 when the parish broke ground next to the school in what had been used as a ball field to build a modern high school. The new Saint Mary’s High School welcomed its first students in 1961 and the first class completely through the new school graduated in 1964.

The following year the school merged with Notre Dame High School and was known as Marianhill High School, a diocesan institution.

Three Schools into One

In 1988, Marianhill High School and Saint Mary’s Grammar School, along with the recently opened Saint Mary’s- Marianhill Junior High School merged into a single institution to be run by the diocese. These three schools now a unit were obviously named for the Trinity: Trinity Catholic Academy.

For various reasons, among them financial, the high school closed in 1991. The following year the grammar school moved into the high school building and eventually out of the home it had known for over a century.

That building was tragically lost in fire in December 1999.

However, the power and gift of Catholic education is solid and strong in the building that now houses Trinity Catholic Academy.

School Facts

  • TCA is a family where mutual respect, encouragement, and genuine interest in the educational development of our students is fostered and expected.
  • Accredited academic excellence. Trinity Catholic Academy is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) with membership in NCEA and NECACE.
  • Offering students the advantage of over 120 years of excellence in Catholic education.
  • We are a private independent learning institution serving children and their families from Pre-Kindergarten through the 8th grade.
  • Graduating students are accepted to high schools of their choice including St. Pauls, Bancroft School,  Marianapolis, Notre Dame Academy, St. Johns, Worcester Academy, Pomfret Academy, Woodstock Academy and Bay Path Regional Vocational, Wilbraham-Monson Academy, Tantasqua Regional, Shepherd Hill, and Southbridge High.
  • Offering full day Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
  • Offering students an opportunity for prayer and patriotism by gathering every morning as a school to pray, pledge allegiance, and sing as well as many other opportunities for prayer.
  • 21 faculty and staff with 7 having advanced degrees.
  • Favorable teacher to student ratio
  • Busing is available to all Southbridge residents who meet the mileage requirements as stated by the town.

Faculty & Staff

Fr. Carlos Ardila, Pastor

Saint John Paul II Parish
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Fr. Peter Bui, Associate Pastor

Saint John Paul II Parish
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Mrs. Angela Symock, Principal

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AngelSymock was born and raised in Southbridge, MA. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1999 from Nichols College. Although she had always dreamt of being a teacher, she initially began her career in insurance before transitioning into education. She received her initial teaching licensure in 2000. Angela graduated from Anna Maria College with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2005 and earned a Certificate for Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in 2015. She is also SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsed through the Massachusetts Department of Education. Angela has worked for Trinity Catholic Academy since 2000 and was named Principal in 2021.

Ms. Sarah Hann-Gauthier, Admin. Assistant

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Sarah is the Administrative Assistant at Trinity Catholic Academy and has been a proud resident of Southbridge for the past 12 years.  She spent many years working as an early childhood educator, earning multiple certifications along the way.  This experience allowed her to develop a strong foundation in child development, a deep love for working with children, and valuable customer service and organizational skills that she now applies to her current role. 

Outside of school, Sarah is grateful to share her life with Connor, and two daughters who are both students at Trinity Catholic Academy.

 

 

Mrs. Paula Letourneau, Bookkeeper

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Paula Letourneau was born and raised in Southbridge and has lived in the community all her life. She attended Notre Dame Elementary School until they closed in her 8th grade year. She is a strong believer of Catholic education.

She received her Associates Degree from Bryant College in Smithfield, RI with a degree in Secretarial Accounting. Paula and her husband Conrad raised two children who both attended Trinity Catholic Academy and have gone on to successful careers.

Mrs. Samantha Rivernider, PreK

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Ms. Rivernider was born and raised in Charlton, Massachusetts, and now proudly calls Woodstock, Connecticut home.  She has dedicated her entire career to early childhood education, bringing over nine years of hands-on experience working with children from infancy through preschool.

Ms. Rivernider is certified across the board in infant through preschool care and has completed extensive educational trainings, including coursework in child growth and development.  Her strong educational foundation allows her to thoughtfully support each child’s unique developmental journey while fostering confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

A true animal lover and Disney fanatic, she is also a proud mom to a daughter who is the brightest part of her world. Ms. Rivernider brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a big heart into her classroom every day, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, deeply loved, and excited to grow and learn.

 

Mrs. Sandra Lomme, PreK Aide

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My name is Sandra Lomme and I am the preschool aide. I have lived in Southbridge since I married my husband Sam thirty-four years ago. Previously, I grew up in Sturbridge. We have three sons, Matthew who is married and has two beautiful children with his wife Tammy. Bryan, who is also married and lives in Braintree with his wife Nicole and a third son, Timothy .

