The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1954-05-28

The annual school report of the Catholic schools
In the diocese of Columbus for the school year 1858
1854 has just been completed Besides reviewing
statistics and indicating present and future prob
lens, 1t presents a picture of growth progress,
cooperation. and accomplishment
Over 1000 more children attend the parochial
schools this year than last year. This increase has
moreover, been constant during the past decade.
Statistics show that since 1945 there has been an
increase of 73 per cent in the elementary school
registration and Of 53 per cent in the high schools
Population trends show that this growth will CON
tnue TO rise steadily during the next ten years
As a result of this higher enrolment, problems
have faced the parochia school system. New schools
are needed for the recently settled nelghborhoods
and parishes, new classrooms for many established
schools and, above all more teachers and funds
that will make these classrooms a reality.
The building problem has been met in many sec
tions. Since 1945. seven schools have been opened
in Columbus Christ the King Holy Spirit Our Lady
of Peace, ST. Christopher, St James the Less and
St. Michael Classrooms have been added to many
others. And still the building continues This year
the new ST Gabriel School will be opened for the
children of the Amyet section of Columbus, and
Watterson High School will open its doors for its
first group of freshmen.
Typical of the rapid enrolment rate in even
these new schools is the registration at Holy Spirit
School. Situated in Whitehall il opened in 1852
with enrolment OF 1855 BY September 1883 the
number had jumped 10 $50, and now In Inc spring
Of 1854 is 400 we have registrations almost every
day" Sister Michael Joseph the principal, says
Meanwhile, the needs of existing schools have
been met and facilities have been improved when
ever possible Diocesan meetings and programs have
been sponsored in order that the administrators and
teachers of the schools may benefit from the ex-
perences of others. The Annual School Lunch Work
shop resulted In ideas for the lunch programs.
Observation-Disclosures Business Day, when business
men from varied fields visited the schools and
watched the training of the executives and workers
Of the future, proved profitable venture both for
the business men and the schools
The diocesan Guidance Center has come through
its first few months most successfully Eventually
it will be the counseliing agency for children Of
So far however, the program extends only to those
who are unable to maintain the pace their
companions because of emotional, social mental
problems This year, moreover parents have had
opportunity TO classes in session by tuning IN
to the TV program Touring the Town" each Tues
day morning at $50 On these programs, the Sisters
have taught such subjects as history geography,
reading, and health
Fundamentally the Catholic schools Of the Co
lumbus Diocese are giving an excellent education
10 their pupils The problems still persist More class
rooms more schools, more teachers needed.
These needs are being met courageously by the ad-
ministrators and generously by the Catholic parish
toner's. The years work has been an indication Of
the continued high service of the paroehial school
system 10 the people of the Diocese of Columbus