The student population for 1936-1937 took a big jump, no doubt due to Father McNeill’s influence. The day was split up with some students coming in the morning and others in the afternoon. A fourth teacher was hired for the next year and a classroom for the higher grades was opened up in the sacristy of the church.

Providing a good Christian education for the youth of the parish was at the top of Father McNeill’s priorities; he worked unceasingly towards that aim. Land facing the church was donated by Cornelius Pineau for the school and grounds. This new location was closer to the largest number of students, the village children. Through an intermediary, Father McNeill was able to purchase at a very reasonable price a fine, large fish-packing warehouse from the Portland Packing Company. In March, 1939, Wes. Coles, with the help of the people, took charge of hauling the building from the harbour to the new site. This school was ready for occupancy in February of 1940.

.. ‘ First Stella Maris School.

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