Students put faith into action

The photos at right are from an all hands on deck Service Day March 15, as members of Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, community rolled up their sleeves to aid clients served by a wide variety of local organizations.

The day began with a prayer service in the chapel before seniors attended a presentation from Tim Winn the Hillside–based Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Next, they packed meals for Rise Against Hunger, assembled Ziti for the Needy and hygiene kits.

Juniors heard a presentation from Lucy DelGuadio, a U.S. Army veteran, before packing materials for Operation Shoebox and creating First Night Kits, tote bags, bookmarks and cards for veterans.

Sophomores listened to a presentation from Elaine Liggeri of Crossroads School, Westfield, for which they assembled Easter baskets for McAuley Hall, gel packs and school kits for Crossroads students and DIY puffy paint non-slip socks for residents of McAuley Hall. Finally, freshmen made smile bags, fleece blankets and friendship bracelets for patients aided by Operation Smile.

“Our annual Service Day is a time when our school community can put into action the Gospel message of love and service to others, and be the hands and feet of Christ in the world,” said Ruth Anne Munroe, director of Campus Ministry and Student Government Moderator.

acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, set and achieve personal goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make caring and responsible decisions. All of these skills are definitely attributes any parent would want for their child. Skills that will serve our children well in the future in every aspect of their lives.

Catholic schools are committed and dedicated to forming the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. We want our students to grow in their faith and be successful and excel academically. There are many societal and personal challenges such as social media, peer pressure, anxiety and depression, drug and alcohol use, cell phones, academic pressure, and on screen violence in video games, that the life of a child is that much more challenging and of concern for parents and educators. This is why there is more reason now more than ever to build a positive foundation of faith and interpersonal skills that will help children through the many obstacles they may face growing up. To succeed in life and in the classroom, students need to deepen their sense of who they are and how they can positively contribute to the world and a strong Catholic education combined with SEL can be the cornerstone of making this deep sense of self and their place in the world thrive and flourish.

Catholic tradition has always placed great importance on the sanctity of human life (Catholic Church, 1994) and the importance of empathy, kindness and respect for others and this strong tradition will can help address the needs of our students in today’s society. Our Catholic values combined with a strong social emotional learning continuum could be the value added antidote for our children to reach their full potential while valuing others and contributing positively to their communities.

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

St. Joseph School, Carteret, in the midst of its centennial celebration, proudly adheres to its goal to “believe, achieve, serve and succeed” while both looking back and aiming forward.

The school, which serves 110 children Pre-K3 to eighth grade, skillfully utilizing a mix of cutting-edge technology and time-honored values, asserts Joanne McKnight, who is in her third year as principal at St. Joe’s.

The school educates its students using a STREAM program format with technological tools as Chromebooks and Promethean boards; a half-hour elective flex program where fifth through eighth graders can explore activities such as chess, drama, academic enhancement, robotics and coding, choir or poetry, and offers afterschool programs such as cheer and dance, art, a songwriting program and summer camp. Reading, writing and arithmetic aside, McKnight is most proud of the school living its motto to “believe, achieve, serve and succeed” as it strives to raise good, Catholic citizens.

“Parents who send children here do so for security, safety and to provide them with a faith-filled education where children feel confident, are able to have a voice and stand up for right when they see wrong being done,” the principal said. “Kids here stand up and use their voice; our academic education is extremely strong and advanced to prepare students for 21st century learning, to be global citizens and to prepare for jobs not even created yet.”

The school’s rich legacy began with the determination of Father John R. O’Connor, who had arrived at the parish in the summer of 1919, that an elementary school was needed, according to a parish-penned book on its history. By 1923, the school (and a convent) on High Street were erected, and the Grey Nuns were commissioned as staff. The first class graduated in 1925 with 12 girls and three boys and Sister Mary Eleanor, S.H., as principal. The Grey Nuns continued at the school until 1934 when they were recalled to Montreal; they were replaced by the Servine Sisters of Ladysmith, Wisc., who served the school for the next 50 years.

By 1953, the school’s 30th anniversary, its enrollment had blossomed, new classrooms had been created, and the first lay teachers were employed. A six-room addition opened in 1955, and in two years the basement was divided to form additional kindergarten classrooms. Numerous housing developments in town caused the need for a school located closer to that area, and the present school at Roosevelt Avenue was dedicated and blessed by Bishop George W. Ahr in 1961. Nicknamed the “Annex,” it

Teachers and students at St. Joseph School, Carteret are celebrating its 100th birthday in many ways, including donning clothes from its 10 decades. Pictured above in outfits from different years are teachers (from left): Jennifer Hyjack, Wendy Keller, Bridget Dean, Denise Madrigal and Gianna Hilyard. During their centennial year, students have also been researching each of the school's 10 decades and sharing what they learn on digital, social and Google platforms. The yearlong celebration is scheduled to conclude with Mass on May 6. — photos courtesy of St. Joseph School allowed for the enrollment of more than 400 additional students.

Religious from the Dominican Sisters of Elkins Park, Pa., were added to the school staff, and an auditorium built in 1966. In the fall of 1967, both schools were operating, with 32 rooms in use — eight grades with four classes of each grade. `

The St. Joseph School community is taking a fond look back at its one century of existence. Each grade level is researching a decade, sharing its innovations on digital, social and Google platforms, and donning its clothing, from bowler hats or Zoot suits to tie-dye shirts, bell-bottom jeans and leg warmers. The year-long celebration will conclude with a Mass in the parish celebrated May 6 by Bishop James F. Checchio, followed by a gala at the Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center.

Whether it be for its innovative and stimulating academic options, or the faith-filled morals which guide its young citizens, parents have continued to choose St. Joseph School for their children — sometimes for more than a generation.

On the St. Joseph School website, parent Ashley Webb commented her relationship with the school has endured many decades, from her days as a pre-K student in the early 1990s to the present day as a mother to eighth-grade student Xavier. She noted the teachers “have always been attentive and always willing to help.”

Webb continued, “The different extracurricular activities enable children to try new things and there is something for everyone… always new school activities, as well as yearly traditions to look forward to. The diverse close-knit community is something I valued at St. Joe’s. My hope is for my children to continue with traditions and make lifelong friends at St. Joes as I have.”

For more information on the St. Joseph School May 6 Mass and gala, call (732) 541-8946 or the main office at (732) 541-7111.