Staff 

Principal: Mrs. Peggy Frederickson

Mrs. Frederickson earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education and a Minor in Early Childhood from St. Cloud State University. She has also achieved her Master's degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Education and Curriculum. She is licensed to teach Preschool through grade 6.
 
"I began my career teaching early childhood. After three years, I took a job teaching at St. Rose School in Proctor. A few years into teaching, I applied for the principal job. I was principal for four years. I came to St. John's School five years ago to teach first grade. After teaching one year, I was hired to take the principal position. My experience in Catholic schools has strengthened my faith and my belief that this is truly a wonderful environment to educate children. "
 
"I enjoy working with children and seeing the gratification that comes with how much they progress. I don't often get to teach in the classroom, but when the chance arises it is a nice change. I want to assure that generations to follow have the opportunity to attend St. John's School. The parents, faculty, and staff work hard to continue the tradition of providing a great education to children."
 
 
Pre-School: Mrs. Sue Knetsch 
Mrs. Knetsch earned a B.A.S. in Early Education from the University of Minnesota - Duluth. She has been in education since 1978, she started at St. John's School in 1991.
 
"I really enjoy being with young children. I love their energy and enthusiasm, their creativity, and their honesty. The are very refreshing, and I love watching their faces light up with excitement over some activity we are doing or when they have figured some problem out. They keep me young!"
 
"I knew I wanted to do something with children and teaching was the perfect choice. I like the freedom and hands-on experiences preschool allows. I've never regretted my choice!"
 
 
Kindergarten: Mrs. Alisa Louwagie 

Mrs. Louwagie has a B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education earned from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD. Her license ranges from Preschool through grade 6. Mrs. Louwagie also earned her Master's Degree from the College of St. Catherine in curriculum and instruction. She began teaching at St. John's School in 2000.
 
"There is never a dull moment in teaching - and nothing as fascinating as the mind of a child. I love watching the students learn new skills. The expression on a student's face when he or she has mastered a new skill is very rewarding."
 
"I chose to teach because I have always been interested in child development. I really enjoy watching a child grow and learn. I like to provide experiences and opportunities that enhance a child's development. Helping someone, especially a child, learn something new is very rewarding to me."
 
 
First Grade: Ms. Dawn Pavlovich 

Ms. Pavlovich has her B.S. degree in Elementary Education with a major in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Superior.  She is licensed to teach kindergarten thru sixth grade.  She began her teaching career at Pike Lake Elementary School and taught in 5th, 4th, and 2nd/3rd grade split for Proctor School District.  She then took some time off to raise three children. 
 
"Six years ago I became a substitute teacher for St. John's School.  This dedicated, kind and faithful community welcomed me with open arms and in 2009 I was blessed to become the first grade teacher." 
 
"I love working with children and delight in their stories, learning experiences, and mastery of concepts.  The miracle of reading begins in first grade and the transformation is remarkable to say the least.  The enthusiasm and zest for life that these small children exhibit each day, is what makes my job so rewarding."
 
 
Second Grade: Mrs. Nadine Uremovich 

Mrs. Uremovich graduated from Bemidji State University with a B. S. in Elementary Education and concentrations in Science and Communication Arts and Literature.  She is licensed to teach kindergarten thru eighth grade.  Nadine began her teaching career in 2009 and started teaching at St. John's School in 2011. 
 
"Even before I earned my teaching degree, I spent countless hours volunteering in classrooms for my own children. I have always been dedicated to education and helping children experience success. St. John’s is a great place to teach. Not only do we practice and learn about our faith, but because class sizes are smaller than the public schools. I feel that I am able to make a real impact and prepare the students for their future."
 
 
Third Grade: Mrs. Laura Jerve 

Mrs. Jerve graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with a B. A. in Elementary Education and a concentration in science.  She is licensed to teach grades Kindergarten thru eighth grade.  Laura began her teaching career in 2005 and started teaching at St. John's School in 2010.
 
"Teaching has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.  Helping children grow in their learning and being able to see their pride and satisfaction is the biggest reward of being a teacher.  I feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful school and community here at St. John's."
 
"After teaching in only the public school system, it is so refreshing to see children incorporate their faith into the different subject areas as well as their daily interactions in the classroom.  I love being able to watch them learn new concepts and grow in their faith!"
 
