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Jun 15, 2011

Ellen Jockusch Named New Head of St. James' School, Austin

Ellen Jockusch
Student & Ellen Jockusch pose for parent photo (Bob Kinney)

After being formally installed as Head of St. James’ Episcopal School in East Austin, Ellen Jockusch looks forward to late August when a new program for toddlers and two-year-old children highlights the opening of fall term.

 

“Our new Active Learning Program will enhance each child’s social-emotional, language, physical and cognitive development,” said Jockusch who joined the St. James’ community last summer as Interim Head of School. “Active Learning nicely complements our school’s existing curriculum for children aged three to five – a unique blend of strong Montessori-based pedagogy with an enriched and lively kindergarten-readiness curriculum.”

 

Jockusch was formally installed as Head of School during a festive May 12 ceremony with scores of students and their parents filling St. James’ Episcopal Church across the playground from the school. The Rt. Rev. Dena Harrison, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas, officiated at the ceremony that featured many students past and present.

 

Jockusch directed lay theological education master’s degree programs at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin before coming to St. James’. The San Antonio native attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin and earned degrees from Stanford and the University of Texas.

 

Beginning its 15th academic year August 22, St. James’ School draws 75 students from 27 different Austin area zip codes. The school’s racial mix is diverse, as is the economic diversity of its students’ families. 50 percent of students are enrolled with generous financial aid. Working parents appreciate the school’s full-day program.