Letter from the Principal

What distinguishes a Catholic School from other private and public schools?

We pride ourselves on academic achievement, a culture of supportive and dedicated teachers, and setting our national, state and diocesan benchmarks high. However, many other schools can attest to these same goals and characteristics.

The mission statement of St. Anastasia Catholic School reminds us that we are a part of a large community of believers who are hopeful that Christ’s message will shape the lives of our children. We believe that each child is unique and is created in the image of God. We support our families in the nurturing of more than just the child’s mind. It is our duty to develop the body and the soul of our children as well.

School liturgy, daily prayer, religious education, Catholic Sacraments, service days, retreats, competitive athletics, family picnics and many other formation opportunities all contribute to an environment that is guided by the Spirit and not by governments or the random demands of our society.

Thank you for entrusting your most valuable creation to the family of St. Anastasia. Thank you for your involvement in your child’s education. Thank you for investing your time, talent and treasure in the development of the future Christian leaders of our community. Please remember St. Anastasia in your daily prayers.

Dr. Kevin Hoeffner,
Principal
khoeffner@saintanastasiaschool.org

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Philosophy

The St. Anastasia Catholic School and Church Community believes each student is a unique child of God who is called to be a disciple of Christ, a reflective and critical thinker, a responsible citizen, and a healthy and balanced child.

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St. Anastasia Catholic Church

We are a community of faith, called together to share our time, talents and treasure to further God's mission here on earth. 

We the people of God, as members of the mystical Body of Christ at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, are conscious that we are called to communicate the Divine life of God through our Baptism. To act in persona Christi and to take the place of the physically absent Christ in the world and make Him visible, audible and tangible through our earthly lives.

History

Profile of a Grad at Graduation

Profile of a Graduate
We, the parents and teachers of St. Anastasia Catholic School, envision each graduate of our school to be a:

Faith-filled Disciple who:   (Spiritual/Religious)

• Seeks out God in sacraments, prayer, service, evangelization, and worship.

• Understands how to use the Bible and Catechism to inspire and inform his/her faith.
• Knows how to apply human and theological virtues and can defend what he/she believes.
• Strives for a deepened respect and appreciation for truth, beauty, and goodness.

Reflective and Critical Thinker who:   (Intellectual)

• Demonstrates understanding of facts and ideas in all of the academic disciplines.
• Uses the latest technology and information to solve complex problems.
• Demonstrates curiosity by asking what, why and how.
• Listens well and communicates effectively and creatively.

Responsible Citizen who:   (Social/Emotional)

• Respects and cares for all life and God's creation.
• Demonstrates accountability to himself/herself, to God, and to the community.
• Understands his/her unique talents and challenges and applies that self-awareness in the development of personal goals.
• Continuously develops his/her basic life skills, social etiquette, and ability to adapt to change.
• Stands up to peer pressure and makes good choices with help from God, family, and the community.

Healthy and Balanced Teen who:   (Physical)

• Appreciates the importance of nutrition, hygiene, self-discipline, posture, and overall wellness at home and at school.

• Participates in extracurricular activities and exhibits good sportsmanship and teamwork when working or playing in a group.
• Recognizes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and makes choices that support the value of his/her life and the lives of others.
• Sets measurable goals to continuously balance his/her health and wellness.

 

In the Beginning:​

• The first Catholic Mass in Fort Pierce was celebrated at the O’Brien home (west of 10th Street and South of Orange Avenue) in 1903. 
• Senator James P. McNichol, a Catholic statesman from Philadelphia and a winter visitor, was the first great benefactor of the Catholic Community of Fort Pierce.  McNichol purchased a block of land on the western edge of the city and donated it for the construction of a church, rectory and school. The wood-framed church was established in 1908 and seated 125 people.  The parish was named St. Anastasia, in honor of the patron saint of McNichol’s deceased first wife Anastasia.

 
A Time for Growth & Prosperity:

• On December 4, 1910, Fr. Rupert Gabriel became the parish’s first pastor. 
• In 1914, St. Anastasia’s two-story school was built next to the church on Orange Avenue along with a convent to house Dominican sisters who would later come to teach. 
• In September 1926, three Dominican Sisters from Adrian, Michigan came to staff the school opening the school to 52 students.

 
A Time for Change

• In 1932, St. Anastasia added its first year of high school.
• By 1936, St. Anastasia had all four grades of high school and the first graduating class had five students.
• In 1951, St. Anastasia’s total enrollment had grown to 201 students that included grades one through twelve.
• In 1960, St. Anastasia Catholic School expanded its elementary school to a new location on 33rd Street in western Fort Pierce and the St. Anastasia School building on 10th Street served as the high school. 

A Time for Expansion

• For the next 16 years, St. Anastasia had many new facilities come to fruition due to the efforts of Father Mark Christopher.
• By 1989, Father Christopher had a state-of-the-art computer laboratory and a spacious music room constructed.
• A sports pavilion was erected to enhance the school’s physical education and sports program in 1991.
• In 1993, the completion of the Bergalis and Wolf buildings created eight new classrooms to accommodate two Kindergarten classes.
• In order to enhance the Band Program at St. Anastasia Catholic School, the multi-faceted Louise Beerhalter Band Room was constructed in 1998. 
• In 2000, St. Anastasia Catholic School welcomed Pre-School students for the first time.
• In 2006, a state-of-the-art Media Center was completed.