Gator Gazette - Fall/Winter 2018 by Grey Nun Academy

G R E Y

N U N

A C A D E M Y

GATOR GAZETTE

FALL/WINTER 2018

INSIDE: Benefits of a PreK-8 Education - 55th Anniversary Celebration - and more!

CONTENTS

Educating the Whole Child

Benefits of a PreK-8 Education

Lower School Updates

Middle School Updates

A Message from the Head of School

Specials Updates

News & Notables

Athletics

Enrollment

Notes from the Home & School Association

55th Anniversary & GNA Day of Giving

2017-2018 Annual Giving Report

Gator Gazette is an official publication of Grey Nun Academy. Gator Gazette is published three times a year (Fall/Winter, Winter/Spring, Spring/Summer) for students, parents, alumni, and friends of Grey Nun Academy. Each issue features a focus on certain grades. Fall/Winter: PreK, K, and Sixth. Winter/Spring: First, Second, and Seventh. Spring/Summer: Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth. PLEASE SEND COMMENTS OR CORRECTIONS TO

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E gnamarketing@gnaedu.org P 215-968-4151

DESIGNER Mrs. Brittany Kane, Director of Marketing & Communications PHOTO CREDIT Mrs. Susy Kim, Director of Enrollment

FROM THE GREY NUNS OF THE SACRED HEART DEAR FRIENDS, December 2nd, the first Sunday of Advent, began the new liturgical church year. It is a “Happy New Year” without the hoopla of the Waterford crystal ball drop in New York City! Advent is four weeks of quietly waiting for the “Good News.” The church year revolves around Jesus’ story from Christmas, to Easter, to Pentecost, proclaiming all that Jesus said and did. He models for us a life of goodness, service, and love for others reminding us that “It’s a Wonderful Life” every day! In 1963, GNA was founded by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, whose goal is “Creating a Compassionate World.” St. Marguerite D’Youville, our foundress and patroness, had this two-fold request for her sisters: the Grey Nuns must reach out our “hands to the needy” and “never refuse to serve.” Throughout the year, our students’ compassionate hands certainly serve the needy through the many outreach programs they sponsor. Their enthusiasm and participation in peace and justice causes would make St. Marguerite proud as they live out her legacy and charism. We congratulate our GNA parents who support them in every effort to grow as generous and thoughtful human beings. As Grey Nun Academy celebrates its 55th year, Marguerite’s mission continues today, as our school integrates learning

with faith and action - nurturing and encouraging our childrens’ unique gifts and talents, and inspiring responsible and compassionate citizens, preparing them for an ever-changing world and future. December 23rd marks the anniversary of the death of St. Marguerite (1701-1771) - indeed she lived a “Wonderful Life” with care and concern for all of God’s children! As our 2019 journey soon begins, let us be grateful for each day and the blessings and opportunities that we receive to reach out to others and to serve one another like Marguerite in any way we can. Amen, Alleluia,

Sister Dolores Beatty, GNSH

GNSH Leadership at the GNA 55th Anniversary Celebration

Fall/Winter 2018

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD

A Message from the Head of School

“THE HABITS WE FORM FROM CHILDHOOD MAKE NO SMALL DIFFERENCE, BUT RATHER THEY MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE”. —Aristotle

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By Mrs. Deborah Kost, Head of School

ttending Grey Nun Academy is much more than enrolling in a school. Students and families at Grey Nun Academy are part of a community that is built on mission, faith, academics, inclusion, balance, and service. Whether a student is playing on our school’s sports team, participating in an academic competition, or performing on stage, there is constant community support, and students thrive under this student-centered, whole child approach in education. What does it mean to educate the whole child? Educational research has suggested that schools should strive for happiness (Noddings, 2003; Alber, 2018). Great thinkers have associated happiness with such qualities as a rich intellectual life, rewarding human relationships, love of home and place, sound character, good parenting, spirituality, and a job that one loves. We incorporate this aim into education not only by helping our students understand the components of happiness but also by making classrooms genuinely happy places. Per The Whole Child website, “These great aims are meant to guide our instructional decisions. They are meant to broaden our thinking—to remind us to ask why we have chosen certain curriculums, pedagogical methods, classroom arrangements, and learning objectives.” They remind us, too, that students are individual - whole persons - not mere collections of attributes. Grey Nun Academy is aware of and concerned with the total development of children. Surely all students deserve rich educational experiences that will enable them to become active citizens in a democratic society. Children are moral and spiritual beings; therefore, Grey Nun Academy provides thought-provoking religious and character education programs. Additionally, our school provides extensive and exemplary programs in English, math, science, social studies, religion, art, QUES2T (gifted/talented), health, library, music, physical education, Spanish, STEM and technology programs, all within a mission and student-centered, whole child approach. Dedication to teaching to the whole child is

