Teno cites contribution of Catholic education
Citing the great contribution of Catholic schools in the CNMI education system, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday proclaimed Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2001 the Catholic Schools Week.
The governor recognized the achievements of Catholic schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. The Catholic Church on Saipan set up its Catholic Education Office enabling Catholic schools for the whole community.
In 1952, the Mount Carmel School began providing educational services to the people of Chalan Kanoa while Rota in 1989 established the Eskeulan San Francisco de Borja to introduce the Catholic education on the island.
In 1997, the Catholics formally established St. Joseph Catholic School to provide education on Tinian and last year, Saipan welcomed the establishment of another Catholic school, the Santa Soledad Catholic School to accommodate the growing number of students.
According to Mr. Tenorio, these schools have affirmed the Gospel values and prepared the spiritual, social and educational dimensions for this celebration.
“In recognition of the sacrifices of the parents who chose and continue to send their children to Catholic schools and the outstanding commitment of teachers, administrators and other personnel who provide the excellent education in the Catholic schools, I endorse January 28 to February 2, 2001 as Catholic Schools Week,” the governor said.
With theme “Celebrate Catholic Schools Week”, officials of Mount Carmel School led hundreds of its students yesterday to a coordinated school-wide community service.
The Catholic Schools Week kicked off with its service day where students participated in a clean-up drive and tree planting activities.
Students from grades 6-12 pitched in to make their presence and presents known by helping several government-assisted agencies such as the Karidat office.
Seventh graders were deployed on different beaches to clean, in the library to help “read the shelves,” and to find any misplaced books, and clear the Cathedral parking lot of debris and garbage.
All of the eight graders were planting tree seedlings around the campus area, thanks to donations and instruction from Saipan Farmer’s Market and Ed Calvo.
One group of ninth graders also planted trees, but the others were helping out in area preschools both at Sr. Remedios and Head Start-providing help in reading and tutoring.
