early childhood at st. joseph

At St. Joseph School, we believe that by providing education for your child we become a partner with each child’s parents. We create an environment that becomes an extension of the family and that provides excitement to a child’s increasing abilities. This environment establishes a healthy curiosity about their world, along with the belief that they are very special people. We are passionate about our children at St. Joseph School. You will see that exhibited in each teacher and in our desire to always go the extra mile for our children and their parents. We enjoy our children at St. Joseph School. Our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs are not structured with dittos, flash cards, and mandates. You will find our center to be child-based with music and programs designed for the distinction of children’s maturation levels. Art, puppetry, drama, math, computers, library, science, music, and gym are all a part of our day through play. With enthusiasm and encouragement from their teachers, the children explore centers, all the time learning valuable concepts through their joyful play. We have future authors, architects, gymnasts, builders, ballerinas, teachers, doctors, lawyers, mommies and daddies… all blooming at St. Joseph School. Finally, you will find joy at St. Joseph School. We truly believe that what we do leaves fingerprints all over society!

WElcome to Preschool

Hello, Wildcat Families! I'm Mrs. Lori Staat. I have been with St. Joe for about 14 years, and this is my second year as Lead Preschool Teacher. I have really enjoyed this role, and being able to watch the children learn and grow!
I graduated from Vincennes Lincoln High School in 1996. I had the benefit of being apart of sports, the band, and the art community during my high school years. After graduating, I studied Studio Art at Oakland City University and University of Southern Indiana. Education was always an interest of mine, so I added a Bachelors in Art Education after taking a break from school for a couple of years. 
My husband, Eric, and I married in 2006 here at St. Joseph Church and our son, slater, was born in 2007. He will soon be done with his high school years, and be moving on to college. We live in Princeton and run a small hobby farm and have a pack of chihuahuas! Being around all sorts of God's creatures brings me joy!
​I look forward to each year here at St. Joe, and meeting all of the newest little Wildcats!

WElcome to pre-kindergarten

My name is Mrs. Sabrina Ice, and I am the Pre-Kindergarten teacher and Director of the Early Childhood program. Teaching is a true passion of mine, and I especially love working with the children here at St. Joseph School.
I have lived in Princeton most of my life and attended St. Joseph School from first through eighth grade. After graduating from Princeton Community High School, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood (Pre-K through 3rd grade) with mild intervention from St. Mary-of-the-Woods. I am the youngest of five children, with three sisters and one brother.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Shon. We have a daughter, Eva, and a son, Ean, as well as two dogs, Darla and Carver. While they keep me very busy, I also enjoy gardening, swimming, and finding creative new ways to support my students' learning.
I have been teaching at St. Joseph School since 1997 and absolutely love the Pre-K level. It is my mission to instill a lifelong love of learning in my students, and I strive to provide them with the same wonderful experience I had as a student here. This career was a lifelong dream of mine, and I have loved every minute of it.
I look forward to many more years of teaching at St. Joseph School.
My name is Maggie Dunn, and I am so happy to be starting my third school year(2025/2026) as a Pre-K aide here at St. Joseph School, where I also help manage our after-school care program.
I have spent a total of six years working in early childhood education. Growing up in Owensville as one of four siblings, I always knew my heart was set on working with either animals or young children. In fact, I worked in a veterinary office before realizing that my true calling was in the classroom! I absolutely love getting to form bonds with my students and experiencing the world through their curious eyes. I will forever cherish the “Hi Miss Maggie!”s, high fives, and hugs I receive from past students as I see them passing in the hallways. 
My connection to St. Joe runs deep. While I was born in San Diego, I moved to Southern Indiana when I was four and eventually graduated from Gibson Southern in 2018. My husband actually attended St. Joe from Kindergarten through 5th grade, and I officially joined the parish when we got engaged. We then got married at our then Sister Church, St. Bernard, in 2021. It is such a blessing to work in the same community where we worship and where my husband grew up.
Outside of school, my life is wonderfully busy! I am a proud "boy mom" to two little ones, Reese and Cooper. When I’m not chasing them around or playing with our Golden Retriever, Ginny, you can usually find me with my nose in a good book. I feel so lucky to be a part of your children’s lives and our wonderful school family!