paramount. We allow teachers and students to interact as whole persons, and we develop policies that treat the school as a whole community. We are blessed to have a faculty who love students and teaching, have passionate beliefs in the benefits of whole child education, motivate and engage students, focus on subject matter while being mindful of the interests of their students, use effective classroom management strategies, and use (student) datadriven instructional planning in their classrooms. Since 1957, the basic tenets of the whole children approach are: • Each student enters school healthy while learning and practicing a healthy lifestyle. • Each student learns in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults, where kindness, patience and respect are part of every school day; students’ overall well-being – spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically - are known by the adults who care for them both inside and outside of school. • Each student is known, regarding their interests and concerns; students are known on a personal level, and adults in the school community work to understand their experiences. • Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community. • Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults. • Each student is challenged academically and prepared for success in high school, college or further study, employment, and participation in a global environment. Showing our humanness is key to developing positive, healthy, and trusting relationships with our students. And relationships matter. They are foundational to learning. Sources - Edutopia, Basic Tenets of Whole Child Education Rebecca Alber, March 2018 - The Whole Child, What Does It Mean to Education the Whole Child? Nel Noddings, September 2005 - www.thewholechild.org

AT LEFT: Mrs. Deborah Kost with the 2018 Administrator for the Day, Fourth Grader Olivia Pitel on November 5. ABOVE: Mrs. Deborah Kost with Sister Dolores Beatty, GNSH at the Advent Family Mass on December 2.

Fall/Winter 2018

THE BENEFITS OF A PREK-8 EDUCATION

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By Mrs. Lisa Grabowski, Assistant Head of School

ave you ever had that adult moment where you have wondered - how did I get here? As you pull into the driveway of your home with laughing kids in the back seat, perhaps a wagging tail waiting for you at the front door, you could ask - how did I get here? I certainly have had those moments! I have wondered how many choices I have made that led me to the present and to Grey Nun Academy. Thankfully, as GNA parents, you also have made choices that led you and your children to our special school. Perhaps it is the community feel that drew you to GNA. Or is it the mission-driven approach, the faith-filled classrooms, or the academic excellence? Whatever the impetus, families have been drawn to our beautiful, tight-knit community and have become part of the fabric of who we are. Yet, there is a growing body of research that validates the choice you made to attend a private PreK-8 model. In traditional PreK-8 schools, students often enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and more diverse student bodies. In their classrooms, students develop a strong sense of self with more consistent discipline and instructional time. Because of fewer transitions, students are able to focus on academics rather than navigating through new and unknown social currents of a conventional Middle School. The result? Students demonstrate higher achievement in the core subjects of math and reading. Graduates are highly regarded by local high schools and place into top courses in their freshman year. Students are ready to become true leaders as they have had opportunities to be mentors to younger students and have learned to shine with teachers who know and love them. The pressures of social media and high school choices are manageable for our graduates because GNA students have had time to emerge as confident, competent, and compassionate adolescents. So if you ask - how did I get here? Please know that the faculty and staff are grateful that you are. But more importantly, we are grateful you stay. Because each young pre-kindergarten student is an eighth grader in the making. Each eighth grader is a future alumnus. Each alumnus leaves with the promise to carry on the storied GNA tradition of making a positive difference in a changing world. We are glad you are here and look forward to a bright future together.

Fall/Winter 2018

L O W E R S C H O O L U P D AT E S Focus on PreK and Kindergarten 7 Gator Gazette

NOTES FROM FACULTY AND STAFF

A SEASON OF THANKS By Mrs. Anne Shields

t was a thankful month for our PreK class. During November, we shared our many blessings. Each day a collection of students brought their thankful bags containing five things they were thankful for. They shared pictures of their pets, favorite foods, friends, books, school and toys. During this sharing time, every student thanked God for their special families and the love they share. We learned the story of Pilgrims and their journey to the new land. We danced and sang Thanksgiving and Native American songs. We even planted popcorn just like the Pilgrims did. We continue to watch it grow in our classroom. Our favorite fall colors were used to decorate our hallway with Thanksgiving patterns and turkeys. PreK is thankful for fall fun, family, friends and Grey Nun Academy!

