Out of necessity, Sts. Peter and Paul Salesian Grammar School became co-educational.
After one hundred years, St. John Bosco's love and care for youth continues in the presence of his sons and daughters at Sts. Peter and Paul, in San Francisco's famed North Beach area. Salesian priests, Salesian sisters, Salesian cooperators and members of the Salesian Family [laity] still minister to the youth of North Beach up to this very day. Cooperators, teachers, parish ministries, young adults are encouraged to serve as youth ministers.
Today Salesian school continues to be staffed by Salesian Sisters and laity who carry on its history of excellence in both the spiritual and intellectual pursuits of its students. In August, 1950, eight Sisters of the order of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salesian Sisters [F.M.A.], arrived in San Francisco. Sr. Letizia Sampó [†1981]was appointed principal of Sts. Peter and Paul School. These sisters, along with three Salesian Fathers, taught the eleven classes with an enrollment of 465 students. Classes were reduced to eight in 1952, with an average of fifty students per class. In September of 1956 a kindergarten was added.
When young people and parents approach a Salesian school, they
want to see and find what they cannot see and find elsewhere.
They want demonstrated in no uncertain terms the joy which
emanates from those who truly see Jesus Christ in each young
person. This desire becomes a reality when every educator lives
Don Bosco's educational method--a formula blending reason,
religion and kindness together with the loving preventive
presence of the educator. The Salesians Sisters of the future are
called to take risks for the Kingdom of God trusting in Divine
Providence as Don Bosco did. The Salesians along with young
people are called to a unique role in the advancement of Christ's
Kingdom. Any initiatives taken using the founders' charismatic
gifts [including those of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello,
co-foundress with Don Bosco of the Salesian Sisters] will be
blessed. Don Bosco said: "It is not enough to love the
young. They must feel they are loved." He often said:
"It is enough that you are young for me to love you."
The Salesian Sisters, Brothers and Fathers look to the future where the spirit is directing them in order to accomplish even greater things for the spiritual and physical benefit of youth in the modern world. They continue to respond to the voice of Don Bosco which echoes with powerful energy in the apostolate entrusted to them. The Salesian motto, "Da Mihi Animas Coetera Tolle," loosely translated as "Give me the souls of the young, you can take everything else" will continue into the new Millennium.
Salesian youth spirituality demonstrates the need of youth themselves being the model of Christian life and Christian values for their peers and all adults. This is done at Sts. Peter and Paul School in many ways and at every level.
Sts. Peter and Paul School is experiencing another cycle of ministering to immigrants. As it once opened its doors to Italian immigrants it now provides the same service to the hundreds of Asian students and other ethnic groups in the area. In the passing of the years North Beach has changed from an Italian residential district to a tourist area as well as a business and financial district. There was a strong influx of thousands of Chinese immigrants. As a result of these changes, school enrollment dropped, while the school population became about 70% Chinese. Now a Salesian priest and a Salesian Sister now minister to a flourishing Chinese community. The task of evangelizing continues strongly today just as it did a century ago. Although different groups of people have come to call this parish and this area of the city their home, there is unity in the joy of sharing Christian and cultural values with one another. At the turn of the century the Salesian Sisters, with their collaborators, as teachers and educators will mark a Golden Jubilee of successful educational programs at St. Peter and Paul Salesian School.
Sts. Peter and Paul School has made outstanding progress over the past few years. As of October 1996, the enrollment is 297 students who are being served by a Salesian educating community of 12 full-time teachers, religious and lay, one sister librarian, who also directs the religious education program (CCD), one full-time lay Assistant Principal, one Sister Administrator, two part-time lay counselors and four Salesian Sisters who teach the religion classes K through 8th grades.
Various changes have been made to meet the educational and pastoral needs of children and families in the area. In the fall of 1987, a pre-kindergarten was added to Sts. Peter and Paul School. In 1988 the pre-kindergarten was transferred to the administration of the parish under the name of Laura Vicuña Preparatory Pre-Kindergarten. Since 1983, a computer program has been made available to all the students during the school day. In September, 1996 the computer lab was remodeled and new computers purchased for the students. In l991 music began to be taught in all the classes by a member of the faculty who has an M.A. in the field. This knowledge gives our students the expertise needed to prepare them to enter the new millennium with confidence and with the competencies necessary to take their place in the world of work.
Many Salesian graduates have attained outstanding success in their chosen field as doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. Recently, a young woman graduate has received the highest national honors for scholarly achievement scores. She has been commended as one of the top five students in the nation's national achievement tests. This young woman attributes her success to the foundation she received at Sts. Peter and Paul Salesian school. And so, to date, our success story continues to grow.
The Salesian Boys Club has functioned for almost eighty years since its founding in 1918. It has been a haven for countless boys in the area. Over the years, a Salesian Girls Club was organized by the Salesian sisters. This club, too, implementing the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, was instrumental in guiding young girls to develop strong character and Christian values. However, after due consideration, a decision was made to have the Salesian Sisters Girls Club merge with the Salesian Boys Club. The Salesian Boys and Girls Club now operates as one unit under the spiritual direction of the Salesian fathers and Salesian sisters. The administration of the Club consists of an Executive Director, Mr. Russ Gumina, and two Assistant Directors, Mrs. Jocelyn Staley and Mr. Randy DeMartini. After-school programs include: an extensive sports program for the boys and girls; an after-school care program and a Study Skills program. Basic piano, poise and dancing lessons are also offered. Marian Clubs directed by a sister welcome interested girls for meetings and activities. These programs help to meet the needs of working parents.
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