On April 2, St. Helen School in Newbury broke ground on a $7.7 million new school building project that will include renovations to approximately 12,000 square feet of existing facilities and the addition of more than 14,000 square feet of new, contemporary learning spaces.
Father Jay McPhillips, St. Helen pastor, began the groundbreaking ceremony with prayer and a reflection, expressing gratitude for all who made the project possible. From the campaign leadership team and school families, staff and students to St. Helen parishioners and donors, Father McPhillips called the campaign’s success “a testament to the community and the mission of St. Helen.”
(See photo gallery above.)
“Yes, today is about a building. Yes, today is about construction. But more than anything, today is about mission. Everything that has been said already reminds us that this didn’t happen overnight. As so beautifully highlighted by Father Jay, this day is the result of countless hours, sacrifices and the commitment of so many people who believe deeply in what St. Helen School stands for,” said Steve Martin, St. Helen School principal.
Along with the campaign leadership team, the St. Helen students and staff members played a role in the day’s celebration, with each taking a shovel of dirt to symbolize their own investment in the project and process.
“This year, our theme is ‘Build Boldly: Brick by Brick.’ And today we laid the first brick. Not just in the ground … but in our commitment to our students, our faith in God’s plan and in our belief that the best is still yet to come. Thank you all for being here, for being part of this moment and for continuing to build something truly special together,” Martin said.
The groundbreaking and building project were seven years in the making. When completed, nearly 80% of the school will be new: the cafeteria, library, playground, makerspace, music room, art room and a full complement of new and renovated classrooms.
Click here to view a highlight video of the groundbreaking. To learn more about St. Helen School, click here.