KINDERGARTEN TRADITIONS By Mrs. Lisa Hughes

n November 14, the students in Kindergarten put on a wonderful Thanksgiving show for their parents and fourth grade pairing partners. The children dressed as Native Americans and Pilgrims and recited the story of the First Thanksgiving. We sang songs about our many blessings from God, and each child wrote and told of something for which they were most thankful. After our production, we enjoyed a delicious snack of pumpkin muffins, made by the Kindergarten students. Great fun was had by all! Fall/Winter 2018

M I D D L E S C H O O L U P D AT E S Focus on Sixth Grade 9 Gator Gazette

NOTES FROM FACULTY AND STAFF

BECOMING LEADERS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL By Mrs. Shannon Visnesky

Sixth grade students deliver food items to Sacred Heart parish in Trenton, NJ

ixth grade has been busy, busy, busy! With a smooth transition to their Middle School environment, sixth grade has taken their place as leaders in their community. Academically, they have hit the ground running learning pre-algebra concepts and skills that are strengthened from chapter to chapter, speaking in Spanish by learning how to express likes and dislikes within the language, and identifying relationships within ecosystems in science class. As leaders, they have taken on large and exciting tasks. Grey Nun Academy participated in a Student Council fundraiser, Costumes for Carolina, for a Catholic school in North Carolina which was significantly impacted by Hurricane Florence. The sixth grade raised the most money in the school and because of this, had their homeroom teacher dress up for the three days leading up to Halloween. In addition, our students, families, faculty and staff collected food items for our annual Thanksgiving food drive. Our sixth grade class delivered the donated items on November 19th on behalf of Grey Nun Academy. We are very proud of the hard work sixth grade has been putting into both their academic achievements and their community relationships. Their collective efforts are noticed and appreciated by all.

AT LEFT, ABOVE: Sixth grade students dissect and inspect in an owl pellet lab

CALLING ALL “QUES2T”-IANS! By Mrs. Christina Schuman

his year, our QUES2T curriculum focuses on Character and Citizenship. We began with creating our own definitions for these and other words, such as responsibility and respect. We reviewed various short stories and scenarios to determine where the characters demonstrated these qualities. Seventh and eighth grades then delved into the Declaration of Independence to determine how our country views many of these rights and responsibilities, and how the world views them as well. Sixth grade had the opportunity to rewrite a popular, yet dated song. They reworked the words to show how children can be taught to be open-minded and accepting, and to discard old biases, stereotypes, and prejudices. Finally, we are currently reading Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell in order to see firsthand how a young girl displays the characteristics we have been discussing. It is also an opportunity to gain insight into what makes a country great, which is what we are working on now. The younger students have chosen Japan, which was voted as one of the world’s “greatest countries.” They will delve into the country’s traditions, faith, culture, and reasons why it is considered “great.” Likewise, the older students are working individually on their choice of “The Top Ten Greatest Countries.” They will also be presenting on what makes their country “great.” Our final project is an exciting concept, and all our research into what makes a country (and its citizens) great will help us develop our own country! We are working on the specifics, but our country will most certainly be considered one of the “Top Ten.” Stay tuned!

ABOVE: Middle School faculty dressed up for the Costumes for Carolina fundraiser

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NOTES FROM FACULTY AND STAFF LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER AND MAC LAB By Mrs. Debbie Koehler The 2018-19 year is off to a great start. All grades began the year reviewing and discussing the rules and expectations in the Library Media Center and Mac Lab. In Library Media class, students have been exposed to stories read aloud, used skills to discuss and relate to each other and their world, as well as story elements, parts of a book, fiction vs. nonfiction, nonfiction text features, inference, and world literature. Our 5th grade has been participating in the Global Read Aloud program, where the class reads a predetermined book that is also read by other classes around the country and the world in order to build global connections. We have been connecting with a class in Ontario, Canada to discuss the book, Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed. This is a story about a girl in Pakistan whose life changes dramatically when she inadvertently insults someone from her village’s powerful ruling family. The students enjoyed reading a story about someone close to them in age but from a very different culture. We will continue to examine different aspects of the story and discover similarities and differences with our Canadian sister class. Reading Olympics is off and running! We have two teams this year comprised of 5th and 6th grade students. Both teams have been meeting and reading books since the school year began and have eyes on the blue ribbon prize for this year. Keep reading! Kindergarten and 1st grade students have been working on gaining mouse control in Mac Lab classes using various fun activities, educational games, and drawing programs. 1st grade students have also begun the very basics of keyboarding. 2nd grade has been working hard on their keyboarding skills as well as creating stories on the computer. 3rd grade has been practicing keyboarding and logging into their Google accounts, as well as working in Google Slides. 4th and 5th grade started off the year organizing their Google Drive folders. 4th grade has been working on internet research and how to sort through the information they need on a web page. 5th grade has been using various technology tools such as Padlet and Google Hangouts to connect with their Global Read Aloud partners in Canada. All classes are preparing to participate in the annual Hour of Code.

