Letter from Msgr. Hogan

Dear school parents,

This letter is a sharing of good news for our school. Although, unlike the election of a Pope, there is no white smoke that comes from the chimney, I can declare to you, “Habemus principalem; we have a principal!” In fact, I have two announcements for you; we also have an assistant principal.

Mrs. Rosanne Jodway will serve as principal of St. Fabian School and Ms. Courtney Nixon will serve as part-time assistant principal while continuing a role as part-time middle school teacher. I have attached personal biographies of each.

We had an incredible search committee that put in long hours, lots of prayer and energy during this process. I appreciate their expertise and enthusiasm during this process and thank them for all they did for the good of the school. It was obvious the Holy Spirit was very active and for this I glorify God.

Mrs. Jodway will begin on Monday, May 13. This will allow her an opportunity of introduction and familiarization with the activities of the school. She will work closely with Mrs. Kerwin in a time of turnover, and also work with Ms. Nixon in setting the focus for the coming year.

Let me take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Kerwin for accepting my request to serve as interim principal. When Mrs. Szuba accepted the offer to assist the Schools Office for the Archdiocese of Detroit when they were in a difficult situation, I knew it would be a tough row to hoe. I also knew that in working together,everyone would win. Mrs. Kerwin, thank you for your sacrifice and professional service to the school. You and your husband, Bob are a tremendous gift to the parish.

To the entire staff and faculty, thank you for your support in this time of transition. Change is always difficult, but it is also a great time to witness the grace and wisdom of God. We have all weathered the situation beautifully.

To you, the parents, thank you for the great sacrifice you have made to have your children at St. Fabian School; it’s a great school and getting better. Fr. Andrew and I make a point of being in the school as much as we can to support and build up your sons and daughters into men and women of God. Be assured of our prayers for your family that in all things, May God be blessed.

Wishing you God’s blessing and peace, especially in this Holy Season of Easter, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

​Monsignor Timothy D. Hogan Pastor

Letter from Principal ​Rosanne Jodway

I grew up in Livonia with my eight siblings in a traditional Catholic family. I attended St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Elementary School and Bishop Borgess Catholic High School in Redford. I acquired a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from the University of Michigan, a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University, and another Masters Degree in Catholic School Leadership from Madonna University. My work experience began as a police/fire dispatcher, and as a Field Manager/Product Sales Manager for the Girl Scouts. My education career began as a teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Farmington Hills, a Principal at Christ the King Catholic School in Detroit, and a Principal at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Fenton. Now, I have been offered the Principal position at St. Fabian Catholic School. I am very excited to share my knowledge and experience with the St. Fabian community. I live in the area and have joined the parish. I look forward to becoming an active member of the St. Fabian parish community.

My deep care and enthusiasm for youth development and promoting the Catholic faith has led me to this career choice in Catholic education for the past 28 years. Working in a Catholic school gives me the opportunity to watch the whole child grow and learn in all aspects of academic, social, physical, and spiritual realms. I enjoy building community among the staff, students, parents and parishioners. I believe in the teaching of virtues, such as kindness, honesty, patience, and tolerance, so that children will grow to become productive adults that contribute to their communities by living a virtuous life. I am grateful for a Catholic school where we can talk about God, and our faith.

I believe in community service as I have over 35 years as a Livonia Police Reserve Officer, an Instructor for the American Red Cross teaching CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding, and a Trainer and Leader for the Girl Scouts. Also, I have been an active member of my parish community, and previous Treasurer and Principal Representative for the Trinity Vicariate. 

I was married to my husband, Bill for 27 years until he passed away several years ago. In my spare time, I like to make quilts as gifts to people for special occasions. I keep a quilt book with a picture of the quilt and person that I made the quilt for. Also, I like to do cross-stitch pieces and then get them framed to hang up around my home. I enjoy going Up North to my cottage relaxing by the lake and going on long walks.

I am honored to serve your school community as a spiritual leader who promotes the Catholic faith and its traditions through the threefold mission of Jesus Christ-word, worship and service. I look forward to getting to know each of you in the months ahead!

Your Partner in Catholic education, 

Mrs. Rosanne Jodway

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Letter from Vice-Principal Courtney Nixon

I grew up in Catholic schools and have developed a love for the  faith-filled community that has given me so much. I graduated 8th grade from Our Lady of Sorrows and went on to graduate Marian High School. In 2009 I graduated from Madonna University with a degree in English, History, and Secondary Education. I earned my Educational Leadership Masters from Madonna University in 2013.

I have always known that my vocation was to be an educator. I started working in the after-school program while in high school at Our Lady of Sorrows. While earning my undergraduate degree, I became the Site Supervisor of the program. My first teaching job was at Everest Academy in Clarkston teaching middle school literature and grammar. I have spent the past seven years at St. Fabian Catholic School teaching at various times middle school religion, literature, drama, and creative writing.

I have been so blessed to be a part of the St. Fabian community. One of the programs that has been a wonderful opportunity to participate in has been the school play. I have directed it for the past five years and have seen firsthand the fabulous community we have at St. Fabian. Not only have I witnessed the outstanding potential of our students; but experienced first-hand our parents and alumni dedicate untold hours to come together and create an amazing production.

In my spare time, I have helped found a local community theatre and remain active both on and off the stage. I enjoy participating in various community service opportunities when I can and notably have served with the Cross and the Light production and have participated in mission trips, including one life-changing one to El Salvador. 

I am surprised, humbled, and honored to accept the position of part-time teacher and part-time Assistant Principal for the upcoming school year. I have worked with previous administrators and have helped develop discipline policies, the school handbook, the school schedule and more. It is my desire to continue serving and growing with this school community. 

Thank you so much for all of your love, support, and prayers to date. I ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers, and I will continue to do the same for all of you. I am excited to continue serving St. Fabian in this new capacity and look forward to another incredible year with all of you!

God Bless,
​
Ms. Courtney Nixon

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