Dr. Matthew Powell, the first headmaster for a soon-to-open classical Catholic high school in Spokane, is a Notre Dame man from start to finish. A University of Notre Dame alumnus, he will now head the new high school named for Notre Dame – Our Lady.
One of the newer hands-on additions to St. Thomas More's ever-expanding C+STEM program is Aquaponics – the combination of aquaculture with hydroponics.
From the moment we sat down, it was clear I should have brushed up on my Latin. Ad majoriam Dei gloriam (A.M.D.G.), cura personalis, Magis, Ite inflammata omnia – all familiar phrases to those immersed in Ignatian spirituality – roll gracefully off the tongue of new Gonzaga Prep aluma, Liza Christopher. Christopher holds dear the tenets shared by the students and staff of Prep, and credits the Catholic school system for inspiring her to live her faith actively rather than passively - to travel through life as a person for others rather than a person for herself.
"Our word for the year is growth, and that is our mindset," said St. John Vianney Catholic School's new principal, Deacon Nick Senger. St. John Vianney has been a fixture of Catholic education in Spokane for 65 years, since its inception in 1953. In the last few years, St. John Vianney has faced the same stresses as other Catholic schools, but if you visit the school today, you will feel the energy.
Nazareth Guild provided four grant opportunities to our 16 Catholic schools again this year! Principals were invited to apply for School Partnership and Bishop Brigade grants; teachers were given the opportunity to apply for funding through the Continuing Education and Teacher Initiative grants process.
The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Spokane celebrate Catholic Schools Week in many ways - thanking the community, collecting food for St. Margaret's Shelter, and touring the state capitol.
Three LEGO robotics teams from St. Mary Catholic School advanced to a state competition in January. The LEGO Wildlife team, consisting of fourth grade students, placed ninth in the Robot games. This is an amazing feat at the state level for a first year team.
St. Patrick Catholic School has been building up people in the Tri-Cities since 1951. St. Pat’s prepares virtuous graduates instilled with a thirst for knowledge enlightened through faith with exacting educational standards, community service opportunities and lasting friendships.