My three boys attended Trinity Catholic Academy and have done very well. I myself attended the school when it was known as St. Mary’s Elementary School. I previously worked at Trinity while my two older boys attended as the school secretary and am happy to be back working in the Pre-School.

Mrs. Kelly Harold, PreK Aide

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Kelly is deeply committed to building positive, meaningful relationships with everyone she meets.  Kindness, empathy, and putting others first are values she lives by each day, both personally and professionally.  As a Pre-K aide, her goal is to create a welcoming, nurturing environment where young learners feel safe, supported, and excited to grow.  She strives to ensure every child feels seen, heard, and truly valued as they take their first steps in their educational journey.

Kelly is the proud mom of three, which she considers her greatest achievement.  Two of her children attended Trinity, a place that has always felt like a second family to her, filled with love, connection, and a strong sense of community.  This personal connection deepens her commitment to supporting Trinity’s youngest students with patience, care, and compassion.

 

Ms. Catherine Villa, Kindergarten

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Catherine Villa grew up in Auburn and attended Catholic schools through college. In 2020, she graduated from the College of the Holy Cross. She is an active member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Webster and serves as an advisor for the Society of St. Peter & St. Paul, the Catholic student group at Holy Cross.

Ms. Villa joined Trinity in 2024, bringing a strong foundation in early childhood education. Prior to working at TCA, she spent three years teaching preschool, where she developed expertise in early literacy, social-emotional development, and classroom management. She has also completed numerous professional development courses through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, strengthening her understanding of child development and best practices for early elementary learners. These experiences have well prepared her to support and inspire students in the kindergarten classroom.

 

 

Mrs. Alejin Del Valle, Grade 1

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Alejin Del Valle is a resident of Southbridge, MA and a member of St. John Paul II Parish. In 2009 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Education & Care from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.

Mrs. Del Valle is SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsed through the Massachusetts Department of Education. She is also pursuing her Master Catechist Certificate through Dayton University.

Prior to working at Trinity Catholic Academy, she worked in a preschool program for 17 years. She and her family are happy to be part of the Trinity Catholic Academy family where they can share their faith and love in God.

Ms. Deborah Curran, Grade 2

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Deborah Curran grew up in Shrewsbury. She now lives in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. She is also a graduate of Holy Name Central Catholic High School. Ms. Curran is a 1982 graduate of Assumption College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She received her teacher’s certificate from Worcester State College in 1984.

Ms. Curran has taken Master’s courses and also continues her education through a variety of workshops and courses. She currently is pursuing her Master Catechesis certification through the Diocese of Worcester and is SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsed through the Massachusetts Department of Education. Ms. Curran has been teaching at Trinity Catholic Academy since 1987. She taught twelve years in first grade before moving to second grade.

Mrs. Angiolina Brady, Grade 3

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Angiolina (Sanelli) Brady lives in Southbridge, MA. She graduated from Trinity Catholic Academy in 2008 and then went to Holy Name High School in Worcester, MA. In 2016, she graduated from Elms College with a Bachelor’s in Education. She is currently enrolled at Elms College to obtain her Master’s degree. Angiolina is also an active member of St. John Paul II Parish in Southbridge MA, where she is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. When not working, Angiolina enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

 

Mrs. Lori Primavera, Grade 4

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Lori Primavera was born in Southbridge. She is a graduate of Marianhill Central Catholic High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Secondary Education from Worcester State College and was a member of the National Biological Honor Society. She began as a Physical Education teacher in 1998 at Trinity Catholic and has been the Grade 4 teacher since 2005. She is married and has a son and a daughter who both graduated from Trinity Catholic Academy. Her son is currently a sergeant in the US Army and her daughter is a registered nurse.
Mrs. Primavera received the Tri-Community Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the year award in 2000.

Mrs. Primavera is pursuing her Master Catechesis certification through the Worcester Diocese. She also continues her education through a variety of workshops and courses and is SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsed through the Massachusetts Department of Education.

She was the camp director for the Bancroft School Summer Camp for over 10 years.

In 2013, Mrs. Primavera became a part of the Harvard Forest Schoolyard Long Term Environmental Research program.

Mrs. Primavera has coached the girls’ basketball teams for many years. She is also a co-advisor to the Student Council.

