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

According to a news release issued by the private Windward school, which enrolls about 175 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 holds 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 she 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."