Catholic school system in Sioux City take Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools as new name

August 17, 2006

Leaders from the Catholic schools in Sioux City announced a new name for the citywide system at a press conference held Aug. 17.

"It is my pleasure to announce that effective today, the day our teachers return for the school year, our system of Catholic schools will now be called Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools," said Father Patrick Walsh, president of the Catholic school system in Sioux City.

He addressed the many reasons for the change.

"Using the Bishop Heelan name will further unify our system and underscore Bishop Heelan as the final destination for our students following their K-8 education," he said.

Father Walsh pointed out that Bishop Heelan Catholic High School claims nearly 12,000 alumni who were educated in the Catholic elementary school of the city.

When those students return for their reunions, he noted, they celebrate and recall their years at the elementary schools and parishes. Bishop Heelan serves to unify them.

"It is important to know that our new system name of Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools does not change the name of our elementary schools, which are Holy Cross, Mater Dei and Sacred Heart," stressed Father Walsh. "The new name simply replaces our system name of Catholic Schools of Sioux City."

The school system's shield and slogan of "Faith, Knowledge and Service" remains the same.

He said they were moving forward as a system and celebrating the progress that they have made thus far.

Father Craig Collison, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Sioux City and vice president of the Catholic school board, also offered some comments that were focused on the advances recently made within the system.

He mentioned that nearly every K-8 teacher has a tablet PC and multimedia wireless projector for teaching. Bishop Heelan has a renovated science lab with new work stations and advanced equipment. Memorial Field has a newly resurfaced track to go along with a new grandstand.

"Bishop Heelan recently opened a new co-ed workout wellness center for students and faculty and staff in the CYO," said Father Collison.

Marilyn Blum, principal of Bishop Heelan High School, said that the Catholic schools were known for their rich traditions, high standards and expectations and service to others. She mentioned one example is two Bishop Heelan students winning the National Debate Championship in June.

"We are proud that our students' overall state test scores rate above city, state and national averages and 90 percent of our seniors attend college, attesting to the quality of our schools and our students' belief in the value of education," she said.

Blum said the faculty and staff of Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools were eager for the new school year - to prepare the students for life with a faith-based education.

Father Collison pointed out that for 125 years, Catholic schools have played an important part in the history of Sioux City.

"We have been led by visionaries, like Bishop Edmond Heelan, who centered their work on providing a Christ-centered education," he said.

As the press conference came to a close, Father Walsh invited the public to join the faculty, staff, students, parents and friends to the school system's Big Hoopla Celebrating Our Schools. Bishop R. Walker Nickless will celebrate Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Memorial Field. The celebration will also include a parade of excellence featuring the faculty/staff and students, followed by a cookout.