For over twenty years, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur served St. Rita School as teachers and faculty. We have invited them to share their memories of our school, and we are thrilled to post them here.

Sister Helen T. Ryan (Catherine Edwina)  
Teacher 1956-1969 Grades 3-8

Parish Business Manager 1977-1981

“The great joy of the Pastor, Msgr. Daly as the school opened.  He had made the decision to build the school and wait to add the main floor of the church.  The interest and participation of the Home and School Association as they worked with the teachers, planned the educational class trips and school related events.  The students who made each day so interesting and a challenge.

Each year I said farewell to my class and each September found we had been promoted together.  As you will note, this went on for all of the five years.”

Sister Dorothy Ann Gill
Teacher 1970-1981 Grades 2 and 4

“I was very happy teaching the fourth grade with Mrs. Marie Fregeau-my companion fourth grade teacher.  She was an excellent teacher with very marvelous teaching ideas.  We collaborated on many projects.  I taught the second grade with Mr. Mike Dudeff, a very unusual partnership!”

Sister Catherine Perroni
Teacher 1969-1979 Grades 1 and 2

“Rejoicing when First Graders could read!  Preparing children for Holy Communion.  Working with Claire Hibbs, a creative co-worker.”

Sister Bernice King (Catherine Raymond)

Teacher 1962-1969  Grade 1

   
“Planning and presenting plays and musical programs on stage for school, parents and the pastor. The joy of hearing 1st graders learning to read, especially in January when they felt so proud of their accomplishments.”  

Sister Rosemarie Robidas (Rose Henry)  
Teacher 1956-1962 Grades 1 and 2

“I was privileged to have been one of the first teachers at St. Rita School when it opened in 1956.  I have many beautiful memories of my six years in Hamden, but the most memorable one is the opening day in 1956 when the first little children of grades one through four made the beautiful building come alive with joy and laughter to the great pride and joy of Msgr. William Daly, pastor.”

Sister Anne Gabrielle Gagnon
Teacher 1961-1964 Grade 8

“My favorite memories are of the students and their parents.  The activities the Home and School Association sponsored and the dedication of the priests, Msgr. Daly, Fr. McDonald, and Msgr. Johnson.”

Sister Helen Eugenia Piela
Teacher 1960-1989 Grade 8 and tutor

“I spent 20 happy years at St. Rita.  I began my first year with a small class of 18.  The number gradually increased until each of the two classes doubled in size.  We enjoyed our trip each year to the Freedom Trail, Mountain Park, and Riverside Park.  It was inspiring to see the improvement in the students when I began the National Junior Honor Society.  We enjoyed using a local park on gym days.  Have a great celebration!”

Sister Jean Kieltyka (Eugenia Theodore)  
Teacher 1959-1963 Grades 4 and 5

“As a “first” teaching assignment, St. Rita School has a special place in my heart.  The wonderful children and dedicated parents, lay and religious teachers, devoted pastor, Msgr. Daly, Fr. Dan Johnson, Fr. McDonald, and generous supportive parishioners made an outstanding team!  I learned so much from good people and carried the joyful spirit shared with me through all these years. Have a great celebration!”

Sister Mary Joan Welch  
Teacher 1958-1964 Grade 6

Principal 1975-1982

“I have many fond memories of my years at St. Rita School, beautiful children, cooperative parents, exciting activities that enriched our lives as teachers.  The parents seemed to enjoy m any activities that I am sure have become cherished memories for all.”