Sister Georgine

Sr. Georgine Wohnhaas, a Glen Riddle Franciscan, was for many
years a teacher in elementary education. In 1965, at the request of Bishop
Ahr, Sr. Georgine ventured out to St. Coletta's in Milwaukee to begin
training in religious education of pupils with educational disabilities.

The first religious education class for pupils with educational
disabilities in Trenton opened in 1966 in Immaculate Conception Parish.
Sr. Georgine and many volunteers conducted Saturday religion classes.
Much was accomplished during these Saturday sessions. Students not only
learned about God, but were also enjoying music, art, storytelling and
printing. It was evident that the children were learning more in their
Saturday classes than in special classes in local public school
With encouragement and the backing of parents of these children,
Sr. Georgine proceeded to request that a day school be started to educate
pupils with educational disabilities in the Catholic school setting. With the
blessing of Bishop Ahr, Sister Euthalia, Provincial, Father Timothy,
Pastor Of Immaculate Conception Church, and Msgr. Frain,
Superintendent of Schools at that time, Sr. Georgine opened the first full
time day class for pupils with educational disabilities in 1969 in
Immaculate Conception Grammar School. Sr. Marie Anthony, the
principal at Immaculate, graciously found room in the grammar school to
house this class.

The school, known as Diocesan Learning Center, opened with seven
students in September 1969. The dream of many parents of students with
educational disabilities had come true. Sr. Georgine was determined that
these special children were capable of learning and becoming active
members of society. Her infinite patience, effort and determination paid
off. The students were using basal readers, doing math, singing, speaking
French, conversing, acting, playing the organ, and learning about God and
His goodness; and achievement at that particular time in the education of
students with educational disabilities was unheard of. Sister marched to a
different drummer and her success was recognized by many.

The Diocesan Learning Center was a place where people came to see what was happening with these special children.
Due to the growth of the school (12 students), a second class was
started in 1971. Because of lack of space in the present grammar school, Sr.
Georgine moved one class to St. Ann's Convent. Sr. Barbara Furst
became the new teacher for the class at Immaculate.
God had other plans for Sr. Georgine. Early into 1971 school year,
Sister was stricken with Leukemia. Both classes were combined into one
at Immaculate. Sister recovered and was very positive.

In 1972, through the graciousness of Msgr. Frain and the Sisters at St. Ann's the school moved into St. Ann's Convent. The parents of the students worked tirelessly in remodeling a part of convent into classrooms. The population had increased from seven to seventeen.

The school year 1973 was another milestone; the first lay
teacher was hired. Now there were three classes and nineteen students. The
school year 1973-74 was one of great anxiety. Sr. Georgine's health grew
worse, and she was confined most of the year to a hospital bed. Still she
constantly planned for the children and encouraged all the strive for
the best.

On August 31, 1974 Sr. Georgine died from leukemia. Her dream
was completed. Could we continue on? With much encouragement, help and
support of many, the program moved forward.

The summer of 1975 the entire school moved back to Immaculate
Conception School. School opened that September with twenty-eight
students, two sisters and four lay teachers. In honor of Sister, the name of
the school was changed to Sister Georgine Learning Center For Exceptional
Children.

The school was formally approved by the State of New Jersey as a
Private School for the Handicapped in 1977. This allowed local public
school districts to refer students to the school. Prior to this approval the
students were private and parents were responsible for tuition.

Sr. Georgine's dream and message is still alive today due to the
dedicated staff, former and present at the school.

In 1993 the name of the school was changed to
Sister Georgine School.
 

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