Guam’s 15 Catholic schools and preschool/nurseries swung their doors open to thousands of students this week as the Archdiocese of Agana began another faith-filled School Year. Most schools started the academic year Monday, Aug. 9 with a few others opening the following Tuesday. Principals reported smooth and exciting days in the first week.

Students in Marcelle Diambra-Odi’s Pre-Algebra class at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School immersed in lessons. (Photo by Tony C. Diaz)

Mrs. Shepherd guides students in her Japanese class at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. (Photo by Tony C. Diaz)

Warm smiles and beaming faces of young learners light up the Kindergarten room during the first day of school at Santa Barbara Catholic School Monday, Aug. 9.  Pictured are Nevaeh Ricci Pereda, Tiffany Laniog, Blase Michael Ramos, Marc Gavriel Solitana and John Yanger from Class KB under Victoria Ramos and Nerza Valencia. (Courtesy of SBCS)

San Vicente Catholic School Principal Sr. Joseph Ann Quinene, SSND, greets students during the lunch break on the first day of classes. (Photo by Tony C. Diaz)

St. Anthony students say the Pledge of Allegiance during the first day of school. (Courtesy St. Anthony School)

Santa Barbara 8^th graders anxiously await the beginning of a new journey on opening day.  L-R: Mariel Ann Sacayan (8A), Kayelijoy Aquiningoc (8A), Maricris Natsumi Naranjo (8B), Kristine Camille De Jesus (8B), Jasmine Espino (8A) and Song He Jang (8A).

St. Anthony students in Ms. Joyce Cendana’s 1^st grade class have a wide assortment of emotions as they line up to attend opening day Mass Aug. 9. (Photo by Tony C. Diaz)

St. Anthony Catholic School teacher Seraina Sanchez shares smiles with some of her Kindergarteners.