New leadership named for Pope John Paul II High School in Slidell

New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond and Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. RaeNell Houston have announced that Father Patrick Wattigny and Ms. Nicole Alvares will assume leadership positions at Pope John Paul II for the 2017-2018 school year. Father Wattigny will take on the role of president and Ms. Alvares will take on the role of principal.  The team takes over from Martha Mundine who was named Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans earlier this year. 

“I am pleased to appoint Father Wattigny and Ms. Alvares to lead Pope John Paul II High School,” said Archbishop Aymond. “I have confidence that with their gifts and leadership Pope John Paul II High School will continue to grow and flourish as place of learning and passing on the Catholic faith.”

Father Wattigny will become Pope John Paul II High School’s new president for the 2017-2018 school year after having served as chaplain at the school since 2013. As president, Fr. Wattigny will oversee the advancement functions of the schools operations.  Fr. Wattigny has been a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for 23 years and brings over 17 years of experience working with Catholic schools to this role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of New Orleans and a Masters of Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary.  He will continue to minister to the community as pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell. 

Alvares brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of principal. As principal she will oversee academic and student affairs. Most recently, she has served as Director of Admissions at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans. Prior to her time at Ursuline she served as principal at St. Andrew the Apostle School in New Orleans (Algiers) for four years. Alvares holds a Masters in Education, Educational Leadership and a Bachelor is Education both from the University of Holy Cross and is currently working towards her doctorate in educational leadership. 

“I am grateful to Father Wattigny for his willingness to take on this new role with Pope John Paul II High School,” said Dr. Houston. “Together with Ms. Alvares’ experience in educational leadership, I believe Pope John Paul II High School will advance its mission to provide a Christ-centered educational environment in the Roman Catholic tradition that promotes academic excellence, nurtures faith development and fosters leadership among its students.”
Both Father Wattigny and Ms. Alvares officially assume their roles on July 1, 2017.