Donna Noonan, formerly of the Mullen-Hall Elementary School in Falmouth, has confirmed that she has been hired as the new principal of the John W. Decas Elementary School.

"I am very excited about this new adventure," said Noonan. "It's such a unique opportunity."

Noonan has been principal at the Mullen-Hall School for the past nine years. Prior to that she worked as an assistant principal in the Dennis-Yarmouth School District for three years.

"I hope to bring a balance between taking the content, the knowledge, and making it real, making it practical, and getting a child excited about their education and fostering that excitement for learning, play, social development, and blending the academic and social worlds with kids interests and need for play," said Noonan.

Noonan will replace current principal Christine Panarese, who has served in the position since 2010. Panarese will reportedly be moving on to a position in Wareham Public Schools' central administrative offices.

Wareham Public Schools Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood did not respond to a request for comment.

To sum up her outlook on elementary education, Noonan said she believes in every child's desire to succeed.

"I think every child comes to school wanting to do his or her best, and it's our job to find ways to make that happen," she said.