Grades PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd hosted the Grey Nun Sisters on October 1. It was such a blessing to make quick friends with the Sisters through song, dance, and games. Those are memories to be cherished! We look forward to opportunities for times shared in the future. Our 8th grade students began our days with Morning Prayer during the month of October as well as led us in the Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals. The 6th grade assisted the Prayer Service with insightful and creative animal poetry. The service was beautiful and enjoyed by all. On October 16, the school gathered in the Sacred Heart Chapel to witness the initiation of our Friends of Jesus, honor our patroness St. Marguerite d’Youville, and install the new members of Student Council. The Prayer Service readings were delivered through the support of the 6th grade class. It is our mission to continue the sentiment witnessed in the Chapel that day with the love for Jesus Christ as well as the compassion of St. Marguerite. November was a busy month as we celebrated our Veterans on November 8 with a reception and heartfelt Prayer Service. Students introduced their family and friends who served and sacrificed for our country in the armed forces. Later that evening, Father Eric Banecker administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation to our 2nd grade class. It was inspiring to see the children experience the healing power of forgiveness and the joy of God’s love. We pray for them as they continue their journey in preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion later this year. With food donations from the GNA community, our 6th grade delivered an abundant amount of fixings for Thanksgiving meals to the Sacred Heart Parish in Trenton, New Jersey on November 19. The students spent half the day sorting and bagging Thanksgiving food for distribution to the surrounding Trenton community. Each bag offered a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need. Please know that your generosity makes a difference in the lives of many. Grey Nun Academy had an array of reasons to be thankful as we celebrated our 55th Anniversary and our Thanksgiving Prayer Service on November 20. We offer our unending gratitude to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart for their years of support in guiding our students

CAMPUS MINISTRY By Mrs. Mary Beth Flatley We began the school year with our traditional gathering at the Back to School Family Mass by sharing a blessing of the backpacks and a welcoming reception after the liturgy. In the month of September, our 7th grade led Morning Prayer as well as the commemorative 9/11 Prayer Service. The GNA community made an astounding effort as it collected 416 pairs of socks for the Joy of Sox. (Pictured at right). We pray for those who received these donations; may they gain much-needed comfort. AT LEFT: The Veterans Day Prayer Service allowed GNA students to bring a veteran to school to be honored for their service

Fall/Winter 2018

NOTES FROM FACULTY AND STAFF with their education and sharing the spirit of St. Marguerite d’Youville. As we approached the Advent season, we saw the decorations within the building change as well. The annual Christmas Gift-Giving Tree welcomes all visitors to GNA, as it stands in the school’s lobby. It is full of ornamental tags which represent the hopes and wishes of children from the local Bucks County area supported through Catholic Social Services. Thank you for your continued generosity in bringing happiness to those in need during this holiday season! As we entered the Advent Season and the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year, the Grey Nun Academy community shared the First Sunday of Advent Family Mass. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with the liturgy as well as the families who prepared the wonderful reception. Advent is a time to embrace the season of spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Let us recognize the hope, love, joy, and peace that our loving God bestows on us! Grey Nun Academy is a loving community. Thank you for giving your time, support, and donations throughout the past several months. We are so blessed! GUIDANCE By Mrs. Liz Cannon As we slowly creep into this holiday season, it seems most fitting that we tackle one of the most difficult social skills to master – empathy. By definition, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another from his/her point of view. In other words, having true empathy is having the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. As we approach a holiday that is often a difficult time of year for many, it is important that students practice a skill that will allow them to comprehend the true meaning of the season. In late November, students in grades 3 through 8 had the opportunity to experience what it might be like to live with a specific disability. Through a series of scenarios, students were put through specific tasks that encouraged them to empathize with someone who is blind, deaf and physically or mentally disabled. For example, students were paired up and asked to lip-read a number of difficult sentences to their partner. You can imagine how frustrating this was for them! We continued to practice empathy at the end of the month during our second guidance lesson. After all, practice makes perfect! Students were shown a series of pictures of a person, a group of people or a situation, and their task was put themselves directly in that scenario as if they were really there. As you can imagine this was quite a difficult task, and they really had to think outside the box to create their own story line for each photo. I have to say that their ability to look at life through the lens of another was most impressive. Have a wonderful holiday season filled with love, giving and lots and lots of empathy!

