QPCA History

History

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy opened on August 22, 2000 with fifty-five students in Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and Grade One. The first faculty consisted of three teachers, two assistants, a secretary and principal. Special classes, including Art, Music, Spanish, Library, and Physical Education were provided by volunteers from the parish and school community. Morning and after school care were provided; after school Soccer was offered. From the first day, a unique Blessing Ceremony ended each day.

Following Sunday Liturgy on October 29, 2000, Bishop John J. Snyder dedicated our new facility. Within time, a playground and a soccer field were added to our campus.

Of great importance to our beginnings was the establishment of our Advisory Board consisting of invited members from both the parent population and the parish. This group was, and continues to be, an invaluable asset to the Academy. Also, of great value was the initiation of an event which was to become a tradition to be held in the beginning of the school year and during Catholic Schools Week. In gratitude to the senior members of Queen of Peace Catholic Community, the students hosted, entertained and served a breakfast in their honor.

As the years moved on, an additional grade was added along with the appropriate personnel. Year by year, systematically, the special teachers joined the staff. In August of 2001, Walsh Hall, which serves the parish for varying functions, began to be used as the cafeteria and auditorium.

During the 2001 – 2002 school year, a variety of special projects became a part of our days. These included a Young Authors Festival which was held in the Spring. The festival was presented at a Parent Meeting and was well received. In addition, during this school year, a Child Study Team was formed to assist the teachers in working with students with special needs. The Team consisted of professionals from the parish community. 2002 – 2003 brought the beginnings of our annual Science Fair, Sunshine Math, a Christmas Concert, and German classes for our Third Graders. These additions strengthened our academic program and brought life to the arts.

In 2003 – 2004, as we added our Fourth Grade, it was time to expand our parent involvement. Therefore, the Spirit Committee was formulated. The mission of the group was to enhance the spirit in the school community and to be aware of the Spirit in the life of the Academy. Many fun, spirit-filled events have been to their credit. Also, a part of this year was the formulation of the Parent-Teacher Forum affording all parents an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns with their peers and the Faculty.

The 2004 – 2005 school year brought the addition of the Fifth Grade, the initiation of the Safety Patrol and our first Memory Book. A variety of after school clubs were formulated including a Science Club, a Chess Club, a Drama Club. The school newspaper, “Words from the Saints” also had its beginnings this school year; these students met after school as well. Another first was the participation of our older students in the Geography Bee and the Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee. The Young Authors Festival was replaced by the Night of the Arts featuring a concert performance, an art display and a sampling of the creative writing of the students. Through the generosity of an Academy family, a mini Computer Lab was furnished and set up in one of the classrooms. Although there was limited access to the Lab because of its location, the students began to learn the basics. Another very popular addition this school year, was the five-day hot lunch program utilizing the services of many local vendors.

In August, 2005, four classrooms, the Media Center, gymnasium and athletic fields were completed. This allowed the advancement to Sixth Grade and the doubling of our Prekindergarten. Also added was a Media Specialist in training, an Art teacher, a nurse, a Resource teacher, a full Computer Lab and a Science Lab. The presence of the Middle School provided the opportunity for our beginning band, chorus, electives and the Advisory Program.

Guided by our Middle School Committee, composed of educators from the parish and Academy, the principal of St. Francis Catholic High School, as well as parents, planning continued for the addition of our Seventh and Eighth Grades and doubling of the early grades. In the Fall 2007, five classrooms, the Science Lab and the Administration Building were opened. We completed our population from Prekindergarten to Grade Eight, with two sections of Prekindergarten to Grade One.

As of August, 2011, the Academy has doubled to Grade Five, boasts of Chinese and Spanish classes, an excellent Band Program, and a challenging and enriching academic program.

The presence of Queen of Peace Catholic Academy continues to be a blessing to Queen of Peace Catholic Community. The parents, faculty and students are extremely grateful to our pastor, Father Jeffrey McGowan, for his dedication to Catholic Education and to the youth of our community. We are grateful, as well, to Father Roland Julien, Pastor of St. Patrick Church, Father David Ruchinski, pastor of St. Augustine Church and Father John Phillips, pastor of Holy Faith Church. These leaders, together with our dedicated parents and parishioners, have assisted us in our foundation and will be the driving strength as the Academy flourishes and bears fruit.