January 28th marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week.. The purpose of Catholic Schools Week is to build support and recognition for the 8,200 Catholic schools nationwide. Catholic Schools Week also recognizes the sacrifices parents make in exercising their right to choose a Catholic Education.

• From the earliest years, Catholics in Philadelphia showed a concern for Catholic education. St. Mary's Parish, located at 248 S. Fourth Street, opened its parish school on September 2, 1782, one of the oldest parish elementary schools in the country.

• Archdiocesan Enrollment figures for 2000/2001: In the 209 parish elementary schools, enrollment this year is 81,347. Enrollment for the 22 Archdiocesan high schools is 23,148.

• The Archdiocesan High School Graduating Class of 2000ur high school graduation rate is 99% and 89% of the graduates are continuing to further their education.

More than 100,000 students, parents and teachers throughout the five-county Archdiocese will celebrate with a variety of special religious, social and recreational activities. Below is a list of some of the activities planned for Catholic Schools Week.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2001

9:00 a.m. - St. Patrick, 210 Meredith Street, Kennett Square
Students will read a thank you essay to the parish after mass. At 10:00 a.m. Open House begins with a band concert at 10:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. - St. Katharine Drexel, 20th and Providence Avenue, Chester
Catholic Schools Week Opening Mass with the Children's Gospel Choir leading the singing. Following Mass, an Alumni Reception in the school gym.

11:00 a.m. - Visitation B.V.M., 300 E. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia
Catholic Schools Week Opening Liturgy followed by a pancake breakfast for families

11:30 a.m. - St. Denis, 300 E. Eagle Road, Havertown
Opening Mass followed by a Learning Fair in all classrooms. Display of student works and projects. Refreshments in cafeteria.

12 noon - Queen of the Universe, 2443 Trenton Road, Levittown
School Mass with Science Fair Exhibit in school for parents and parishioners

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Conshohocken Catholic, 205 Fayette Street, Conshohocken
Students will hold a "Pep Rally" to kick-off Catholic Schools Week

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2001

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Our Lady of Grace, 300 Hulmeville Avenue, Penndel
Students will participate in an all-day chess tournament

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - SS. Philip and James, 721 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton
"Putting on the Hits" Contest

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Holy Martyrs, 121 Allison Road, Oreland
"A Toast to Our Teachers" - a special lunch will be provided by the Home and School Association for faculty, staff and support personnel

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - St. Mary Magdalen, 2430 N. Providence Road, Media
Ray Gray, storyteller, will perform at a special assembly. It is "dress down" day for the students.

2:15 p.m. - West Catholic High School, 4501 Chestnut Street, Third Floor, Philadelphia
Students, under the direction of Brother Phillip and Sister Denise, will prepare 160 hot meals to be distributed by the Salvation Army

6:30 p.m. - Mother of Divine Grace, 2612 E. Monmouth Street, Philadelphia
Volunteer Appreciation Night - Salute to volunteers with entertainment and refreshments

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2001

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - St. John Neumann High School, 26th and Moore Streets., Philadelphia
Dedication of the new Comcast Center (computer lab) made possible through a $330,000 donation by Comcast Cablevision and Comcast Spectacor. Presentation of plaque to Comcast at 9:15 a.m. followed by ribbon cutting ceremony.

9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - St. Joachim, Penn and Church Street, Philadelphia
Sports Day - students will be divided into 3 grade divisions and compete in various sports activities

9:00 a.m. - Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, 611 Wistar Road, Fairless Hills
Cultural Awareness Day - a presentation by the Philadelphia Civic Ballet

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - St. Bede the Venerable, 1053 Holland Road, Holland
Student Appreciation Day - A "Sock Hop" will be held for students

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. - SS. Philip and James, 721 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton
Students will participate in "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" game

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Our Lady of Fatima, 2915 Street Road, Bensalem
Honoring the Diversity in Our Community - students will dress in ethnic attire, participate in ethnic dance, song and folk tales, and will share traditional games and recipes.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - St. George, 15 Lamont Avenue, Glenolden
"Family Hot Diggity Dog Dinner" and scavenger hunt - Open house for school families and prospective families


WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2001

9:00 a.m. - Holy Trinity Catholic, (two locations), Bridgeport
"Principal for a Day" - Student who holds the winning ticket will be "Principal for the Day." Student will act as principal in the morning at the Lower School located at 631 E. Fourth Street, and in the afternoon at the Upper School located at 504 Ford Street, Bridgeport.