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FINE ARTS By Mrs. Sandy Peters-Murray Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is to remain an artist once he grows up.” This statement is quoted by Sir Ken Robinson in his TED (technology, entertainment and design) conference speech entitled, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”. As an art educator, it really spoke to me and made me think. He spoke about how children are willing to take a chance and not worry about being wrong, noting that if you are not prepared to be wrong you will never come up with something new. He also discussed the importance of educators finding each child’s talent and helping him/her realize their potential using that talent. Unfortunately, not every child’s talent lies in the areas we seem to value most in our culture. When I ask students what they hope to do someday, many tell me they want to be an artist. But after about 5th grade, they seem to get the idea that a career in the arts is a fantasy and not practical. What if one of the arts is their “God given talent”? Sir Ken has some ideas. If you are curious as to what these ideas are, you might take a few minutes and listen to his speech. I hope to keep his thoughts and suggestions in mind as the 2018-19 year continues to unfold. It is now December, and it has been a busy time in the art room. Students have explored techniques such as “tempera resist”, something a little different than standard “crayon resist”, intaglio printmaking, and weaving. We have experimented with color, texture, line and shape. We have begun to take notice of light and dark, space and depth, and have spent time looking at artwork created by famous artists. But apart from what might come home to you, it can be hard for you to know about any of it. In order to help improve this communication, I am developing a Google site. Photos will be loaded once per month and you can visit the site to see what is happening in art class. You will be able to see your child in action, thinking, cooperating and creating. Art is often as much about the process as it is the product. As soon as it is up and running, the link will be shared for you to enjoy. Finally, the next big thing is the annual Christmas Show. The 8th grade has a scenery committee and will be working on the visuals needed to help tell the story. It is wonderful to watch the show and see all the talent. But I hope you will also notice the efforts of the visually gifted in the class of 2019. “What is education for? In my view, it is to enable all students to understand the world around them and the talents within them so that they can become fulfilled individuals and active, compassionate citizens.” -Sir Ken Robinson

NOTES FROM FACULTY AND STAFF

SPANISH By Ms. Morgan Cawley ยกFeliz Navidad! As we approach the Christmas season, GNA students continue to study the Spanish language and explore Hispanic culture. PreK and Kindergarten interact with Spanish through songs and movement, learning the alphabet, numbers, greetings, and phonetic sounds. They have also begun learning a few Spanish Christmas songs to celebrate the holidays! Students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade have focused on initial reading skills, including recognition, pronunciation, and understanding the meaning of vocabulary sets. These students are on their way to become Spanish readers and writers in the future.

MUSIC By Mrs. Meg Hanson

The 4th and 5th graders continue to learn essential Spanish themes and topics, such as greetings, numbers, days of the week, months, and seasons. These students are becoming more conversational as the year progresses.

Students in PreK-Grade 2 will be wearing their favorite pajamas, while grades 3-7 will wear their favorite dressy outfit. The 8th grade will be in period costumes.

Last, but not least, the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders have dived straight into grammar and vocabulary, while addressing the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. They have also examined Hispanic culture and have drawn comparisons and connections between their own community and communities of Spanish-speaking countries. Overall, the enthusiasm and talent for language learning at GNA will surely lead to lifelong language speakers, writers, readers, and learners!

Admission is free! Just bring a smile and watch how Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas.

YOU ARE INVITED! The Grey Nun Academy Music Department proudly presents Scrooge: A Christmas Carol on December 20, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the McKenna Center. The 8th grade students will play the parts in this Dickens classic, with new music by Alan Menken. Students in PreK through 7th grade will provide the singing in this Christmas favorite!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Fall/Winter 2018

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News & Notables 1

On September 16, Father Matthew Tralies blessed students’ backpacks in preparation for the new school year at the Back to School Mass.

First grade celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s birthday on September 26 by enjoying crunchy apples and learning the story of one of America’s first conservationists.

