PHILIPSBURG – Foundation Catholic Education St. Maarten has been established since 1890. It is the competent authority for 8 schools. There are 6 primary Schools (4 schools that have Dutch as language of instruction and 2 schools with English as language of instruction) and 1 English High School.
The latest addition consists of 6 Early Childhood Stimulation Groups. Attached to every Primary School is an After School Program that provides care until 5:00pm. The Foundation caters to a total of 2,000 students and a dedicated staff of 240.
The Foundation will be celebrating its annual Catholic Schools’ Week from February 6-10, to “enhance the unity amongst our schools and to celebrate our 126th year of Catholic Education on St. Maarten. The theme this year is: ‘We are called to share with others,’” a release stated.
During this week, “students will be reminded that we are all children of God and thus brothers and sisters in Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to share the talents God has blessed us with. These talents and gifts are to be used for His glory and honor,” the release continued.
A series of activities have been planned to highlight this occasion. Awareness of the celebration begins on the weekend of February 4 and 5. Students and staff members will wear their school/work uniform when attending Mass this weekend.
The program for the rest of the week is as follows:
Monday, February 6
Week openings/School assemblies in all schools with the topic: “We are called to share with others.”
Wednesday, February 8
Open House during school hours:
At all the Catholic Primary Schools & Early Childhood Stimulation Programs.
There will be presentations, displays of students’ artwork etc., in connection with the theme.
Open House in the evening
For parents and group 8 students who would like to attend the St. Dominic High School. The Venue is St. Dominic High School from 7:00pm-9:00pm.
Wednesday, February 8
Mandatory Informative Session:
For parents interested in registering their child(ren) at the Catholic Schools for School Year 2017/2018. The venue is The St. Martin of Tours Parish Hall from 7:00pm-8:30pm.
Thursday, February 9
A Thanksgiving Mass and performances with all the students and staff of the Foundation Catholic Education St. Maarten. There will be an expected audience of over 2,000 persons.
Venue is The L.B. Scot Sports Auditorium from 8:00am-11:30am.
Friday, February 10
Teachers Formation Day at St. Dominic High School.
(No school for our students)
The program begins at 8:00am with a prayer service lead by Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Adam Oleszczuk SVD. The program continues at 8:30am with a keynote address by Governor Eugene Holiday, followed by workshops and presentations. There are a total of 22 workshops that are being presented by local professionals.
The Foundation Catholic Education is very appreciative and proud of these local experts. “We are looking forward to a Spirit filled week,” said the release signed by Carmen Bowers-Lake,
Coordinator Religious Education, Foundation Catholic Education St. Maarten.