9:00 a.m. - Holy Trinity, Stockham and Osborne Avenues, Morrisville
"Multi-Cultural Day" - students celebrate the different cultures in our school. There will be students in costume reciting petitions in the language of their families.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon - SS. Philip and James, 721 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton
"Dress down and relax day" - Student dress is "island attire." Teachers and students will compete in two volleyball games.

12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. - Queen of the Universe Day Center, 2477 Trenton Road, Levittown
"Carnival Day" - Teachers will make and serve lunch. Carnival games with prizes for students

2:30 p.m. - Roman Catholic High School, 301 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia
"The Battle of the Sexes" - annual academic and athletic competition between the girls of Hallahan Catholic High School and the boys of Roman Catholic.

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - St. Denis, 300 E. Eagle Road, Havertown
Family Skating Social for students and families at Villanova Skating Center, Lancaster Avenue, Villanova

7:00 p.m. - St. Cyril of Alexandria, 716 Emerson Avenue, East Lansdowne
"Catholic School Week Talent Show" in the Social Hall, with students performing for their families

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2001

7:15 a.m. - Archbishop Wood High School, 655 York Road, Warminster
"Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day ‘ -Students will host breakfast for faculty and staff

9:15 a.m. - St. Matthew Schools, 3040 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia
A special drama production "Stages of Imagination" will be presented for the students

9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Archbishop Ryan School for Children with Hearing Impairments, 233 Mohawk Avenue, Norwood
Open House - Parents of children who are hearing impaired are invited to visit school's oral program and total communication program

10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - St. Andrew School, 51 Wrights Road, Newtown
Faculty and students will participate in two volleyball games

11:15 p.m. - Assumption B.V.M., 290 State Road, West Grove
"Celebrate Our Teachers" - teachers will be served a special luncheon

12:00 noon - Stella Maris, 814 Bigler Street, Philadelphia
Students kindergarten through 3rd grade and grandparents offer special prayer, followed by lunch in the cafeteria

1:15 p.m. - Queen of Peace, 835 North Hills Avenue, Ardsley
"Celebrating Our Students" - special honors assembly for students, parents and parishioners to pay tribute to students who have made notable achievements


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2001

8:15 a.m. - St. Charles Borromeo, 20th and Christian Streets, Philadelphia
Closing Liturgy for Catholic Schools Week and Opening Liturgy for Black History Month

9:00 a.m. - St. Joseph/St. Robert School, 850 Euclid Avenue, Warrington
Buddy Day and Teacher Day - Liturgy followed by a Jazz Quartet assembly sponsored by the Home and School Association

9:00 a.m. - St. Mary, 40 Spring Mount Road, Schwenksville
Closing Mass for Catholic Schools Week, followed by the 8th grade play at 10:00 a.m., and a Pep Rally and Dance at 1:30 p.m.

7:30 a.m. - St. Patrick, 210 Meredith Street, Kennett Square
Celebrate Our Teachers and Priests - Candlelight Breakfast for teachers and priests provided by Home and School Association

12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. - St. Aloysius, 3rd and Hanover Streets, Pottstown
Celebrating the end of Catholic Schools week, 250 students go bowling at Limerick Bowl, Ridge Pike, Limerick

1:15 p.m. - Sacred Heart, Manoa Road and Wilson Avenue, Havertown
Faculty vs JV Girls' Basketball Team in the school gym

1:30 p.m. - Cardinal Dougherty High School, 6301 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Student Appreciation Day - Magician Mike Bonacci will perform and a Disc Jockey will be at lunches