Twenty-eight Catholic schools and early childhood centers in the Diocese of Raleigh began the 2022-2023 school year this month with a variety of activities, welcoming new and returning teachers and students to their classrooms.
Throughout the summer months, schools prepared to open their doors to families with refreshed facilities. Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rocky Mount partnered with a local business to upgrade their middle school lockers.
“The brand new lockers for our middle school students set the tone for our focus on organizational skills," Principal Julie Love said. “At the end of the first full week, the students have a sense of pride at how orderly their lockers are and how quickly they have been able to locate needed items!”
St. Michael Catholic School in Cary replaced hallway flooring and upgraded their playground to provide recreational space for their students. St. Peter Catholic School in Greenville painted their school “Spirit Rock” with their yearly theme of “Upon This Rock” (pictured above).
All of the preparation for the new school year culminated in an exciting first day of school for students across the diocese.
“All the Saint Michael School Angels are off to a fantastic start here at St. Michael School,” said Tara Navarro, principal. “It has been a joy to see PreK – Grade 8 students’ smiling faces again, missing teeth and all! Elementary children are enjoying STEM activities and small group instruction with their teacher and instructional teacher assistant; middle School leaders are taking new electives such as Ceramics, Citizenship, Drama, and Prayer & Meditation; student-athletes are enjoying athletic offerings, such as tennis and cross country; pastor Father Michael (Burbeck) blessed our school and each student during the first week; and our parent community continues to partner with us to help our St. Michael family be the best that it can be! We are truly blessed, life is good. St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us!”
Sixth grade student Millie High added, “Today was the best the day! It’s great being with my friends again, and my teachers are so nice. I already love being in middle school.”
Associate Superintendent Dr. John Pendergrass noted that each school year is a new opportunity for to strive for excellence. “The horizon is bright!" he said. “Our schools continue to grow in the capacity to give students a place to grow in age, wisdom and faith.”
The new school year represents a fresh beginning for students and teachers. As new and returning teachers and students return to the classroom, our diocesan schools renew their commitment to their mission of forming disciples and scholars.
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