Flag raising is pictured in an archive photo of St. John Vianney School in Kailua.
St. John Vianney School, in the heart of Kailua’s Enchanted Lake district, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with nine special events through May, including a breakfast, two concerts, an open house, candy sales, a country fair and more. The first event, on Aug. 1, commemorated St. John Vianney’s feast day. The theme of these celebrations is “Proud Past; Promising Future.”
St. John Vianney School was dedicated Sept. 5, 1965, to serve the new Enchanted Lake development and other growing Kailua communities. It was a gala occasion when Bishop James J. Sweeney blessed the school in the presence of hundreds of parishioners, priests, religious and friends.
The first principal was Sister Mary Ann, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity from Manitowoc, Wis. Her acquaintance with Hawaii and many of the parishioners gave the school a head start for her four years as principal. The succeeding principals were Sister Tonia, Sister Carletta, Sister Mary, Sister Greta, Sister Nancy, Carmen Himenes, Jean Flynn, Michael Chu, Jane Ann Quinn and Michael Busekrus. The current principal is Caryn DeMello.
Rooted in the values of service, compassion and respect, the school is developing the next generation of Hawaii’s leaders through its strong academic program, Catholic faith education and the use of technology.
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Educational Association, the school offers small classes and an affordable tuition with year-round open enrollment. Located near the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the school also offers military dependents a safe and caring environment with a challenging curriculum.
The school’s focus is the total development of the child: spiritual, moral, academic, physical and cultural. The school helps parents, who are their children’s primary educators, in guiding their children to become responsible members of the community, the church and the world.
“As a result of this partnership, our students move on to some of the best high schools in the state,” said principal DeMello.
Students from the early learning center for 3- and 4-year-olds through grade eight engage in rigorous academics supporting 21st century skills. The program includes aquaponics, robotics, Japanese language, art, physical education and Hawaiian studies.
Students are also encouraged to thrive as individuals through band and orchestra, hula, league sports and more. Service is also a vital component of the school as students are taught to share their talents in outreach to the wider community.
Generations of Windward Oahu families recognize all that St. John Vianney School has offered for half a century.