PreK and Kindergarten students had lots of fun singing and playing music with the Sisters of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart on October 2.

Middle school girls placed second in their first-ever Sciathlon competition at Villa Joseph Marie High School on October 12.

On October 16, second grade students were recognized and honored as “Friends of Jesus” before they received the sacrament of Reconciliation.

The 2018-2019 Student Council Executive Board was inducted at a Prayer Service on October 16.

The annual Halloween parade was filled with smiling (and scary!) faces as classes marched around the Peace Circle and shared sweet treats all day.

Middle school students performed select pieces from their upcoming Christmas musical Scrooge: A Christmas Carol for the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart at Holy Redeemer on December 4.

Fall/Winter 2018

AT H L E T I C S 17 Gator Gazette

ATHLETICS By Mr. Ryan Lynady, Athletic Director GNA SOCCER RECAP After a nice long summer, the much anticipated soccer season was upon us. At the end of last season, from just playing 5 games the year prior, the Gators were now about to go on an 11-game journey to be the best in the area. Under a new coach, the Gators began their season the second week of school and hit the ground running. With one co-ed varsity team of 5th through 8th graders, we all knew it was all about becoming one cohesive unit to achieve a common goal. The season started out strong with big wins over Christina Seix, Buckingham Friends and The Cambridge School, outscoring our opponents 19 to 8. At 3-0, one of the toughest games of the season was against a young French American School in Princeton, but our team stepped out and rose to the occasion to win 4 to 1. In this span of four games, there were hat tricks by 8th grader Joshan Khounh and 7th grader Peter “Pan” Carey, great midfield work by 7th grader Ava Pagliaro, and 8th grader Sahan Khounh added countless assists and goals. Sometimes, teams must face adversity during a season. The Gators would lose the next three games to Buckingham Friends, Newtown Friends and Abrams Hebrew School, which were hard fought games but just did not finish to get the win. Sometimes, a team goes without their strongest players or injuries happen during a game, but the team saw players step up and try to get the team back to their potential. These players were 6th grader Catie Gumbs, who played tremendously in goal all year for the Gators, 7th grader Gavin McLaughlin, and 8th graders Calvin Gauker and Sarah Duncan. The Gators wanted to finish on top with the last three games of the season, and they accomplished this final goal. The first of three was probably the most intense, versus a fiesty Pen Ryn team. The Gators played aggressively and were back to playing as a unit It was a complete game and the best win of the season. After playing this game, the next two against United Friends came easy - winning the first game 6 to 1 and the second game 13 to 2. With a forfeit from one team, the Gators ended their season with 8 wins and 3 losses - second in the area! The Gators celebrated their last game with a Tailgate Party, run by Mrs. Susy Kim, and all the wonderful soccer parents and fans that helped throughout the year. It was a season with ups and downs, but a learning experience for all. A final send off for 8th graders Sahan and Joshan Khounh, Sarah Duncan, Michael “Freight Train” Lange, and the dynamic duo of Calvin Gauker and Davis Bello, was special. They will truly be missed. The upcoming 5th, 6th and 7th graders know to keep tradition alive and will work hard next year. PRE-SEASON BASKETBALL The Boys and Girls teams began the season on November 12. This year, the girls have one Varsity team of 5th through

8th graders. A new head coach was appointed this year, Mrs. Brittany Kane, our Director of Marketing and Communications. She will oversee the whole team, as she has a fantastic background in basketball. The Boys have a Varsity and JV team this year. The Varsity team will consist of returning starters Michael Lange (8th grader), Gavin Mclaughlin (7th grader) and Nick Newmiller (7th grader), with new additions to the team Colin Larkin (8th grade) and Michael Palmeri (7th grade). Some highlights of the season include our Varsity teams playing Metuchen Academy at GNA on December 13 with the Girls at 4 p.m. and Boys at 5:15 p.m., playing in the inaugural New Year’s Classic on January 25 and 26 at GNA (times TBD), and finally playing in the Jimmy V Classic at St. John the Evangelist in Morrisville from February 21-24. Let’s hope for a great season for our winter sports teams! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS This Spring, we are happy to announce we will be adding a volleyball team for 5th-8th grade students. Our coach will be Mr. Jesse Waldenville, father of 1st grader Vivanna Waldenville. Mr. Waldenville brings a wealth of experience and cannot wait for the opportunity to start training and coaching the players! In addition, a Running Club will be formed this spring for 4th through 8th graders. In the Fall of 2019, Mrs. Debbie Koehler will be the head coach of our newly formed Cross Country Team. Please contact Athletic Director, Mr. Ryan Lynady, at rlynady@gnaedu.org for more information. Go Gators!

