Wheat Ridge bids farewell to Sister Faustina, the esteemed principal of Saints Peter and Paul School. She is a visionary dedicated to the children and families under her care.
Let’s cut to the chase: Sister Faustina orchestrated a remarkable transformation at Saints Peter and Paul.
Walking through the halls of Wheat Ridge’s Catholic STEM school today, one is greeted by fresh paint, bright LED lights, and new windows casting a radiant glow. The classrooms are bustling with activity, and the staff enjoys a dedicated space for collaborating, crafting lesson plans, and exchanging ideas on student engagement.
When my daughter began her journey as an adorable preschooler, we chose Saints Peter and Paul mainly due to its affordability. Sister Faustina, the new principal, encountered challenges with low enrollment and a disconnect between our community and the school.
In under six years, the school has transformed significantly. Fundraising has increased, leading to more investment in school infrastructure. The addition of a new playground, providing a safer alternative to playing on asphalt (a practice that older generations believed toughened them up), has attracted the community to be a part of this positive change.
The pickup line is absurd, because enrollment is up!
The school has transformed, and Sister Faustina credits it to Jesus, God, and everyone else, but the driving force has been her own. She exudes immense strength. I’m convinced it was divine intervention granting her the fortitude and adaptability to construct something resilient enough to weather the pandemic and guide with grace.
She is embarking on a journey to collaborate with the Carmelite Sisters, continuing to expand their impact to more parishes worldwide. With a well-thought-out transition plan in place, Sister Innes will take on the role of principal next year. Sister Faustina’s spirit will continue to thrive in all of us, ensuring that the radiant essence of Sts. Peter and Paul endures. We will deeply miss Sister Faustina as she retires from Saints Peter and Paul School, and forever hold her in gratitude.
