Head of School Search
A Letter to the Community
June 2021
Dear Santa Catalina Community,
Thank you for the warm welcome! I am thrilled and humbled to have been appointed as Santa Catalina School’s fifth Head of School. Catalina’s values and commitment to educational excellence resonated with my own beliefs about the transformational power and purpose of independent schools from my first conversation with the search committee. During my visit, I was struck by the joy on campus, the grace of the faculty and staff, the appreciation students have for their experiences at Catalina, the commitment of the alumnae/i, and the positive involvement of current parents and guardians. I felt a sense of homecoming in the spirit and history of the school, and a deep appreciation for the Dominican-rooted value of hospitality that is embodied by so many people. It was clear that there is indeed something magical about Santa Catalina.
Every person with whom I spoke during my time on campus shared a deep appreciation for the caring and respectful Santa Catalina community. I want to hear your stories early in my first year to help inform our work together. In building on Meg Bradley’s legacy, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with all of you to achieve the goals set out in the strategic plan, while keeping the history of the school at the center of its future.
As a family, Carlos, my husband, Lydia (11), Luke (5), and I can’t wait to join all of you to celebrate life on campus. I’ll seek to learn about important annual class activities across all grades and dive into residential life. You’ll likely find us cheering on the Cougars on the sidelines at athletic competitions and enjoying student performances, in addition to participating in the treasured traditions of assemblies and chapel services. I’m especially excited to see Kris Kringles and Pumpkin Olympics as our family loves to celebrate and decorate for the holidays.
In closing, I thank the Board of Trustees for the trust and confidence in inviting me to serve Santa Catalina School. I look forward to partnering with the Board, colleagues, students, families, and alumnae/i to understand, appreciate, and honor Catalina’s impressive history and current work, while intentionally and tirelessly ensuring the school’s success for decades to come.
My family and I look forward to meeting all of you and becoming full members of the Santa Catalina community next summer!
With appreciation,
Dr. Barbara Ostos
Head of School Announcement
With optimism and excitement for Santa Catalina’s future, it is our pleasure to announce that the Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Barbara Ostos as Santa Catalina’s fifth Head of School, effective July 1, 2022.
Read our full announcement, which includes more information about Dr. Ostos and what she brings to the Catalina community.