History

St. Finn Barr Catholic School was founded as a parish school in 1962. It was originally administered by the Irish Sisters of Mercy until 1997 and by the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines until 2003. Since then, the school has been under the leadership and guidance of lay administrator Tom Dooher.

The school continues to provide a tradition of academic excellence, serving culturally diverse students from St. Finn Barr and other parishes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fully accredited by WASC and WCEA, St. Finn Barr prepares students for success in high school and in today's world with solid academic and spiritual foundations.

Highlights

• Outstanding acceptance record to top quality high schools.
• Disciplined.
• Safe environment.
• Uniforms required.
• School Hours: 7:55 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Extended care: 7:00-7:45 a.m.; immediately after school until 6:00 p.m.

Our Values

We believe that parents, working in partnership with teachers, are the primary educators of their children.

We believe that the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural diversity of our students fosters a spirit of understanding and caring. Children are encouraged to work together on various projects for the school and community.

Our purpose is Christian education of youth, emphasizing the harmonious development of the spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional endowments of young boys and girls in accordance with Gospel values, in the spirit of Vatican Council II, and the directives of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. We believe that "The future of humanity lies in the hands of those who are strong enough to provide coming generations with reason for living and hoping." The faculty recognizes the parents as the primary educators responsible for the education of their children and strives to support and complement them in their role.

Curriculum

The curriculum at St. Finn Barr Catholic School is designed as a careful balance between academic and non-academic programs, as described below.

Religion-Religious instruction forms the basis for the total development of the student. All students are required to participate in all regular religion classes, liturgical preparation and school oriented church services during school hours.

Language-English, Reading, Spelling, Phonics and Writing provide the basic tools for gaining knowledge and understanding of the spiritual, educational, social and vocational experiences of life. These skills are correlated with all other subjects.

Math-Our Math program is designed to help each student learn the basic mathematical structures, language and principles in order to develop skills in computation, use of vocabulary and symbols, reading and interpreting data, measuring and solving problems.

Science and Health-The Science program gives students an understanding of the basic truths of nature and man's relationship to them. Health imparts to the students an understanding of the importance of physical well being.

Social Studies-The goal of this program is to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for effective citizenship in our society.

Physical Education-Physical Education is a necessary extension of the Health program. It provides an opportunity to learn the importance of exercise to maintain a healthy body.

Art and Music-These programs are provided to develop creative potential. Computers This program teaches computer literacy and software applications to help prepare students for a high technology future.

Faculty

The faculty at St. Finn Barr School are dedicated to the mental, spiritual, social, and physical development of students. Collectively, their backgrounds and professional experience provide students with a holistic and challenging educational environment.

Amy Argenal-Amy Argenal started with St. Finn Barr School in 2006 as the 6th grade homeroom teacher and 6th-8th grades Social Studies teacher. She worked the last four years teaching in Spain in both an American High School and a British Secondary School. She has a B.A. in History from U.C. Berkeley and is receiving her M.A. in Education from USF.

Gina Bruno-Gina Bruno came to St. Finn Barr in 2006 as the 5th grade teacher and the 4th grade religion teacher. She received her Bachelor's degree from Sonoma State University in 2002 and her teaching credential from Dominican University in 2004. She is very interested in incorporating both technology and art into the curriculum.

Clarence Donahoe-Clarence Donahoe came to St. Finn Barr School in 2005 as the science teacher for grades five through eight, after a long career with the San Francisco Unified School District. He is a 1974 graduate of UC Berkeley and has three credentials in history, economics and science, as well as a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He also earned a Masters in Administrative Leadership from San Francisco State University in 2001. His particular interests include the use of computers in research, and organization and presentation of individual studies, as well as environmental issues and community service.

Sonia Hoja-Sonia Hoja joined St. Finn Barr School in 1985 as a third grade teacher, the position she holds today. She also  served as a substitute teacher at Epiphany School. She graduated from Holy Names College in 1984 and received her teaching credentials from San Francisco State University in 1989. Her special interests are in curriculum development and differentiated instruction.

Gloria Naber-Gloria Naber first came to St. Finn Barr School in 1973 as a part-time teacher in grades seven and eight. She was then hired as the second grade teacher and also taught grades four through eight before return to grade two. She is a 1973 graduate os San Francisco State University, where she received her partial teaching credentials in 1973 and her full and life credentials in 1977. Her special interests are in differentiated learning techniques and innovative teaching methods.

Karen O'Reilly -Karen O'Reilly joined St. Finn Barr School in 1984 as the kindergarten teacher. She continues in that role today and has also been serving as the Vice Principal since 2004. Karen received her Bachelor's degree (1983) and teaching credentials from San Francisco State University. Her special interests are in early childhood education.

Lilia Patriarca-Lilia Patriarca joined St. Finn Barr School in 2001 as the seventh grade teacher, a position she holds today. She also teaches math to grades five, six, seven and eight, as well as spelling to grade seven, and has taught computers to grades one through eight. She graduated from the University of San Agustin, Philippines, in 1989 and received her teaching credentials from the University of Phoenix in 2005. She is especially interested in using technology in teaching.

Cindy Richardson-Cindy Richardson came to St. Finn Barr School in 2004 in her present position as  fourth grade teacher. Before that, she was a substitute teacher in both  the San Francisco Archdiocese  and the San Francisco Unified School District. She is a 1998 graduate of San Francisco State University, where she received her teaching credentials in 2003. She has a special interest in integrating technology.

Lynn Sahagun-Lynn Sahagun joined St. Finn Barr School in 2003 as a first grade teacher, after teaching Physical Education part-time at St. Cecilia's for nine years. She has also had two three-year stints as a second-grade teacher, at Mission Dolores in San Francisco and  at St. Joseph School in Alameda, and served as  a part-time substitute teacher for the San Francisco Archdiocese for two decades. Lynn graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1974, and earned her teaching credentials there in 1975.

 

 Updated: 02/22/07 ac

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