Saint Patrick Academy ended an era Friday with the last day of school at its historic campus on Austin Street.
Students will enjoy their spring vacation next week, returning April 30 to the newly constructed, state-of-the-art campus at 315 Banfield Road.
Saint Patrick Academy held a formal goodbye event called Catch the Spirit earlier this month, where alumni, students and parents, staff and community members gathered to celebrate 149 years of Saint Patrick education and history at the Austin Street school.
The new 28,000-square-foot campus will feature a wealth of improvements for students and faculty to enjoy, including a multi-purpose field, interactive playground, outdoor amphitheater, access to miles of nearby nature trails, community area and chapel.
“As the cars rolled in for the last ‘drop-off’ on 125 Austin St., there were mixed feelings all around,” said Head of School Mark Schwerdt. “We are so grateful to the community of Portsmouth and especially to all of our neighbors whom we have come to know over the last 115 years.
“Our move to 315 Banfield Road, just three miles away, represents the future of outstanding Catholic education on the Seacoast. We are thankful for what we have received on Austin Street and for what we have built on Banfield Road.”
Father Gary Belliveau, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, added, “The familiar sounds of our students’ voices will be missed each morning as we prepare for Mass, but today, the sounds were full of extra volume and joy. The old school has served well and we are thankful for the vision and faith that made this day a joyful one of transition. We look forward to the start of the 150th anniversary of Catholic education in Portsmouth, with a future full of hope.”
Celebrating its new campus on Banfield Road in Portsmouth, Saint Patrick Academy is the newest Catholic elementary and middle school in New Hampshire, with holistic programs in education and spirituality for preschool through grade eight. With a rigorous curriculum that places students within the top 15 percent of all students in the country, Saint Patrick Academy fosters excellence, collaboration and strong relationships in a joyful school culture. To learn more, visit saintpatrickacademy.org.
