Back to school is just around the corner and the numbers at St. Anthony’s School are through the roof.
“We are anticipating one of the highest enrollments ever this coming year at approximately 450 students,” said Principal JoAnne Akerboom. “Our new students are mostly from families that are new to our community and transferring back from online learning. We are still able to maintain our small class sizes with these additional students because they are spread throughout the grades.”
The school has several new focus areas this year. St. Anthony’s School, in conjunction with Christ the Redeemer, enters Year II of its Three-Year Faith Theme, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life, inspired by and taken from scripture in the Gospel of John. The three pillars from this verse will provide the direction to seek (Evangelize), to form (Catechesis), and transform (Service) all staff and students who enter our building.
“This framework will support the development and fostering of a holistic Catholic identity,” she said.
The school continues to work on its Champion Program aimed at ensuring every student in the school has an adult advocate from the school in their life.
Another program they are introducing is Healthy Schools. This promotes the spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual, and physical wellness of staff and students. Healthy Schools will focus on both recovery from the pandemic and a return to our normal levels of excellence in all areas.
St. Anthony’s School will have several teachers focus on preparing to pilot the new math curriculum, beginning with the summer 2021 creation of curriculum support documents that will help teachers to better understand the curriculum, while also allowing them to suggest edits, provide enrichment, and align resources.
St. Anthony’s School Council, in conjunction with Christ the Redeemer’s Board and administration, will initiate processes to engage parents, community influencers, students, and staff in reviewing results, identifying key issues, and developing strategies for improvement.
“As for the start of the school year this fall, I am excited to be returning to school. Although the last year was a very challenging year for everyone, students, parents and staff alike worked together to make it as positive as possible,” said Akerboom. “I would like to thank everyone for all the care and perseverance you have shown during this past crazy COVID year. You took everything in stride, the countless meetings (on-line or in-person), live-streaming, supporting each other, encouraging everyone to follow COVID protocols, and responding to each other’s needs.”
Students with last names starting with A-K will attend on Wednesday, September 1, and students with last names starting with L-Z commence classes on Thursday, September 2. All students return on Friday, September 3.
