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
508-765-3701

Fr. Peter Bui, Associate Pastor

Saint John Paul II Parish
508-765-3701

Mrs. Angela Symock, Principal

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Angela Symock was born and raised in Southbridge, MA. She had always dreamt of being a teacher and after a career change from insurance to 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 and is SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsed through the Massachusetts Department of Education.  She has worked for Trinity Catholic Academy since 2000.

She believes in a strong school community and works hard to organize different activities such as the Father Daughter Dance, Mother Son nights, and Breast Cancer Awareness. She and her husband have been married since 1996 and have two wonderful children.

Mrs. Paula Letourneau, Admin. Assistant

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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. Melissa Hilli, PreK

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Melissa Hilli is a life-long resident of Southbridge. She attended college in Longmeadow, Massachusetts where she earned her under-graduate degree. She is active in the local business, church and school community.

Melissa and her husband Ted celebrated their 25th year anniversary in 2016 and have two children who attended Trinity Catholic Academy preschool through grade 8. Their children are now attending Northeastern University in Boston where they are concentrating their studies in electrical engineering and forensic psychology.

Melissa was an aide in the preschool room for 12 years before becoming the lead teacher 4 years ago. Melissa is a certified preschool teacher with the State of Massachusetts. Melissa is also a Level 1 certified teacher in the Catechesis of the Good Shepard.

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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Mrs. Susan Sanelli (Permanent Sub), Kindergarten

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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.

Miss Angiolina Sanelli, Grade 3

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Angiolina Sanelli 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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508-765-5991
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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.

 

Ms. Jill Coughlin, Grade 5 | Grade 6-8 Social Studies

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508-765-5991
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Mrs. Teri Hensel, Grade 6 | Middle School English and Literature

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Ms. Caroline Galvinhill, Grade 7 | Middle School Math/Technology K-8

[email protected]
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Caroline Galvinhill is a resident of Rutland, MA.  During high school she taught church school and discovered a love for teaching.  She attended College of the Holy Cross, where she majored in mathematics, and was accepted into the teacher education program. In 2018, she completed an honors thesis and graduated magna cum laude with high honors in mathematics.

Ms. Galvinhill is SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsed through the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Ms. Galvinhill student taught in the fall of 2018 and worked as a long-term math and science substitute teacher at a Catholic middle school. She is excited to be at Trinity Catholic Academy.

 

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

[email protected]
Middle School Science
7th & 8th 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. Maridely Feliciano| Middle School Spanish

[email protected]
508-765-5991

My name is Maridely Feliciano.  I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to MA in fifth grade. I attended Worcester Public Schools, Becker College, and am  currently enrolled at American International College.  I have over 20 years of experience working with children and families.  I enjoy teaching World Language and Parent coaching  through Early Intervention.  I am happily married with 4 wonderful children ages  23, 14, 13, 5 and a  four month old granddaughter.  I am happy to join the Trinity Catholic Academy family where God is part of every child’s educational journey .

Mrs. Donna Nagelschmidt, Art, 6 Religion

[email protected]
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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 traveled for over twenty years with her family wherever the US Navy sent her husband.   She has taught in five dioceses making Trinity her fifteenth school.

Mrs. Nicole Ladd | Music and Movement/Music and Choir

[email protected]
508-765-5991

A native of West Virginia, Nicole Ladd attended Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia in pursuit of a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. In 2000, she moved to Connecticut, where she continued studying flute with Greig Shearer, principle flutist of the Hartford Symphony. In addition to numerous performances, Mrs. Ladd has maintained a private flute studio in her home for over twenty years. She has served on the faculty at Miss Porters School in Farmington, Connecticut and The Hartt School Community Division in West Hartford, where she instructed students of varying ages and skill levels, organized student recitals, and taught flute ensemble for the summer masterclass program.

Mrs. Ladd served for several years as an Activity Director at Renbrook Summer Adventure, an award-winning day camp in West Hartford, Connecticut. There she created a Music and Movement program for children in preschool through second grade. She also taught Music and Movement, recorder, and private flute lessons at St. Edward School in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Mrs. Ladd is currently the Coordinator of Religious Education at St. Edward Church, as well as Cantor since 2010.

Additionally, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree at Holy Apostles College & Seminary. She resides in Stafford Springs, Connecticut with her husband and two children.

Serving on the faculty at TCA since 2018, she joyfully helps students PK-2 discover their innate ability to make music.

Mr. Anthony Santilli, Physical Education

[email protected]
508-765-5991
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Anthony Santilli graduated from Southern Connecticut State University. He taught in the Southbridge Public School System for 33 years.

He has coached football, basketball and baseball at the high school level and college football at Holy Cross. He has 2 children, a daughter Tiffany and a son, Timothy.

Ms. Nadine Casey | Nurse

[email protected]
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Nadine Casey was raised in Worcester, MA and now resides in Holland. She attended Catholic schools graduating from Holy Name Central Catholic High School and St. Vincent School of Nursing.

Ms. Casey is volunteering as the nurse since retiring after 24 years from school nursing in the public schools. She served as the president of the Worcester School Nurses Union. She also serves as a Nursing Supervisor at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge. She has experience in pediatric and psychiatric medicine.

Ms. Casey’s daughter graduated from Trinity in 2008 and went on to graduate from Bancroft School in Worcester and Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME. Her daughter is currently continuing her education at University of California at Davis while residing in Cork, Ireland.

As a member of St. Anne-St. Patrick, she volunteers as a religious education teacher and Eucharistic Minister. She is also an associate member of the Little Sisters of the Assumption.

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

Mr. Gerard Proulx

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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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

 
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