Centennial 1998 artwork

1949-1998: Our Second 50 Years at 150 Valparaiso Avenue

  • Retirement of a Legend

    Mother Foley retires after 39 years as Principal.
  • The Campus continues to Grow

    The Campus continues to Grow
    A swimming pool is put in, then two different sets of tennis courts are laid, one at the corner of Emily and Valparaiso, the other at the corner of Elena and Park Lane. A new St. Joseph's is built to accommodate the increasing number of applicants. Again, the Donohoe family comes to our aid in the persons of Barbara Donohoe Jostes and her sister, Mary Donohoe Carter.
  • The Morey Building

    The Morey Building
    A new school building is put up to house the PreSchool and Grades 1-4 of the Girls' Elementary School. In 1974, it is named the Morey Building in honor of the Schools' loyal alumnus, friend, and benefactor, Kip Morey.
  • The Campus Continues to Expand

    The Campus Continues to Expand
    The Sigall Building is completed in 1961 followed by the multi-purpose building at St. Joseph's.
  • A New Location for Science

    A New Location for Science
    A new Science Building at St. Joseph's was completed in 1965. The Bay Area Science Fair has become a strong tradition with annual winners from St. Joseph's.
  • The Schimpf Effect

    The Schimpf Effect
    Mr. Schimpf's Basketball Teams, over several years, win ninety-five consecutive games.
  • The Merging of Two Schools

    The Merging of Two Schools
    St. Joseph's School is merged with Sacred Heart Elementary to form one elementary school at St. Joseph's, where the name is kept by popular demand.
  • A New Director of Schools

    A New Director of Schools
    Sr. Nancy Morris becomes Director of Schools in 1971.
  • The Opening of Oakwood

    The Opening of Oakwood
    Oakwood opens to house the retired and infirm Religious of the Sacred Heart. Sr. Frances Danz, formerly superior at SH Menlo, becomes the first Director of Oakwood.
  • Opening of the Art Corridor and Parlor

    Opening of the Art Corridor and Parlor
    A generous gift from the Harry W. Andersons makes possible the opening of the Art Corridor and Art Parlor. This important community-outreach program begins to attract the art world's attention as "a significant place for the arts on the Peninsula" Art World, Oct. 1981.
  • 75 Years of Educating the Whole Child

    75 Years of Educating the Whole Child
    The School celebrates its 75th Anniversary under the leadership of Mae-Jeanne McGanney. This marks the first Fashion show and the inception of Parents' Clubs at both SJS and SH.
  • Our 1st Auction

    Our 1st Auction
    Auction of the Eighties begins a decade of successful parties under the leadership of Margaret Beltramo. The Schools raise over $76,000 in one night!
  • Our First Capital Campaign to Benefit Athletics

    The Schools' first Capital Campaign, chaired by Bob Glockner, was launched after a full year of Long Range Planning. The centerpiece of the Campaign is a sports center which becomes a reality through the generosity of the McGanney family.
  • The Boarding School Closes

    The Boarding School Closes
    The announcement that in 1984, the Boarding School would close and the high school would admit boys starting in the 1984-85 school year.
  • The Start of Sacred Heart Preparatory

    The Start of Sacred Heart Preparatory
    The high school's name is changed to Sacred Heart Preparatory, and the school welcomes thirty boys to SHP as either freshmen or sophomores.
  • A Passing of the Torch

    Sister Nancy Morris retires as SHS Director of Schools after 18 years. Sister Margaret Brown replaces her as SHS' third Director.
  • Sr. Ann McGowan Retires

    Sister Ann McGowan, Principal of St. Joseph's, departs after serving 26 years, leaving the School doubled in size and strength.
  • A Pioneer Partnership with the Bridge Program

    A Pioneer Partnership with the Bridge Program
    Summer Bridge Program founder Les DeWitt is encouraged by Sr. Peggy Brown to assist East Palo Alto children to prepare for high school. Sacred Heart becomes the Program's first home. Now, Castilleja, Menlo School, Woodside Priory, Crystal Springs/Uplands, and Menlo Atherton High School have joined in the program.
  • A New Director of Schools

    A New Director of Schools
    Dr. Milton Werner is appointed Director of Schools, the first lay head of the Schools.
  • A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SHP Boys Basketball

    A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SHP Boys Basketball
    SHP Boys Basketball Team wins the Central Coast Championship.
  • A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SHP Girls Basketball

    A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SHP Girls Basketball
    The SHP Girls' Basketball Team wins its fourth consecutive State Championship.
  • A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SJS Boys Varsity Athletics

    A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SJS Boys Varsity Athletics
    SJS Boys Varsity teams win eight consecutive league championships in football, basketball, soccer, and baseball.
  • A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SHP Girls Volleyball

    A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SHP Girls Volleyball
    The SHP Girls Volleyball Team wins its second consecutive State Championship.
  • A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SJS Track Teams

    A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics - SJS Track Teams
    The SJS Girls Track Team has won every year since girls entered the race in 1980! The SJS Boys Track Team has won every year but one since 1976.
  • Invest in Excellence, a Capital Campaign

    J. B. Mcintosh, Chairman of the Board, announces a $12.5 million Capital Campaign--"Invest in Excellence," to ensure the future of St. Joseph's School and Sacred Heart Prep.
  • 100 Years Strong

    The Centennial Celebration begins with the laying of the 2nd cornerstone on May 18th, 100 years after the first such ceremony. The Pastor of Nativity Church presided at the first ceremony and, again, the Pastor of Nativity, Father Clement Davenport, presides.