ECHS Motto, Mission & Philosophy

We at East Catholic High School are proud to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, a national exemplary school award given by the U.S. Department of Education. ECHS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the State of Connecticut.

Our Motto

"Do whatever He tells you," (John 2:5) the school's motto, is taken from the wedding feast of Cana, which is East Catholic's patronal feast. The third quarter of the school crest depicts two earthen jars which recall the wedding feast of Cana.

Our Mission

East Catholic High School is a regional college-preparatory school of the Archdiocese of Hartford. Building on Catholic tradition and the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we challenge our students to build strong moral character while pursuing academic excellence, responsible citizenship, active participation in community service, sportsmanship, and an appreciation for the fine arts. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, East Catholic is a welcoming environment for all students.

Our Philosophy

East Catholic High School, a college-preparatory school of the Archdiocese of Hartford, serves students from more than 35 towns in the Greater Hartford area and eastern Connecticut. At East Catholic, we strive to teach as Jesus did—challenging, loving, and guiding our students, all within a welcoming and nurturing environment. We believe that our success in educating a student is only possible when the faculty and staff of East Catholic, the student, and the parent work in partnership and agree upon the core beliefs expressed in our mission statement. We attempt to create an authentically Catholic yet ecumenically sensitive atmosphere in which each student can grow spiritually and intellectually.

Please read our full Philosophy Statement in the Important Documents section of this page.

Our Vision

Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford welcome students of all faiths, ethnic groups, and socio-economic backgrounds. The fundamental purpose of Catholic schools is to:

  • Provide a safe, nurturing, and secure environment in which students encounter the living God, who in Jesus Christ, reveals His transforming love and truth
  • Partner with parents to support students in their learning and in their search for knowledge, meaning, and truth

Please read our full Vision Statement in the Important Documents section of this page.

Our History

Founded in 1961 by the Archdiocese of Hartford, East Catholic High School is a coeducational college preparatory high school that provides a values-based education within an authentically Catholic yet ecumenically sensitive community. Since its earliest days, the school has been associated with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, whose charism of education and service enriches all aspects of the East Catholic experience. Located in Manchester, Connecticut, East Catholic serves Catholic and non-Catholic students from more than 35 communities in the Greater Hartford and Northeast regions of the state. East has been recognized as a "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence" by the U.S. Department of Education. East Catholic High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

  • Sean Brennan '85, President (June 2020 to present)
  • Valerie Mara, Interim Head of School (October 2019 to June 2020)
  • Thomas E. Maynard, Head of School (July 1, 2017 to October 2019)
  • Ryan P. Hinton, Principal (July 1, 2017 to June 2020)
  • Thomas E. Maynard, Interim Principal & Chief Administrator (July 1, 2016 to June 2017)
  • Mr. Jason S. Hartling, Principal & Chief Administrator (July 1, 2011 to June 2016)
  • Dr. Karen Juliano, Ed.D., Interim Principal (2010 to 2011)
  • Mr. Christian J. Cashman, Principal & Chief Administrator (2006 to 2010)
  • Sr. Bette Gould, SSJ, Interim Principal (2005 to 2006)
  • Ms. Peg Siegmund, Principal & Chief Administrator (1986 to 2005)
  • Rev. William Charbonneau '65, Principal (1981 to 1986), President (1987 to 1996)
  • Rev. Robert Saunders, Principal (1970 to 1981)
  • Rev. Charles Shaw, Founding Principal (1961 to 1970)

The Charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame De Namur At East

Since its founding in 1961, East Catholic High School has been associated with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SND). Today, three sisters actively work in the teaching and guidance ministries continuing the tradition of an active presence at ECHS. In addition, a member of the Connecticut SND leadership team serves on the school board.

We Honor the Sisters of Notre Dame

We are deeply grateful for the service given by the SND community. Thousands of East Catholic students have benefited from their goodness and generosity. As an expression of our appreciation, our senior students participate in a religion class where they have the opportunity to provide hospitality and service to the retired sisters at Julie House in Windsor, Connecticut. 

Each year, East Catholic honors the Sisters of Notre Dame on February 2, their Congregational Feast Day. On that day in 2007, East Catholic High school proudly named its chapel the Notre Dame Chapel in their honor.

Sisters of Notre Dame Charism

"How good is the good God!" is the congregational mantra of the Sisters of Notre Dame. The phrase is imprinted on the back of the SND cross and is a constant reminder to all of the many ways in which God blesses us each and every day. The Sisters of Notre Dame have always been active Catholic educators and advocates for the poor and disenfranchised of the world, especially young women and children. Please learn more about the Sisters of Notre Dame Charism and their ministries around the world.

SND Network & Collaboration

The Sisters of Notre Dame have begun an international network of sponsored and affiliated schools. East Catholic is participating in the network and hopes, over the next five years, to begin collaborating with SND schools around the globe.

The USA Sisters of Notre Dame have begun an online school that will serve as a platform for online collaboration internationally. In the spirit of networking and collaboration, East Catholic owes a huge debt of gratitude to their friends at Chaminade-Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio, who generously allowed East to join them in January 2007 to initiate the Kairos Retreat for seniors in the SND tradition.

Notre Dame Learning Community Hallmarks

  • We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.
  • We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.
  • We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world.
  • We commit ourselves to community service.
  • We embrace the gift of diversity.
  • We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.
  • We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.