The Sacred Hearts Academy Parents Organization hosted a sale of gently used school uniforms at its “Clothes Closet” event, July 8. The Clothes Closet raised more than $7,000 for educational programs in the coming school year. (Photo courtesy Sacred Hearts Academy)
Back to School 2014 | Photos: Pau summer
Students and teachers at Cathedral Catholic Academy in Honolulu ring in the start of the 2014-2015 school year with prayer, music and a festive assembly, July 28. The school begins a new “project-based” curriculum this year. (HCH photos | Darlene Dela Cruz)
Back to School 2014 | Six new (some returning) school administrators for 2014-15
The Hawaii Catholic Schools office is reporting six new Catholic school administrators for the start of 2014-2015 school year. Here they are in alphabetical order. Damien Memorial School Brother Daniel Casey, CFC Principal Originally from Chicago, Christian Brother Daniel Casey has a degree in speech and drama from Lewis College in Lockport, Ill. (now Lewis […]
Interview with superintendent | A system seeking success: The quality of Catholic education gets better, as those who can afford it are fewer
With two years under his belt as superintendent for Hawaii Catholic schools, Michael Rockers has been getting a clearer view of the highlights and hardships in local Catholic education. On the bright side, professional development for teachers and principals is progressing well with skills and leadership training. New technology is creating more dynamic curriculums. Catholic […]
Back to School | Understanding ‘21st Century Learning’
The first of four goals in Hawaii’s Catholic Schools current “System for Success” strategic plan is the strengthening of the schools’ “Catholic identity.” The No. 2 goal is: “To promote academic excellence through the development of a 21st Century curriculum that provides comprehensive support for all students.” But what exactly is a “21st Century curriculum?” […]
Back to School | High school enrollment up while overall numbers continue slide
Catholic grade school enrollment in Hawaii continued its downward drift last year, while high school numbers increased slightly, thanks mostly to student body growth at Damien Memorial and Saint Francis, which have recently gone co-ed. But overall enrollment — preschool through grade 12 — dropped 458, from 9,794 for the start of school 2011 to […]
Back to School | Tuition rates increase for most, but not all
The universal truth that Catholic school tuition will always go up was not practiced universally this year as at least five schools kept their prices the same as the year before. One school even lowered its base tuition cost for one of its grades: Damien Memorial School reduced its sixth grade tuition by $300, while […]
Back to School | Free milk, reduced price meals
Twelve Hawaii Catholic schools this coming school year are offering free milk and free and reduced price meals for children unable to pay the full price under the Special Milk Program, National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. Application forms are being sent to parents or guardians. Children […]
Back to School | St. Ann Early Learning Center: New director started at school 20 years ago
Cynthia Achong, who started at St. Ann Early Learning Center 20 years ago as a teacher’s aide, is now the preschool’s director. She began her position on July 1. Achong grew up in Kaneohe and now lives in Waimanalo with her husband Wayne and three daughters Leesa, Chelsee and Cailee. Achong began at St. Ann […]
Back to School | St. Ann Model Schools: Music teacher hits right note as administrator
Mandy Thronas-Brown began her new position as principal of St. Ann Model School in Kaneohe on July 1. Born on Kauai, she attended St. Catherine School and graduated from Kapaa High School with honors in 1988. She then attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in music […]