Kindergarten teacher Julie Songer welcomes students back to class at St. Peter School in Cambridge, Sept. 8. The start of the new year also marked the school's 125th anniversary. Pilot photo/Wes Cipolla
CAMBRIDGE -- As classes began at Catholic schools around Labor Day, the school community at St. Peter School in Cambridge had something extra special to celebrate. Sept. 8 marked not only the first day of a new school year but also the 125th anniversary of the school's founding in 1901.
Smiling students and their families were greeted by hugs, high-fives, and elbow bumps from faculty. The students brought with them bags, some about as big as they were, laden with school supplies donated by their families. It's an example of how supportive St. Peter's families are of the school.
"What I love about teaching here at St. Peter's is, it's a big family," said kindergarten teacher Julie Songer. "It's warm, the parents are connected with us, and the students have so much excitement to come and learn about God."
That, she said, is why St. Peter's has lasted for 125 years. Her favorite part of the job is teaching kids about the faith.
"People are looking for this kind of educational experience, one where they can both explore their faith and learn about morals and virtues, and have extraordinary academics," said Head of School Evan Kristiansen.
St. Peter's has 200 students from pre-K to eighth grade, and 36 faculty members. It is one of two Catholic schools remaining in the city of Cambridge, and the only one that is coeducational. The school was established by St. Peter Parish and the School Sisters of Notre Dame. While the sisters no longer reside on school premises, St. Peter's Catholic identity remains. Enrollment has been on the rise in the past several years.
"A lot of our parentage, as parents are in many places, are extremely busy, but they still love to be involved in the educational process," Kristiansen said.
Fourth grader Claire has attended St. Peter's since kindergarten. Her brothers Wells and James are in kindergarten and second grade, respectively. Her favorite subject is math, and she's excited to learn more about it this school year.
"I love all the teachers and everything about it," she said.
When asked what he liked about St. Peter's, eighth grader Rikenson said, "Everything in general."
"Everyone's kind," he added.
Rikenson has attended St. Peter's since he was a fourth grader. His favorite subject is English, and he's on the school basketball team. He's looking forward to the class trip to Washington, D.C. Graduating will be bittersweet, he said, "but, at some points, we have to move on."