Historical Profile of Immaculata High School

Immaculata High School is a Catholic secondary girls’ school conducted by the Salesian Sisters and dedicated Christian lay persons. Because Immaculata is a Catholic educational institution, its central focus is on creating an atmosphere in which Christian values are a vital part of the total education process.

History

Opened in 1956 as a part of Immaculate Conception Parish, Immaculata answered a growing need for Catholic secondary education on the Westbank. The School Sisters of Notre Dame served Immaculata from its inception until May, 1979. In August, 1979, the Salesian Sisters came to Immaculata. The founding pastor, Msgr. Paul Gaudin, envisioned a girls’ school. At that time, however, the absence of a boys’ Catholic High School in the area prompted parents to seek admission also for their sons.

On September 10, 1956, Immaculata High School opened its doors to 50 freshmen. In 1960, 24 students comprised the first graduating class; the total enrollment was 188 in that year. Immaculata continued as a co-ed school until the opening of Archbishop Shaw High School in 1963. Over a four-year period, boys’ enrollment was phased out. The last co-ed class graduated in 1966. Since that time, enrollments have increased steadily, presently numbering 450.

In 1956 when the school year began, the high school rooms were not ready for occupancy; therefore, secondary level classes were conducted in the elementary school for the first semester. On January 8, 1957, the first two classrooms of the new building were ready. Several classrooms were added each year and on January 31, 1960, the first building was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop Rummel.

Construction continued and facilities were expanded in 1966 to include a science lab, a home economics lab, a business lab, and guidance facilities. Other changes have also taken place over the years. In 1978, Notre Dame Hall was constructed, thereby meeting the need for a facility to accommodate the expansion of the library and media services. In 1984, a new business department, additional classrooms, new administrative offices, new guidance quarters, and a gymnasium were added. At this time, a beautiful Chapel was also constructed which has been declared the West Bank Shrine to Mary Help of Christians.