 

Mrs. Michelle Aronson, Grade 5

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Mrs. Michelle Aronson brings more than 33 years of experience in education to Trinity Catholic Academy. Mrs. Aronson is happy to be back home at Trinity Catholic Academy, where she enjoys teaching, supporting students, and growing in faith with the school community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Fitchburg State College, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Anna Maria College, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Bay Path University.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Aronson has taught high school special education as well as grades 5–8, serving students at Southbridge High School, Bay Path, Southern Worcester County Educational Collaborative, and Trinity Catholic Academy. She is certified in Special Education (K–12), is Sheltered English Immersion endorsed, holds ESL certification for grades 9–12, and has earned Master Catechesis certification.

Mrs. Aronson has been recognized as Teacher of the Year at Southbridge High School and was nominated for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Deeply committed to her faith, she enjoys supporting the Faith in Action Team and attending school events, especially basketball games.

Mrs. Aronson lives in Charlton with her husband, Daniel, and is the proud mother of an adult son, Sam, who attended Trinity Catholic Academy. She is a member of St. Joseph Church in Charlton and active in the Cursillo Community. Mrs. Aronson co-founded The Prom Closet, a charitable organization that has provided free prom dresses to nearly 1,000 young women over the past five years.

 

Mrs. Teri Hensel, Grade 6 | Middle School ELA and Literature

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Ms. Jill Coughlin, Grade 7 | Middle School Math/Technology K-8

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Ms. Colleen Casey, Grade 8 | Middle School Science and 7/8 Religion

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Ms. Colleen Casey was born & raised in Worcester, MA, and now resides in Holland, MA. She attended Catholic schools, graduating from St. Mary elementary and St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic High School. She attended Rivier University in Nashua, NH where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She taught for one year at Marta Christi School in Burlington, VT before coming home and began working at Trinity in 1992. She received her Master of Science degree in Education from the University of New England in Biddeford, ME in 2001. She continues her education through courses and workshops and is SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsed through the Massachusetts Department of Education. Ms. Casey has been an adjunct professor of biology at Quinsigamond Community College since 2015. She was a Program Director of Bancroft School summer camp for over 20 years.

Ms. Casey is currently pursuing her Master Catechesis certification through the Diocese of Worcester. She has been working with Harvard University with Harvard Forest since 2013 on a schoolyard research program with the 4th and 5th graders to study climate change.

Ms. Casey was recognized by the “Salute to Women Who Follow in the Footsteps of Founding Women Religious Educators” at Rivier University in 1998. She was nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year in 2000. She was the Tri-Community Area Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year for 2001. She was nominated to and was accepted into the Who’s Who of American Teachers.

Ms. Casey is a co-advisor to Student Council and volunteers on many committees. She is a member of and participates in accreditations for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a member of the National Catholic Education Association and the National Science Teachers Association and serves on the Worcester Diocesan science fair committee. As a member of St. Anne-St. Patrick parish, she is a Eucharistic Minister, teaches religious education and works with the youth group.

Mrs. Silvia Rey | Middle School Spanish

[email protected]
508-765-5991

Mrs. Silvia Rey was born and raised in Bucaramanga-Colombia.  She lives in Southbridge, MA.  She attended Catholic schools graduating from Colegio Nuestra Señora del Pilar.  She is a graduate of Autonomous University of Bucaramanga – Colombia where she majored in Computer Science Engineering and minored in Business Administration.

During her last years in college, Silvia loved teaching English and Computers in various schools in her home city part- time. During the summer, she ran summer programs for ICFES exam preparation and validation of English and/or computer subjects.

After graduation, she moved to the United States and started her career within the Optics industry.  Starting at United Lens Company, moving to Schott Fiber Optics and then back to United Lens where she works as a Compliance and Supply Chain Manager for the company.  

She strongly believes in community engagement and loves to share her faith with others. She is married to Alejandro Henao who is in his last year of preparation to become a Deacon for the Catholic Church. Her 2 daughters – Luisa and Sofia Henao went to Trinity from Pre-school to 8th grade.  Now, Luisa is in her freshman year at Nichols College and Sofia is in her freshman year at Marianapolis Prep.

When not working, Silvia enjoys traveling with her family and discovering new adventures.   

Mrs. Donna Nagelschmidt, Art

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Mrs. Nagelschmidt earned her degree in Elementary Education from
Salem State University. Always interested in the arts, she minored in
Theater Arts, apprenticed at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, and
has taught art and music at several schools in her career. Mrs.
Nagelschmidt moved back to Massachusetts after 20 years of travel
with her family wherever the US Navy sent her husband. She has taught
in five dioceses, making Trinity her fifteenth school. She has been a
member of the Associates of the Sisters of the Assumption since 2013.
Her home parish is St. John’s on Temple Street in Worcester.

