and seventh graders, Girls on the Run club, choir and band. The parents are very supportive of the school, says LeBouef. “We have a very active parent club who works year round to put on and promote fun activities for the students like the Halloween Bazaar, Santa’s Secret Shop, the Panda Meander, the Mardi Gras Kindergarten Parade, and a phenomenal Grandparents’ Celebration.” Michele Whitney, who taught first grade for 16 years and has been the technology coordinator for all grades for six years, is an alumnus of St. Bernadette. “When I moved back to Houma after college I was thrilled to find out there was a job opening for me. I remember St. Bernadette feeling like family to me. I sent my own child here as did my brother and sister. I feel like we offer the best elementary education in the area and even after 22 years I couldn’t dream of going anywhere else.” Some of the ongoing challenges of operating a Catholic elementary school, according to the principal, are managing and maintaining the facilities, keeping tuition affordable for its families, keeping up with technology and dealing with a very diverse faculty. “Something that is very uplifting to me as an administrator is the cooperative spirit among the faculty. I love seeing the veteran teachers ‘teaching’ the young teachers and vice versa. They each have something to offer the other,” says LeBouef. “We have a great staff.” Fifth grade student Luke Morvant says, “There are a lot of things I like about St. Bernadette School, but the best thing is the teachers. The teachers are really good Christians. I like the teachers the best because they are so funny and nice. My teachers have a passion for teaching and a love for children.” The theme for the school’s 50th anniversary is “St. Bernadette Catholic School celebrates 50 years of unity, excellence and service,” and Hearts of Service is the theme song. “This is very much a parish event, also,” says LeBouef. “The parish is helping us with various activities.” Banners have been placed throughout the school
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St. Bernadette School principal Joan LeBouef and Very Rev. Carl Collins, V.F., pastor, St. Bernadette Church parish.
as a reminder of its 50th anniversary. Each of the enrichment classes are focusing on the school’s anniversary by doing fun activities with the number 50 to get the children involved in the celebration. Articles from the past are being displayed in the hall showcase, the newsletters are focusing on original school families and events, and former principals and teachers are being invited to speak to the students. There anniversary year will close with a Mass and reception Sunday, April 21, 2013. Dale Ford, who has been the school librarian for the past 37 years, says “I do believe that God has a plan for each of us and that it was through his will that I came to St. Bernadette School. I was a
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