Fall/Winter 2018

“What I love about Grey Nun Academy is that from the second you walk through the doors, you feel at home and see smiles are all around, meet happy, friendly faces, experience a buzz of something special happening inside, and sense a family feeling where everyone knows and cares for the well being of one another.” - MRS. ALLYSON HEITZMAN, PARENT TO FIRST GRADER GRACE HEITZMAN

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Sharing the Love By Mrs. Susy Kim, Director of Enrollment

hen I recently pitched the question “What do you LOVE about Grey Nun Academy?” to a set of students in After Care, they were quick to respond. They gleefully shouted, “The great teachers ... the close friendships with classmates ... the interesting Specials ... religion classes ... the pairing partners …” As they encircled me, clamoring to share their heartfelt responses, I could barely keep track of their rapid-fire responses. Within three minutes, I walked away in delight having witnessed their infectious enthusiasm and listening to how much Grey Nun Academy meant to them. I posed a similar question to some parents, and touching replies flooded my inbox by morning. Elena Harris, parent to current student Gabrielle and alumni Nick and Alex, touchingly wrote, “We love the fact that at Grey Nun Academy, children can grow slowly, in every sense that matters. In a society where children are inundated with reasons to grow up too quickly, Grey Nun Academy offers its students a community that is a family, without cliques, divisions or insensitivity. The students truly rely on one another and are nurtured by these strong bonds of friendship forged through the Academy’s Catholic faith and the compassion that comes with it.” Through this quote, I heard and understood all the benefits bestowed upon our students through a PreK grade 8 education at Grey Nun Academy. Families, who recently joined our community this academic year, chimed in and frequently cited the rigorous academics, the small class sizes lending to individualized learning, the warm and welcoming environment, and strong sense of community amongst classmates, teachers, and parents as aspects of Grey Nun Academy that they cherish. Laura Lux, a parent of newly transferred 4th grader Alyssa and incoming Kindergartner Jonathan, offered, “We love the warm, caring staff and children of the Grey Nun as well as the amazing curriculum and education. Grey Nun Academy is our happy place where our children gain confidence in a loving, supportive environment.” We hope that you echo these sentiments whether you have been a member of our community for three months or ten years. Focused on a mission-driven approach, we strive to make each and every child feel loved, nurtured, and known. Intent on providing an exceptional educational experience for the students, we hire talented faculty and invest in their professional development opportunities. Quick to preserve old traditions, we also innovate the curriculum, community programs, extracurricular offerings, and so much more, to keep us at the forefront of “Educating Children for Life.” So when people inquire why you chose Grey Nun Academy over all of the other options, we hope that finding reasons come easily to you, and you can exclaim excitedly to friends, family members, and neighbors about why you love Grey Nun Academy! Fall/Winter 2018

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NOTES FROM THE HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

By Mrs. Marcia Grady, Parent Chairperson

WHAT IS THE HSA?

We are a group of dedicated parents who work together to enhance the overall educational experience at Grey Nun Academy. The Home & School Association is structured in committees consisting of parent volunteers who are directly responsible for planning and delivering various programs. Take a look at what your HSA has already accomplished this year: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Helped welcome 18 new families to Grey Nun Academy at September’s New Family Mass & Reception (1) Recruited 24 volunteers for room captains to assist teachers in the classroom with parties, gifts, etc. With school-wide and community support, we raised $18,000 in profit from our annual Fall Fun Day: A Family Festival. (2, 3, 4) Coordinated and hosted one educational and interactive school-wide assembly, Recyclemania! (5) Held two successful Uniform Resale Events which brought in over $1,200 in profit Coordinated and planned wicked-cool Halloween classroom parties. (6, 7) Assisted the Director of Enrollment with Open House on November 6 Offered and managed spirit wear sales for Grey Nun Academy – just in time for Christmas! Coordinated a GNA Spirit Night at the local Chick-Fil-A where 15% of proceeds benefitted our school for a total of $176 Hosted the annual reception following Advent Prayer Service on December 2 (8) Helped spread holiday cheer as our HSA elves opened Santa’s Secret Workshop on December 7 Hosted the Holiday Faculty & Staff Luncheon on December 14 to show our great Faculty & Staff how much we appreciate them Managed various fundraising programs throughout the year, including McCaffrey’s receipts, GIANT A+ Rewards, & Box Tops for Education