 

Mrs. Nicole Ladd | Middle School Social Studies / Grade 6 Religion / Music and Movement / Music / Choir

[email protected]
508-765-5991

Nicole Ladd attended Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia in pursuit of a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. Mrs. Ladd has maintained a career in performance as well as a private flute studio in her home for over twenty years. She has served on the faculty at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, as well as at Renbrook School Summer Adventure and The Hartt School Community Division in West Hartford, where she instructed students of varying ages and skill levels, presented student recitals, and taught flute ensemble for the summer masterclass program.
Most recently, Mrs. Ladd earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut.  Serving on the Trinity faculty since 2018, she is a co-advisor for the Faith In Action Team (FIAT) and director of the Trinity Catholic Academy Choir.
A native of West Virginia, Mrs. Ladd now resides in Stafford Springs, Connecticut with her husband and two children, where she serves as cantor at St. Edward the Confessor Church.

Mr. Dan Aronson, Physical Education

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Dan Aronson is a graduate of Fitchburg State College where he majored in Communications Media and Minored in Psychology.
Upon graduation he spent time with several technology start up companies before starting his own consulting firm servicing many Fortune 100 clients.
He has been involved in youth sports for over 40 years.  He spent many years as the Program Director/Director of Basketball at the West End House Boy’s Club camp of Boston.  He has coached all age levels of Basketball starting in 1978.  He has been involved in the TCA Basketball program since 2002.
Dan and his wife have been married since 1987 and have one son who attended TCA.  They currently reside in Charlton.

Mrs. Kristin Clifford | Part-time Nurse

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Kristin graduated from Trinity Catholic Academy in 1995 and continued her catholic education at Holy Name High School in Worcester.  Upon graduation she attended Worcester State University and graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.  She started her nursing career at Framingham Union Hospital on a cardiac unit and spent 18 years there.  She then decided to come back and work in the community where she lives. She has spent the last three years working at UMASS Harrington, currently in the Step Down/ICU. She is certified in ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) and PALS (pediatric advanced life support).  She currently resides in Southbridge with her husband and two children who are both students at Trinity.  When not working she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling, especially to Disney World.

 

Advisory Board

Dr. David Perda, Superintendent

Rev. Carlos Ardila, Pastor

Rev. Peter Bui, Associate Pastor

Rev. John Franck, St Anne's/St. Patrick's

Mrs. Angela Symock, Principal

Mr. Brendan Murray, Chairman

Mrs. Mary Dowling, Co-Chair

Mr. Joseph Keyes

Mrs. Genevieve Pioppi, Secretary

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Mrs. Karen Loin

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Mrs. Josie Citta

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Mrs. Mary Kowal

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Mr. Josh Beu

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Trinity Catholic Academy Alumni

After graduation, our students have gone on to many prestigious and excellent high schools, colleges and universities.

High Schools

  • Bancroft School
  • Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
  • Marianapolis Preparatory School
  • Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science
  • Notre Dame Academy
  • Pomfret Academy
  • St. John’s Preparatory
  • St. Pauls Central Catholic High School
  • Shepherd Hill Regional High School
  • Southbridge High School
  • Tantasqua Regional High School
  • Wilbraham Monson Academy
  • Woodstock Academy
  • Worcester Academy

Colleges & Universities

  • Air Force Academy
  • Anna Maria College
  • Annapolis
  • Assumption College
  • Babson University
  • Bentley University
  • Bowdoin College
  • Bryant University
  • Embry-Riddle University
  • Liberty University
  • McGill University
  • Providence College
  • Rensselaer  Polytechnic Institute
  • Roger Williams University
  • Salve Regina University
  • Tufts University
  • UConn
  • University of Hartford – Hart School
  • University of Maine at Farmington
  • UMass
  • URI
  • Westfield State University
  • Worcester State University
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Global Citizenship

  • Food Drives for St. John Paul II  Food Pantry
  • Catholic Charities Toys for Tots
  • Festival of “Giving Trees”
  • Adopting Families at Christmas
  • Pink Hair for Breast Cancer
  • Jump-Rope-A-Thon for Heart Association
  • Basic Needs Bags for Homeless
  • Partnership with St. Luke’s House
  • Pennies for Haiti
  • Got Sneakers?

St John Paul II Parish