ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC ACADEMY CELEBRATES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 28TH – FEBRUARY 2ND
Our national theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Catholic schools have an irreplaceable role in the Church’s evangelizing mission. Building on the central goal of Catholic schools to form saints, Catholic schools teach and embrace the whole person, body, mind and spirit. The fact that all members of a Catholic school community share the Christian vision of faith that Christ is the foundation of Catholic education is what unites the school as a faith-filled community.
While faith is the binding element in Catholic schools, the Church reiterates that parents are the first teachers of their children. Holding this tenet, Catholic school communities expand beyond the walls of school buildings to envelop the family as an integral part of the school community. Together teachers, administrators, staff, students and parents fuel the light of faith by integrating culture with faith and faith with living. The CSW logo symbolizes the united community of Catholic schools – not a building or an institution, but people of faith serving God and others. Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community is a theme on which to build a spirit of the gospel to benefit the human family.
Our own SFACA theme for Catholic Schools Week is Color Our World. Each class has adopted a specific life enhancing attribute that makes the world a more peace filled and colorful place. Plan on visiting us at one of our Open Houses and see all the wonderful things our students are involved in. We look forward to celebrating and sharing our school and students with you.
We begin Catholic Schools Week with Sunday Mass bringing together members of the parish and school communities. SFACA benefits all year long from the religious guidance, prayers, and support our parish provides. Please attend our CSW Opening Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. as we honor this year’s Distinguished Graduate, Ms. Kristina Soltesz, Class of 2010. The funds received from the second collection today will be used to introduce our new Robotics Program and enhance our Science Lab. Please be as generous as your means allow. Students who join us today at Mass, in their school uniform, will enjoy a special dress down day just for them. Immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Mass, please join us at our school’s Open House from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Enjoy some light refreshments and visit the Color Our World display in Msgr. Maresca Center which focuses on specific life enhancing attributes chosen by each class. Also, immediately following Mass, new families can meet the principal, Ms. Reilly, in Msgr. Campbell Hall for brief informational session and tour the school with a Home and Academy Representative.
A central aspect of Catholic Education is learning the importance of service to others. When students take part in service activities – both local and beyond – they demonstrate the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education and learn how to make the world a better place.
For our service project this year, SFACA will collect used crayons which will be shipped to The Crayon Initiative. This noteworthy cause takes the used donated crayons, recycles them and ships them to children’s hospitals across the United States. If you choose you may also make a monetary donation. Please support this noteworthy cause which will continue for the entire week. See specific details on our Crayon Initiative flyer. Today, current families may join us for an Open House for all grades from 9:05 - 9:35am to visit their child’s classroom for next year.
Today is National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. We pray for the continued success of Catholic Schools across our nation. In a special way, we pray for our own Catholic School as we strive to prepare students to appreciate the value of service to others. Please support our fund raising efforts this week as we continue to accept donations in support of The Crayon Initiative. Also today, come and see our Middle School students shine! Grades 6, 7, and 8 will share their Living Wax Museum creations in Msgr. Campbell Hall. Friends and families can view the exhibit from 1:45 – 2:20pm. We also welcome Sr. Maryann Lopiccolo, Episcopal Delegate for Religious in the Diocese of Brooklyn, to tour our school and visit our Wax Museum.
Today, Student Appreciation Day, Catholic schools prepare children to succeed by using their God-given talents to the fullest extent throughout their lives. CSW offers an opportunity for students to explore the many life paths that enable them to use their talents well.
To encourage our students to dream big and reach their full potential, we will be hosting a visit from the NYPD and other first responders. Students will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of our own NYC heros. Students will also be treated to a Rainbow Bagel lunch and may dress down in their grade specific color in support of The Crayon Initiative. Please remember to send in your donation. In celebration of Student Appreciation Day students in all grades enjoy a day of No Homework!
Today, we encourage our students to shine by participating in meaningful activities planned by their teachers. Please join us in Msgr. Campbell Hall at 10:00 a.m. for our Poetry Presentation. Grades 1-5 will be presenting poems based the attributes that Color Our World. All are invited to attend.
We also invite NEW FAMILIES, grades K-8, to come and Meet the Principal, Ms. Reilly, and tour our school. For your convenience, there are 2 sessions available. The morning session is 8:30-9:30 and the same information will be shared in the afternoon from 1:30-2:30. Please call the school to reserve your spot.
Today, we celebrate our teachers and assistants who are the backbone of Catholic Schools. On this day, schools honor teachers, as well as staff, who support the school in its all important work. We thank God for our talented and dedicated faculty and staff. Please join us today at the 11:00 a.m. Mass as we pray for our faculty and staff, and the growth and prosperity of our school. We also pray, in a special way, for Msgr. Maresca as he celebrates 46 years of priesthood. Dismissal, for grades K-8, will be at 12:30 p.m and dismissal for 3K and PreK will be at 1:00. We thank the many parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners, and Academy Board Members who provide volunteer service. We are all so grateful for each one of you.