St. Augustine School Opens Doors to New Facility

Saint Augustine School of Andover today officially opened the doors to a new nursery and preschool building, the Saint Julie Billiart House Early Education Center.

Previously housed in lower level of the St. Augustine Church building on Essex Street, St. Augustine’s preschool and nursery students and families this week begin instruction in the new facility located on the school’s main campus at 26 Central Street. The St. Julie Billiart House Early Education Center, so named after the founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is just one of several additions made in the last year to St. Augustine School’s campus. In fact, the campus has undergone a significant metamorphosis of its once single, standalone structure to now include the James D. Doherty Centennial Gymnasium, and most recently, the St. Julie Billiart House Early Education Center.

“What was once a distant vision in many of our minds has finally reached fruition as we open the doors to our early education center” said St. Augustine School Principal Paula O’Dea. “For years, we have operated our school in multiple locations. We previously rented gymnasium space from the Knights of Columbus, and used rooms at the church building for our preschool and nursery students. This week marks a joyful and major turning point as all our students, families and activities will now reside on one main campus. To be a part of the school’s amazing transformation is truly a dream realized.”

Who was Julie Billiart?

St. Julie Billiart’s strong enthusiasm for Catholic education was evident from a very tender age. Born in France in 1751, Julie was known to regularly convene gatherings at which she would recite catechism and share its meaning with other children as early as age 7. She proceeded to give her life to serving in the Catholic faith and placed great importance on both education and charity. In 1804, she founded an institute for the Christian education of young women focused on educating and serving others, especially the poor and marginalized, and known as the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

In 1849, three Sisters from the order traveled from Europe to Boston and settled here. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur invested heavily in the New England, ultimately founding Emmanuel College, the first Catholic college for women in New England, in 1919. In 1914, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, in collaboration with the Augustinian Friars founded what today thrives as Saint Augustine School.

“Saint Julie Billiart and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have made and continue to make, historic and valuable contributions,” said Fr. Peter G. Gori, O.S.A., Pastor of Saint Augustine Parish. “Naming our newest, integral school structure after the founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur made complete sense as it honors both St. Julie’s inspiration, and what our school continues to represent -- a focus on education, service and our Catholic faith.”

All preschool and nursery students and families yesterday enjoyed a full-day orientation which preceded the official opening today, Tuesday, February 23, 2016.

For more information, photos, or to tour the renovated campus, please contact St. Augustine Principal Paula O’Dea (podea@staugustineandover.org) or Vice Principal Meghan Lovett (mlovett@stagustineandover.org).

About St. Augustine School

Founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Saint Augustine School 26 Central Street Andover, MA, provides a high-quality Catholic education to children Nursery through Grade 8 within an environment supporting, encouraging and nurturing spiritual, intellectual, social and personal growth. St. Augustine School celebrates its strong Catholic identity, promotes academic excellence and fosters respect and justice for all individuals. Through its dedicated group of educators committed to teaching and learning in the Catholic tradition, St. Augustine School recognizes the unique gifts in each child and remains committed to helping each child reach their full academic, social and physical potential. For more information visit St. Augustine School at: www.staugustineandover.org.