'News' of St. Hubert's demise just 'false rumors'

This has been a tough year for Catholic education with two of the city's most prominent Philadelphia archdiocesan high schools - North Catholic and Cardinal Dougherty - slated to close in June.

So when word got out that Office of Catholic Education officials plan to meet Jan. 5 with parents of students at St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, some folks got nervous.

But not to worry.

"There's no bad news coming January 5 at St. Hubert," said Archdiocese spokeswoman Donna Farrell.

St. Hubert's principal, Regina Craig, published a letter to parents on the school's Web site last Friday to quash the rumors of another possible school closing.

"In the last few days, we have heard some false rumors regarding our stability and our future," Craig's letter said.

"Please let me make this very clear: Saint Hubert is alive and well, and we are not going anywhere. We are the largest all girls Catholic high school in the city, and in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Our enrollment is stable and our registrants for next year are coming in at a steady pace.

"Please help us dispel these false rumors. As you can see, we are strong, thriving, and looking forward to a bright future."

St. Hubert, on Torresdale Avenue near Cottman, in Tacony, has about 800 students and is planning to celebrate its 70th anniversary in two years, Craig said yesterday.