Religious affiliation(s) Roman Catholic Staff 22 Founded September 1956 Province British Columbia | Principal Clive Heah Phone +1 604-467-1571 Color Green | |
School type Independent coeducational Motto "Christ is the center of all endeavours" School board Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA) Address 22589 121 Ave, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3T5, Canada Similar St Patrick's Catholic Church, Pitt Meadows Elementa, Meadowri School, Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows, Albion Elementary | ||
St. Patrick's School is a Canadian independent, coeducational Roman Catholic elementary school located in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
Contents
- History
- Christian education philosophy
- Religious education classes
- Masses
- Administration
- Uniforms
- References
As of September 2012, the school has about 185 students and 22 staff members.
The school and its parish was established in 1956.
History
In 1950, Father Steele began the task of building the school on five forested acres in the heart of Haney, now part of the larger district municipality of Maple Ridge. The school was opened in September 1956 with a co-educational enrollment of 128 students encompassing grades one to eight. The Sisters of St. Joseph of London, Ontario, were the first teachers. Sisters Winnifred, Appolonia and Wendelin aided Sister Eugene, the first principal.
Initially, only five rooms on the lower floor were available for the students' use, as the upstairs consisted of Father's living quarters, a confessional and a large hall where Mass was said. The students took their gym out of doors year round.
Much has changed at the school since its establishment. Kindergarten classes were introduced in 1970. To accommodate a growing enrollment, portable classrooms and the St. Patrick's Centre (gym) were later built. The last sister, Sister Sharon McNally, left in June 1985. The convent was changed into a school annex to include a larger library, a video room and two meeting rooms.
Currently the new wing of the school is being built. The wing will have three classrooms (grades five through seven) and one music room along with a male and female bathrooms. The library and meeting room will be restored in the Father Varelle Center.
Christian-education philosophy
The Christian-education program is designed to foster growth in the student's faith, in the knowledge of their faith, and in the understanding of themselves as Christian people. Prayer is said in the morning as well as at lunch time.
Religious-education classes
Participation in the religious-education classes is an integral and vital part of the education and formation of each student in the school. It helps lead them to study and learn the history and content of the Catholic faith. The objective remains to create in them a deep and lifelong love for the Church, its sacraments and prayer life. The religious-education classes take place during the school hours.
Masses
The importance of the Mass is recognized at the school both as a way of increasing the faith of the individual and helping in the building of Christian community. On the first Friday of each month, there is a school Mass in the church. There is an additional Mass for only the primary and intermediate grades once a month.
Administration
The pastor is Rev. Father Richard Au STL since Summer 2005.
Clive Heah is the principal and the school board is the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA).
Uniforms
All students must wear a uniform. The stated purpose for uniforms, often set forth in school-uniform policies, include reducing clothing expenditures for parents as well as avoiding distinctions among children based on whose parents can afford to buy them fashionable clothing to wear to school. The conservative clothing is also said to reduce distractions and help with student identification, ensuring that a stranger will stand out among the uniformed students. It also helps show a sense of modesty by all students.