|
St. Catherine Catholic School |
|
| History | |
|
I n August of 1972, four Benedictine sisters left Rapid City, South Dakota with visions of St. Catherine Catholic School in our minds. Sisters Anne, Bernice, Carol and myself (Sister Florence) traveled in two cars (one pulling a small U-haul). We had packed our personal items and treasured teaching materials leaving behind our old school, which had closed that spring. Answering the call of Mrs. Leonora Pike, president of the newly formed school board; we were on our way to California.Awed by the trip down Laguna Canyon and the sudden view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean, we were anxious to meet the people. Enthusiasm ran high among us over the idea that a group of parents would work so hard to keep a school open, but deep down we wondered what values the students and families of sunny California practiced. In the weeks, months and years ahead we experienced strong family life that exemplified the best in Christian living. The first year, St. Catherine Catholic School consisted of eight classrooms and the administrative area, with a small library just off of the office. The only trees were a small tree in the science area and the memorial olive tree. During the summer of 1972, the parents and the parish were dedicated to providing for the needs of the students and staff and so the rocky lower field then blacktop became an open green field. Soon the media center came into existence and the flagpole moved to its present site. The parish built the gym. Marines from El Toro built the large swinging bridge and slide area. Parents and Marines removed much of the dirt from the needed hill space with shovels and wheelbarrows. The Marines, who came after their day's work would enjoy a hearty lunch provided by the parents. More landscaping was done, trees planted (by parents or from birds scattering seed), lawn areas completed and finally at someone's suggestion a see-through wall was added to the area now used for science. Due to the wind, walls were put in place and then finally a roof completed the science lab. St. Catherine Catholic School was one of the first to take advantage of computers. Our first lab was in the small former library. A staff member donated the first computer and a Dominican priest from Africa was the first teacher. The next year a mobile lab parked in front of the school several afternoons and parents, teachers and students paid a fee to take computer lessons. Much laughter came from the mobile lab as each one gingerly but eagerly entered the new world of technology. The once unfinished area under the gym has its own history. From storeroom to music room to a classroom area for upper grade students in need of extra academic help; later on becoming a wonderful resource area for grades one through five and one of the first well-equipped school computer labs. It is now home to the kindergarten and computer lab. How can one condense the rich memories of twenty years? I could write several books, each one dedicated to a different aspect of life at St. Catherine Catholic School, once known as St. Catherine/St. Nicholas School with shared responsibilities on behalf of each parish.
I have focused on the history of the school, yet; equally important is the enthusiastic,
caring staff, some of whom were on the staff the twenty years while I was principal.
The staff and students were always an inspiration to me, and a myriad of programs
were offered through the help of many parent volunteers. I do know that it was
a privilege to be associated with the St. Catherine Catholic School community,
and that the time spent there is full of treasured memories.
|
|