St. Augustine's works for new elementary school

By JONATHAN CANNON-RODRIGUEZ
Special to The B.C. Catholic

The St. Augustine’s campaign to build a new elementary school is heating up as it passes the $1 million mark.

Fund-raising for the new school, which began in the summer of 2003, is a top priority for the school and the parish. Cash and pledges total $1,063,000.

“Where we are, two and a half years into this campaign, is a really encouraging sign for all of us that it’s going to happen,” said principal Catherine Oberndorf. “Part of it is mystery and the other part is generosity, and we’re just hoping that everyone will turn to their own hearts.”

Based on the current total, the fund-raising target of $2.8 million in the first phase of the campaign is well within reach. The entire school will cost $5.6 million. If all fund-raising efforts in both the first and second phase of the campaign are successful construction will begin in 2009 and be completed in 2011.

Outdated systems and a severe lack of space are two main reasons a new school is needed. Plans for the school not only offer a well-equipped school with better classrooms but also include areas and facilities that can be used by the rest of the community.

St. Augustine’s School is one of the oldest Catholic schools in Vancouver. The original school was both an elementary and secondary school operated by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of St. Ann. Fragments of the first school still lie beneath the current playground.

The building that presently houses the school, built in 1951 and staffed by the Sisters of St. Ann, was only meant to act as a temporary structure. That is why there is a growing hope in the community that St. Augustine’s will meet its goal and provide a new school that will continue to provide students with a well-rounded Catholic education.

“I think when you combine a school, parents, parish community, and they’re working together, focusing on shaping a young child’s mind and his or her soul, that’s pretty powerful stuff,” said Lawrence Pillon, chairman of the capital campaign.

If the campaign succeeds, then the school will seek to minimize disruption for students by allowing classes to continue during construction, and by ensuring playground space is available. Of the 229 students who are currently enrolled from Kindergarten to Grade 7, some will grow with the development of the new school, while others will graduate and move on to high school.

Written on the east wall of the school are the names of all the people who have donated a “brick” to the campaign.

“Brick by brick, stone by stone, we will accomplish what God wants,” said Father John Brioux, OMI, pastor of St. Augustine’s Parish.

Donations to the campaign can be made through www.staugustinesschool.ca, the campaign office at 604-736-4455 ext. 231, or campaign@staugustinechurch.ca.

Jonathan Cannon-Rodriguez is a journalism student at Corpus Christi College on the UBC campus. He attended St. Augustine’s School, graduating from Grade 7 in 1999.