 
Fourth Grade: Mr. Donald Goenner 
Mr. Goenner's B.A.S. degree in Elementary Education was earned at the University of Minnesota in Duluth, Minnesota. He holds a Minor in Music, is the school's science specialist for grades four through six, and has received training in Computer Technology at IBM in Minneapolis. He began teaching at St. John's School in 1988. He has been in education since 1980.
 
"I chose education as a career because I enjoy working with children. Seeing students struggle as they try to learn a new concept makes my heart reach out to them. I know that I can teach them the skills that will help them succeed and I enjoy seeing the spark in their eyes when they have mastered a difficult concept. God has given us all the gift of knowledge. We are the bearers of knowledge to our children."
 
"I came to St. John's School because I believe in private Christian education. Both of my own children attended St. John's and received not only an excellent education, but also a faith in God that has seen them through their difficult High School years. In a society where almost anything goes, St. John's School gave my children a bulldog grip on morality and ethics. I am pleased to be part of this educational institution."
Mr. Goenner has a web site. The address is www.goenner.us.
 
 
Fifth Grade: Mrs. Barb Sachs
Mrs. Sachs graduated from South Dakota State University with a BS degree in fitness administration and a minor in dance.  With her love for learning it didn’t take long for her to head back to college and receive her elementary education degree from Black Hills State University.  She’s been teaching in upper elementary for 11 years and is excited to be a part of the St. John’s School community.
 
“I believe Catholic education is the recipe for success for every student.  When we invite God into the classroom, have invested parents, and have inspiring teachers, students will grow and learn both academically and spiritually.”
 
“I am an out of the box thinker, and I like to develop creative, hands-on opportunities for my students to learn.  I simply love teaching!  This is my dream job, and I can’t believe I get to be here every day growing and learning with my students.”
 
Sixth Grade: Mrs. Marge Kaufer 
Mrs. Marge Kaufer earned her B.S. in Elementary Education at the University of Wisconsin - Superior. She also has a B.S. in Art which she earned at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. She is the math specialist for grades four through six. Her career began at St. John's School in 1993.
 
"Teaching energizes me. Pre-adolescents are a joy to teach. The rewards of watching students grow emotionally, spiritually, and academically are priceless. Every day has its own challenges and satisfaction. There's no other ministry like teaching at a Catholic school."
 
"I chose to teach because I can't imagine doing anything but teaching. Seeing the progress the students make in academics, social skills, and spiritual development is most rewarding."
 
 
Music Specialist: Mr. Scott Junkert 
Mr. Junkert earned his B.A. from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. Mr. Junkert began teaching at St. John's School in 1994, after spending many years teaching private music lessons. Scott is a professional musician who performs with many regional ensembles.
 
 
Physical Education Specialist: Mrs. Kyra Bremer 
Mrs. Bremer graduated from the University of Minnesota - Duluth earning a B.A.S. in K-12 Physical Education and K-12 Health Education. Mrs. Bremer also earned her Master's Degree from the College of St. Catherine in curriculum and instruction.She began teaching in 2000 and started at St. John's School in 2002. She also teaches a remedial and enrichment computer based program to students.
 
"I like to continue learning new things related to my area and then trying them in the class. I enjoy passing on that enjoyment of learning. There is always a student with a kind word or smile to enhance my day. I hope that I am able to give them some tools to better themselves and the world around them."
 
"I chose to teach because I think having a healthy body promotes self-esteem and the ability to learn in other areas. I enjoy being with the students and the teachers in an environment that values education as I do."
 
Support Staff 

Mrs. Mary Jo Lapcinski	Office assistant	office@stjohnsduluth.org
Mrs. Terri Jones	Office assistant / technology coordinator	office@stjohnsduluth.org
Mrs. Deb Eliason	Marketing director	market@stjohnsduluth.org
Mrs. Leah Kilsdonk	Classroom aide	jlkilsdonk@msn.com
Mrs. Susan Grohn	School nurse	susan.grohn@duluth.k12.mn.us
Mrs. Beverly Goenner	Piano teacher
Mrs. Kiersten Johnson	Scrip coordinator / event coordinator	kjohnson@stjohnsduluth.org
Mrs. Chris Shand	Latchkey coordinator
Mr. Eric Johnson	Facility management
Mr. Al Bobin	Building engineer