School observes jubilee

St. Helen's School in Niskayuna is golden!

On Oct. 8, it celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Mass and dinner for alumni, students, faculty, former faculty and staff.

Sister Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Albany Diocese, presented a reflection at the Mass on half-a-century of Catholic education.

"This community has, over the years, worked successfully to fulfill their mission of developing the whole child by instilling Christian values, promoting academic excellence and ensuring a culture of family interaction in all aspects of school life," she said.

History

When parishioners decided to build their current church building in 1953, the blueprints included plans for the school.

Under the direction of Rev. William Casey, then pastor, groundbreaking for the new church, school and parish hall took place in April 1954. The current pastor is Rev. James Kane.

In blessing the construction, Bishop Gibbons wrote to parishioners: "The building of a parish plant, including church and school, is an absolute necessity. Here is a challenge to the faith of your people, a challenge to promote the glory of God, the good of religion and the salvation of souls. I am confident that your people will meet that challenge."

Expansion

St. Helen's School opened in 1954 with instruction from kindergarten through third grade. By 1960, it had expanded to K-8, with 400 students enrolled.

The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary have staffed the school since its inception. Sister Anne Marie Glenn, PVBM, has headed the school for the past 14 years.

St. Helen's currently has 190 students, with classes that now include nursery school, a pre-kindergarten program for three- and four-year-olds, and the Edu-Care program for students in K-5.

Said Sister Jane, "Thanks to the dedication of the Sisters of the Presentation, St. Helen's has accomplished their mission in a safe, secure atmosphere for their students, which has fostered mutual respect, spiritual growth, intellectual discipline, and a concern for peace, justice and service to others."

(10/13/05) [[In-content Ad]]