After 32 years of service, Principal Joe Wolf will retire from St. Matthew Elementary School at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Mrs. Amy Conlon, who has been a Regis Middle School teacher and Associate Principal for the past two years, will be his replacement.

Holding a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from St. Ambrose University, Conlon has taught sixth and eighth-grade mathematics and religion at Regis. She started teaching in Catholic schools six years ago when her family moved to Iowa. Conlon is now taking on the task of working with elementary students, in hopes of strengthening their faith and helping others.

“Working with elementary students is a part of my educational and leadership career that I have not had the opportunity to work in, and I look forward to this new adventure,” Conlon said. “The St. Matthew’s community has been one that has welcomed me with open arms and has such a great support system, in addition to a solid foundation.”

St. Matthew includes students in preschool through fifth grade. Conlon strives to develop students who are led by their faith and taught in a safe environment, much like Wolf did for over three decades. Wolf has been involved with Catholic schools for 56 years: 12 as a student, seven teaching, and as an administrator for 37.

“I love challenges, but after I turned 67 in September, I knew I could not surpass Sister Genevieve McDonald, who taught here untill she was 90 years old,” Wolf said. “Second: Rosie, my wife, and I wanted to be more active with our four grandchildren. Also, time was flying by too fast and we wanted to be able to visit places whenever the desire hit us. Lastly, but not the least, to be outside enjoying nature, golfing, fishing, walking, or just being able to  enjoy God’s great earth.”

Wolf is confident in Conlon’s abilities and looks forward to what is in store for St. Matthew Elementary School. Conlon will start her new position in July.

Maddye Cavanagh

News Assistant Editor