In the summer of 2009, Defiance Catholic School will move to a single campus at Defiance City School’s former Anthony Wayne Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Defiance Catholic School)

The Defiance City school system is building a new school that will house all students from grades kindergarten through five. The move will take place in December 2008. Four of their present grade school buildings will be vacated. One of those buildings, Anthony Wayne, will be the new home of Defiance Catholic School.

The move will take place during summer 2009. Committees have been formed to make the transition as smooth as possible. There is much support and excitement not only from the parish communities but also from the Defiance community.

A covenant agreement has been drafted to ensure St. John and St. Mary will support Catholic education for the next 10 years.

Defiance Catholic School is grateful for that support and strives to strengthen its students through education, leadership, service and values. This year’s sixth grade leaders put these four areas into action.  At the closing school liturgy, they shared their experiences.

James wrote about being a sixth-grader, especially about being a buddy to Mrs. Kathy’s kindergarten class. “You know when you are in sixth grade you are expected to do a lot and to be role models for the rest of the school.”

Aubrey wrote about school being a place she looked forward to being every day. “Can you imagine that school being a place you want to go to?” Aubrey said she remembered being little and looking up to the older kids. She is now that older kid and knows how much kids do look up to you.

Kaitlyn also wrote about the joining of the two schools. She was scared. But now she doesn’t want to leave. She loved [trips to] Chicago and Camp Mohican. But among Kaitlyn’s favorite activities at Defiance Catholic School were the service projects to help those people who needed it.

Finally, there is Ivan. Ivan wrote about one of the most important reasons he loves the school. “It was that fact that every day we grew closer to God.” He talked about how his Catholic spirit grew more and more each year. He became a better leader, a better role model and a much better follower of Jesus. Ivan wrote he “was just a much better person.”

Students, faculty and staff look forward to this last year at two campuses and anticipate a future in one facility. No matter where we are, we will continue to help our students strengthen their relationship with Jesus, strengthen their knowledge, strengthen their Christian values, and strengthen their personal gifts.