LAPLACE — After nearly three years of construction noise and displaced classrooms, students and teachers will begin the school year by enjoying a completely renovated and expanded St. Charles Catholic High School.

“The newly renovated school and gym, as well as the beautiful new Chapel at St. Charles Catholic High School, ensures that the young people of our local community, present and future, will have access to wonderful facilities for many years to come,” Dr. Courtney Millet said.

The renovated building and new Chapel were completed in the Spring of 2018 and the incoming students will be greeted not only by their teachers’ smiles but also with the stability and normalcy that comes with a completed project.

The renovations and new Chapel meet the educational needs of current students and future generations. St. Charles Catholic High School has had its worn-out building renovated using a host of standard design principles to ensure that the building is both functional and flexible.

The $5.7 million renovation included vibrant upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the school, security enhancements, major gym improvements and a new 126-seat Chapel on campus.

Exterior improvements to the school building are more than cosmetic, they are transformational.

The unappealing blue metal siding was replaced with new windows, brick and stucco.

Two architecturally aesthetic towers make the two front entrances a great place for all who enter.

The new commons entrance was dedicated in honor of war hero and 9-11 Pentagon victim Robert Hymel ’64 and local Knights of Columbus councils.

Features completed also include a renovated and expanded student commons area intended to serve as a focal point of the school, a student lunch area, a forum to be used for smaller presentations and community events, and a host of other activities.

“Comet pride emanates throughout our new facilities, and our faculty and students are excited for a year without construction noise and displacement,” English teacher and alumna Melanie Lohfink said.

“I am always excited to begin a new school year, but this year seems more special as we will enter our beautiful school knowing that all our attention will be focused on what SCC does best: Preparing our young people for the future, both academically and spiritually. My favorite place is the beautiful new chapel; I look forward to the opportunities for quiet reflection and devotion.

“I am also looking forward to the first day of school mass and assembly in our newly renovated gym, seeing all the new faces and looking at the senior class as our new leaders. SCC may have gotten a facelift, but the traditions of faith, family and education remain. As an alumna, as well as faculty member, I am so proud of our school.”

Besides the many upgrades to the school exterior, the students and teachers are happy about the two new state-of-the-art computer labs.

The computer labs are used for the multi-media and digital design classes as well as the dual enrollment math classes.

When asked about starting the school year without construction noise, orange cones, and class displacement, Freshmen Class President Allison Powell commented, “With the school no longer under construction, I can finally say that SCC is as beautiful on the outside as it has always been on the inside! I am excited to continue on my journey as a comet in our new and beautiful home.”

“I am excited about the future of St. Charles Catholic High School and its permanence to serve the River Parishes for continued years for the spiritual and education growth of our students,” said Principal Drew Cupit.  “This will be a landmark that the River Parishes can be proud of.”

St. Charles Catholic High School 2018-19 Calendar

August

13 – Faculty Retreat

14 – Teacher Professional Development

14 – New Student and Parent Orientation, 6 p.m.

15 – Teacher Professional Development

16 – Class Retreats (Mandatory)

17 – Book Day/Orientation, Full Uniform

20 – Classes Begin

25 – Back-to-School Dance

29 – Back to School Night for Parents

September

3 – Labor Day Holiday

October

5 – Homecoming

8 – 11 – Exams

9 – College Fair

November

5 – Open House for Prospective Students

5 – Day of Reflection, Archdiocese of New Orleans

19 – 23 – Thanksgiving Holidays

December

17 – 20 – Exams

21 – January 4 – Christmas Holidays

January

7 – Students Return to School

21 – Martin Luther King Holiday

February

8 – In-Service Day for Teachers

9 – Carnival Ball

March

4-8 – Mardi Gras break

18-21 – Exams

April

19-26 – Easter Holidays

27 – Prom

May

2, 3, 6, 7 – SR Exams

11 – JR Ring Mass

11 – Athletic Banquet

17 – Graduation

27 – 30 – Exams

31 – Teacher’s Record Day

* Please note that dates are subject to change.