Students from thirteen surrounding towns completed the first week of school at the newly merged St. Brigid- St. Augustine: A Partnership School at 100 Mayflower Street, West Hartford.

Submitted by Andrea Austin-Thompson

Ten Acre suburban campus at 100 Mayflower Street, West Hartford. Photo courtesy of St. Brigid-St. Augustine: A Partnership School

St. Brigid-St. Augustine: A Partnership School welcomed students from the recently closed St. Mary’s. Just like St. Augustine School (formerly in Hartford) St. Mary’s in Newington was only 3 miles away from the Elmwood section of West Hartford, so its close proximity made it an ideal enrollment choice for many families.

Principal Shevon Hickey stated, “We couldn’t be happier to welcome all students and their families. They are now part of our St. Brigid-St. Augustine School community of families and we are truly blessed to have them.”

In addition to their former school classmates joining them, many of the students were pleased to see priests, nuns, teachers and administrators from St. Augustine’s and St. Mary’s at the new Partnership School.

Easy access from New Britain Avenue, South Main Street, I-84 and Route 9 makes St. Brigid-St. Augustine a true regional catholic school choice based in 2016 on where people work vs where they live.

Principal Hickey added,  “We are proud to be a part of this new innovative model in Catholic education and as always our doors are open to all people of all faiths and socio-economic backgrounds reflecting a truly diverse global community”.

Father Joseph Crowley stated, “I am so proud of all that has been done in such a short period of time with the help of our extended community, church, Northwest Catholic High School, Catholic Heart Work Camp, Knights of Columbus, teachers, staff, family and friends … a true reflection of the world in which we live in the 21st century as we all come together with one common goal.”

Evidence of the school’s commitment to a smooth transition was the evening’s standing room only “Meet and Greet Open House,”  which provided parents with an opportunity to engage with the teachers, and go over classroom expectations and curriculum.

Reflecting over their experience parent Octavia Andrew stated, “My husband and I love this school. We’ve met some of our best friends here. We often can be heard encouraging our friends to enroll their children, too. Our son Andrew started in pre-k 3 and now he’s in pre-k 4. We can’t wait to see him graduate from eighth-grade!”

At the Meet and Greet Open House Principal Hickey introduced the new Home School Association Presidents: Michelle Campbell and Andrea Jackie. Both Campbell and Jackie indicated they are excited about their new leadership roles and look forward to working with the parents. Annually this association has a major commitment to fundraising, which significantly helps bridge the gap between the cost of educating each student and tuition.

Past parent and school board member, Kevin Dowd announced the 2016 Fall Golf Tournament which will be held on Friday, September 30 at Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield. Local FoxCT’s Sports Director Rich Coppola will be the celebrity host and golfer. We anticipate a sell out due to our recent expansion so sign up today to be a golfer, sponsor or come for dinner.

St. Brigid-St. Augustine: A Partnership School is proud to celebrate strong academics, Catholic values and enriched cultural diversity serving students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade on a ten-acre suburban campus at 100 Mayflower Street. For more information call: (860) 561-2130.

Pastor Father Joseph Crowley and Principal Shevon Hickey continually planning for St. Brigid-St. Augustine: A Partnership School. Photo credit: Dylan Carneiro

Students at the beginning of the school year at St. Brigid-St.Augustine: A Partnership School. In the center surrounded by the students is seventh-grade teacher Melissa Seidl. Photo credit: Dylan Carneiro

Sister Esther Ortiz Elvarado with students in the Music Room at St. Brigid-St. Augustine: A Partnership School. Photo credit: Dylan Carneiro

Students at the new St. Brigid-St.Augustine: A Partnership School. Photo credit: Dylan Carneiro

Students at the new St. Brigid-St.Augustine: A Partnership School. Photo credit: Dylan Carneiro