Jim Meredith is the new principal at Archbishop Ryan.
The Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education last week announced the appointment of Jim Meredith as principal of Archbishop Ryan High School.
Meredith, 39, had been one of the school’s three assistant principals. He replaces Helen Chaykowsky, who retired after 11 years as Ryan principal and 48 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia system.
Meredith has been at Ryan since 2001, serving in teaching and administrative positions. He had been assistant principal for academic affairs since 2006.
“His experience and knowledge of our school makes him uniquely qualified for the position,” said school president Mike McArdle. “Both his background and his experience are attributes that make him an outstanding choice. He knows Ryan. He knows the faculty, the students and the parents. We are excited to be able to have him assume the duties of principal and look forward to his leadership.”
Meredith is a graduate of DeSales University. He has a master’s degree in education from Cabrini College. He has been a presenter on the use of technology in education at the last two National Catholic Educational Association conventions.
In a statement, he said, “I am both grateful and humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Office of Catholic Education. I want to thank my predecessor, Miss Helen Chaykowsky, whose distinguished leadership and grace guided our school for 11 years.
“As a member of the Ryan family for 12 years, I have worked with countless talented educators and students who make our school truly stand out as a special place in Philadelphia. I look forward to continuing our reputation as a school that produces students who are leaders charged with answering the call to solve the challenges of our 21st century.”
A 1992 graduate of Father Judge, Meredith formerly taught fifth grade at St. Katherine of Siena and at Monsignor Bonner High School. He is also a former sports writer for the Intelligencer newspaper. He and his wife, Kate, have four daughters and live in Fox Chase.
Meredith was in China at the time of his appointment, speaking with students there about attending Ryan. He wrote a letter to the Archbishop Ryan family, stating in part, “Here on Academy Road we, as our mission statement reminds us, are ‘empowering students to become contributing members of our Church and society.’” ••
