St. John Vianney School announced Tuesday that Kailua resident Caryn DeMello will serve as the Windward Catholic school’s new principal.

According to a news release issued by the private Windward shool, which enrolls students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, DeMello "feels she has come full circle returning to SJV," where she was employed 25 years ago in an after-school care program. DeMello, who hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Honolulu’s Chaminade University has nearly two decades of experience as a teacher and administrator. Most recently, DeMello served as vice principal at St. Anthony School in Kailua.

In the release, DeMello said of St. John Vianney School: "The Catholic values, academic rigor, and implementation of 21st century skills at SJV is an exceptional educational opportunity for all."