Fostering spiritual development, academic excellence, & service to others.
DonateSt. Joseph’s School opened in September, 1905. It was run by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary until they were called back to the Mother house in 1921. At that time the Sisters of Notre Dame took over. The School included a high school until 1922. The 1940’s saw the children work for the war effort, and they actually raised 7 enough money to buy a jeep for the soldiers. Enrollment in the 1950’s reached 170 students in grades 1-8. In 1951, St. Joseph’s began the first hot lunch program in Catholic Schools. By the 1960’s the building was in need of major repair, and St. Joseph’s began to seek a school with which to combine. In 1969, a consolidation of schools was agreed upon with St. Anthony’s; and “Trinity School” was born.
St. Anthony Parish was formed in 1909. The original and official name of the church is “Holy Ghost and St. Anthony Catholic Church”. Plans were formulated to build a school, as early as 1917. However, the onset of World War I and lack of funds delayed this dream until 1928. Bishop White had received a gift of $10,000 and offered it as the first contribution toward the school, on the condition that the congregation raise at least $15,000. The challenge was accepted, and the school opened on September 4, 1928 with 58 pupils. The school was originally staffed by four sisters of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The school continued to operate and was consolidated with St. Joseph’s in 1969, when it was renamed “Trinity Catholic School.”
The enrollment for the first year, 1969, was 243 students. The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and the Notre Dame Sisters worked together in a new experiment in education. The Montessori Method was used to teach Kindergarten, and the entire school was ungraded.
In 1984, the Educare was started and a preschool program was established. The 7th and 8th grades were discontinued in 1987 due to declining enrollment. During the 1990’s Trinity enjoyed an increase in school enrollment and the 7th and 8th grades were reestablished. In 1995 Trinity was the first of the small Catholic schools of our Diocese to become accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Education Association.
Our staff today consists of ten lay teachers. The Holy Names sisters continue to be present at Trinity. Today we also have sacramental preparation assistance from the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church. Our students participate in a music program, art classes, drama classes, and a band program. From infants through eighth grade Trinity provides an outstanding and full program of preschool, child care, and elementary education.
Immediately east of Trinity Catholic School you will find “Shane Playground”. Shane Torrison passed away when he was a first-grader at Trinity school, in February 1977. His parents, family, friends, and the students of Trinity School designed and built a “creative playground”, which was dedicated September 9, 1977.
Although Shane was only six years old when he died, he had already proved himself to be a budding athlete. He learned to snow ski when he was only three, and was water skiing when he was four. He loved to play football, basketball, and baseball.
In school, his favorite class was religion. At the first-grade level, Jesus relates to children as a brother and a friend. Shane related back to Jesus in the same way. Shane was a member of a large and loving family with three brothers and four sisters. In November, 1976, Shane was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. He continued to attend school up until he passed away in February. His cheerful attitude was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. The Torrison family continues to be present and active in the school community today.
Upon the reopening of the New Shane Playground, a generous donation was given by Tine and Ted Condon for the play toy. We would also like to recognize the support of Gene & Joan Butterly, James & Sandra Ivers, and the many friends of Trinity who helped fund the purchase
At Shane’s Playground you will find the Jim Meloche Memorial Bench. Jim Meloche died unexpectedly in May, 2014. Jim was a man of service. His sense of humor helped to lighten loads and entertain everyone he encountered. The magnitude of his loss has been evident in the eyes of all who celebrate fond memories of him. Jim was raised in the neighborhood, and traveled the sidewalks of the parish and school his entire life. It is fitting that the view from the bench includes his home, the rectory, St. Anthony’s and his beloved Trinity, where he served lunch on Wednesdays for myriads of children.