Linda Anderson named next principal of St. Bernard High School

Linda Anderson will take over the helm at St. Bernard Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg in June. Bishop McManus appointed Ms. Anderson principal of the high school, at the recommendation of Catholic Schools Superintendent David Perda and Michael J. Clark, associate superintendent of secondary schools.
Ms. Anderson succeeds Robert Blanchard Jr., who has been principal since 2004. Mr. Blanchard will remain active at St. Bernard until the end of the school year.
Ms. Anderson has served on the faculty of St. Bernard since 2010. In 2014, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year, and she is a two-time recipient of the National Honor Society’s Excellence in Character Award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin and ancient history from Mount Holyoke College, where she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. In addition to teaching, she has advised extracurricular groups, including the Latin Club, Campus Ministry, and Student Government. Previously, she taught at Trinity Catholic Academy in Southbridge
“I am honored to be part of the leadership team of such an exceptional and vibrant community,” Ms. Anderson said. “St. Bernard brings with it so many rich traditions that deserve observance while we continue to take part in its evolution. I am eager to get to work with my fellow colleagues, to set up a leadership team, and to collaborate with all of the families that have cherished St. Bernard since its foundation.”
Mr. Blanchard will remain involved with the St. Bernard community and will assist with the leadership transition. Before becoming principal, he was a mathematics teacher there for 31 years.
“We are fortunate to have such a strong faculty at St. Bernard,” said Superintendent Perda. “I am excited at the prospect of beginning this new era at St. Bernard and I fully expect the leadership of Ms. Anderson will translate into a bright future for the school.
“I am grateful to Mr. Blanchard for his decades of dedication to the Bernardian community and his deep commitment to Catholic education. His decision to remain active will be beneficial to everyone. It speaks volumes about his passion for the school,” Mr. Perda said.
St. Bernard’s is one of three Central Catholic high schools in the diocese, including Holy Name and St. Peter-Marian, both in Worcester.