THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE offers many impressive elementary and high schools. La Purísima Catholic School in Orange is certainly impressive, providing well-rounded education founded in faith, small class sizes, a “technology rich” campus and much more. Principal and alumna Rosa Ramirez is here to share a little more about her school:
Q: Does La Purísima have a patron saint? If so, how do you incorporate their message and story into the students’ education?
A: La Purísima, meaning Mary, Most Pure, is named after Mary, the patron saint of the church and school. Established in 1965 under the administration of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, the school has remained dedicated to its founding principles for nearly 60 years. The Sisters of the Company of Mary were founded by St. Jeanne de Lestonnac. Our school continues to embody the charism of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac, which is reflected in our Student Learning Expectations (SLEs): Fulfill Your Name, Extend Your Hand and Maintain the Flame. Students regularly learn about the life of St. Jeanne and reflect on these SLEs. Our school participates in traditions shared with other Company of Mary schools worldwide, including Child Mary, May Crowning and the feast day celebrations on May 15.
Q: Can you go into greater depth as to why La Purísima puts an emphasis on integrating technology?
A: The school places a strong emphasis on incorporating technology into our curriculum to ensure that our students are well-prepared for the demands of the modern world. We believe that integrating technology into education is essential for students to be equipped with 21st-century skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and digital literacy. These skills are crucial for success in higher education and the workforce. Technology provides dynamic and interactive learning experiences. It allows students to access a vast array of resources and tools, facilitating a deeper understanding of subjects and fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Q: How does your own experience at La Purísima shape how you manage the school today?
A: As an alumna, I deeply value the gifts and lessons La Purísima Catholic School has given me throughout my upbringing. The faith values instilled in me during my time here have carried me throughout my life, with Jesus at the center of everything I do. When it came time to choose an educational path for my own children, there was no doubt in my mind that La Purísima was the best place for them. My journey here has been multifaceted. I served the community as a teacher for 12 years and for the past seven years as the principal, experiencing many roles within the school. The strong foundation I received, and later my children received, informs every decision I make as principal. The faith-based education at La Purísima has not only shaped my personal values but also my professional philosophy. I strive to create an environment where students can grow spiritually, academically and personally, just as I did. My experience as a student, parent, teacher and principal at La Purísima deeply influences how I manage the school today. I am committed to upholding the traditions and values that make it a special place, ensuring that our students receive a holistic education centered around faith and excellence.
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of school?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family outside of school, participating in a variety of activities. I love going shopping, watching Angels baseball games and simply relaxing in the backyard, which includes my new “she-shed.”
Q: What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
A: The summer is when we begin to get to know our new families coming to the school. I love watching their excitement as their children begin to prepare for their educational journey. It’s a joy to see the enthusiasm and hope in their eyes as they explore the school and envision their future here. Welcoming new families into our community is a rewarding experience, as it allows us to share the values and traditions that make La Purísima special.
To learn more about Principal Ramirez and La Purísima, visit https://www.lpcs.net/