The History of Holy Family Catholic School

Holy Family Catholic School was founded September 8, 1948. The school began in the front room of the rectory until the new building was ready in December 1948. At that time, Father Michael Fleming blessed the building, and the dedication followed on December 12, 1948. The Sisters of Holy Child Jesus began as the first educators at Holy Family Catholic School with 27 students enrolled the first year.

Everyone was determined to see the school succeed, especially Father Fleming. As the school grew by leaps and bounds so did the need for funding and supplies.The Mother’s Club, formed in 1949, raised money and donated faithfully to the school, including a $40 donation to the library in the early days to allow Mother Mary Cyril to get her Librarian degree.

In 1951, Holy Family Catholic School expanded to include all eight grades. That same year, the school had its first graduating class. Each year there was an increase in enrollment—reaching a maximum total of 364 students in 1964. Also in that same year the gym, was erected.

When the Holy Child Sisters relinquished Holy Family Catholic School, as they had other schools in their western province, the school was scheduled to close in 1973. Sister Esther Bastasch (known as Mother Mary Jude) stepped in to save the school, as it was so dear to her heart. She brought two sisters with her and several school mothers stepped forward as teachers, thus saving the school from closure. The school’s second wind came in 1976 with the beginning of the parish auction. At this time the Holy Name Sisters joined the school, as Sister Esther and the other two sisters were recalled by their order.

The history of Holy Family Catholic School is a mosaic of over 75 years of academics and devoted volunteer work on the part of parents, dedicated nuns, teachers, custodians, pastors, and parishioners. It is the story of children: thousands of children have been a part of this mosaic that makes up our Holy Family.