New Year, New Faculty and Staff Members

It’s still early, but we asked our new faculty and staff members for their first impressions of Saint Viator, and their answers are impressive.

Take new Principal Jon Baffico. He can be seen each morning greeting students as they arrive, and later, he spends some of the lunch periods with them. 

“I have been incredibly impressed with the passion, enthusiasm, and sincere care for the building and people that make Saint Viator a vibrant place to be,” he said after the first day of school. 
 
“I’m excited to get to know the students,” he adds, “and their families, as well as watch them perform on the court, field, or stage.”
 
As for any surprises so far, he says: “I can honestly say I have not been surprised by anything, rather my experience has been more of an affirmation about Catholic schools and the sense of community its structure brings.”
 
Mark Rychlik joined the Saint Viator staff in July as Director of Building and Grounds, and he hit the ground running. Over the last six weeks, he has overseen the construction of the two new engineering classrooms and renovation of the chapel, as well as exploring ways to improve the building’s security.
 
He brings a background in teaching and administration to his role, having spent the last 15 years at a charter school in Chicago, where he taught P.E. and coached the football team before serving as the athletic director for 11 years. 
 
“At a charter school, you wear many hats,” Mr. Rychlik explains, pointing to the many construction projects he oversaw at the school. Plus, he worked for his father’s construction company during high school and college.
 
When he sought to make a career change, he only looked at Catholic schools. Landing this administrative role at Saint Viator, which merges his background in education and construction, was an answer to his prayers.
 
“I was just so grateful when Fr. Dan called to offer me the job,” Mr. Rychlik says.
 
Mr. Joshua Shirley joined the social studies department this year. He has a degree in Education with a Social Studies endorsement -- and his Master’s in school administration -- from Wichita State. Interestingly, he also earned a Master’s in Positive Coaching and Psychology from the University of Missouri. Previously, he taught at a high school in Kansas.
 
He describes how friendly and accommodating everyone has been so far as he transitions into a new school: “The students were involved in classroom material on the first days and are ready to learn. I am very excited for the opportunity to teach at a school with such a great culture and climate where everyone is there with a smile ready to help.”
 
Dianne Marshall is the new Campus Minister. She earned a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies and Psychology from Albion College and a Master’s in Christian Doctrine from Marquette University.
 
While it’s too early to involve students in retreat and liturgy planning, she describes being impressed with the students she has met so far.
 
“The students I have met are enthusiastic and passionate about the sports and activities they are involved in,” Ms. Marshall says. “I find some of the classes that are offered here fascinating as an alum of Benet Academy, we certainly did not have as many exciting electives offered.” 
 
Nathan Suire joined the theology department from St. Patrick High School in Chicago. He has a B.A. in Theology and Philosophy from Moody Bible Institute and a Master of Divinity from Duke University Divinity School. 
 
“Just in the last few days, I can tell that Saint Viator students are hardworking, well-mannered, motivated, and intellectually curious,” Mr. Suire says. “I am really looking forward to teaching the students the fundamentals of the Catholic faith and Christian discipleship and emphasizing the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Catholic faith as well as the importance of having a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Rachel Brochu joins Saint Viator’s fine arts department as the new choral director. She splits her time between Saint Viator and St. Theresa School in Palatine, and consequently, she’s delighted to have some of her former students from St. Theresa – and Queen of the Rosary in Elk Grove Village – again. “With two choir rehearsals under my belt, I can say that these kids are awesome,” Ms. Brochu says. “I'm so excited to make music with them this year. And running into so many of my former students, well, it’s so fun to see them all grown up.” 

Ann Heltzel is the new computer science teacher, and she brings both corporate and high school experience to the role. She spent 14 years in the IT department at Harris Bank and United Airlines, before spending 19 years at Lake Zurich High School. When she’s not teaching, she serves as a reader for the College Board Computer Science A exam and contributes materials to the Princeton Review Computer Science A review book. She has a busy course load, teaching five computer science courses, but her transition has been smooth. “Everyone is very welcoming,” she says, “and the students are great.”
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Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.