It is not only the students that prepare themselves for the new school year. Behind the scenes, the school administrations prepare as well. The Catholic Islander sought updates on the four schools in the diocese.
"Praise and Progress" is the 2007-2008 theme at Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas. The administrative team identified three goals for the new academic year: preparation for reaccredidation; enhancement of the science, athletics and technology curricula; promotion of the successes of the school.
Pictured above left, Rev. Dr. George Franklin, President/Principal, and Patricia Rogers, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, plan Jaguar Pride, a monthly news and interview program for CTN-Channel 16, concerts by visiting gospel choirs on November 2 and January 23, an alumni reunion with silent auction on November 16 and a Red Ball on January 26.
At St. Joseph High School on St. Croix, the theme is "Advancing Academia through World Class Education, Knowledge, Creation, and Through Brokering New and Empowering Connections via Church, School and the Community." Hovensa will donate two trailers to meet the need for more classrooms.
St. Mary School on St Croix,.the theme is "Respect, Responsibility and Reflection." Goals include improved attendance, punctuality, and compliance with the uniform policy. The Student Council will be reactivated as well.
At St. Patrick School on St. Croix, the theme for the students is "Pride, Courage, Responsibility and Leadership," and for the faculty is "Let's Go the Extra Mile."Over the summer, the maintenance department painted the school, Ann Abramson of St. Patrick Church had her company renovate the students' restrooms, Julia Pankey of St. Patrick Church disposed of the old computers and the Men's Fellowship donated a refrigerator for the cafeteria. Members of the faculty and staff also prepared for opening day with a cleaning day. Pictured above right, left to right, are: (front row) Fr. John McLaughlin, Pastor of St. Patrick Church; Arlene Swanson, Grade 8; Jeannie Garcia, Secretary; Luciana David, Grade 6; Elizabeth Jacob, Grade 3; Julietta John, Grade 4; Deacon Lambert Heyliger, Maintenance; (top row) Pamela Tinsley-Moors, Principal; Sandra Howell, Grade 7; Melina Moors, Grade 8; Eva Francis, Grade 1; Prisca Aurelian, Kindergarten; Contancia Hodge, Spanish.
Fr. Kenneth Gaddy, CSsR, a member of the St. Joseph High School Board of Directors on St. Croix, shared words of wisdom at a faculty meeting on August 13.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * September 2007 * Page 4