BEGOÑAZPI IKASTOLA

History

Begoñazpi in Santutxu

In 1970 a group of parents headed by Josune Cearra and Sabin Zubiri, who took part in the ikastola movement in Bilbao, contacted the Diocese of Bilbao and the educational center was created. At that time it was to be called Begoñazpiko Ikastola. The Ikastola was situated in the convent which the Asuncionista nuns had at Karmelo Street number 13, in Bilbao, although its official name was the Parish School. The participation of José Mª Cirard, who was the Bishop at that time, and other representatives of the Diocese's was fundamental in the birth of the Ikastola.

The Diocese designated Libe Altuna, a Mercedaria nun from Berriz as the Principal of the centre. The first Begoñazpiko teachers were: Lina Arejo, Clotilde Caminos and Estibaliz Beistegi. Nati Irigolen, Miren Garamendi and Maria Luisa Llona worked as teacher aids.

The first students of the budding Begoñazpiko Ikastola were the following thirteen: Agustín Altamira Usunaga, Mikel de la Cámara Mendizabal, Amaia Gorbi Arkakute, Ibone Goiri Llodio, Idurre Latxaga Mimentza, Heidi Moragues Zubiri, Iñaki Murua Anzola, Iñigo Ordozgoiti Fonseca, Ana Ramos Urkia and Gaizka Renteria Larandagoitia. At the end of the school year there were many more.

The Building’s basement housed several classrooms which were that of a precarious national school. The school remained there until they finally obtained another place to transfer to. La Natividad de Nuestra Señora Parish stood on the ground floor. Its parish priest, Reverend D. Luís Lasuen, became the first Religion Teacher of the Ikastola. Another founding staff member of Begoñazpiko Ikastola was Leo Lázaro, who worked with us until her retirement.

In June 1977, 13 students finished their Primary School Education. In order to celebrate the great occasion, a party which was presided by the Assistant Bishop of Bilbao, D. Juan Mª Uriarte, was organised.