MARK YOUR CALENDARS • • • • • •

February 1, 2019: 21st Annual Team Spirit Night (snow date: February 8, 2019) February 21, 2019: Spring Pep Rally March 3, 2019: Mother/Son Night March 22, 2019: Father/Daughter Dance April 6, 2019: Spring Auction & Gala – Jericho Country Club May 23, 2019: Field Day

Fall/Winter 2018

55TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & GNA DAY OF GIVING November 20, 2018

On Tuesday, November 20, we kicked off our 55th Anniversary Celebration with a beautiful liturgy followed by an exciting pep rally to cap off the fun! Throughout the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events, we collectively reflected on the history and mission of GNA while looking forward to the future. In conjunction with the 55th Anniversary Celebration, the third annual GNA Day of Giving celebrated the generosity of our community. In 24 hours, the GNA Day of Giving raised almost $3,000. Thank you to all of our generous supporters who have positively impacted the students at GNA for years to come. To make your gift to the 2018-2019 GNA Fund, please visit us online at: WWW.GREYNUNACADEMY.ORG

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2017-2018 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT

The 2017-18 Annual Fund Campaign raised $103,000 to offset expenses and support strategic initiatives that tuition alone could never cover. Many thanks to our administration, alumni, Board Members, parents, faculty, staff, friends, grandparents, and Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, who generously donated to the campaign and made a difference in the lives of our Grey Nun Academy students.

Fall/Winter 2018

Leadership Giving Societies Sacred Heart Society $10,000 and up Michael & Joyce Hagan Saint Marguerite Society $5,000 - $9,999 Ron and Marchella Cariola The Michalek Family Jake and Leanna Tuzza Raphael Society $2,500 - $4,999 Flynn & O’Hara Mark and Jean Kuhn Divine Providence Society $1,000 - $2,499 Richard and Jean Clifton Eleanore L. Matey Foundation Inc. Christopher and Lynn Fallon Doug and Allison Gumbs The Kim Family John and Diane Kim Michael and Deborah Kost David Lihani and Audrey Tashjian Robert and Kathy Needle Bruno and Kathy Romero Universal Charity Circle $500 - $999 Donald and Maryann Amoruso Edward and Donna Bucci John and Alyce Cunningham John Dobbins and Juliette Faughnan Kevin and Carolyn Flynn Michael and Ann McAtee Geoffrey Wall and Kate Mulroney James and Patricia O’Rourke The Silvi Family Anthony and Michelle Stewart James A. Vivaldelli

Spirit Circle $100 - $499 Tony and Gina Accardo Daren and Lori Aita William and Faithann Barron Robert and Carrie Casey Peter and Caroline Cunningham Alan and Danielle DeLellis Kevin Faughnan and Keshu Yang Jeffrey and Amy Glabicki Lisa Grabowski Richard and Marcia Grady David and Marilou Greed David and Allyson Heitzman John and Amy Keating Commander Robert C and Janet Long Michael and Geraldine Malloy Dorothy McNeill David and Judith Mino Nina Murphy Peter and Barbara Obst Douglas and Christine Passanante Rakesh and Neelam Patel Steve Pitel and Jennifer Szwalek William and Donna Robinson Charles and Joanne Rosemarino Gary and Michele Spack The Dillon Family Dorothy Wilson EITC Donors Chancellor Associates Coldwell Banker Hearthside Realtors Doug and Allison Gumbs John Fraher and Monica Ettori The Lehman Family Precision Piping Michael and Joyce Hagan Waste Management William and Meg Newell

Daisy Circle Gifts to $99 Linda Barrick Sister Dolores Beatty, GNSH Roselyn Beer Seung-Hee Choi Stephen and Deborah Cianci Louis DeLauro The Foley Family Kimberly Franzon Richard and Carol Gigliotti Bryant and Elissa Huber Donald and Joan Johnson David and Deborah Koehler Stephen and Colleen Newmiller Charles and Catharine Radomicki Keith and Andrea Schultz Anne Shields Ann and Gregory Stewart Rosemary Stradling Maryann Turnbull John Turner Alexandra Venth Eugene Welsh Chae and Lillian Yim Gifts-In-Kind and Restricted Gifts Anonymous Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart Doug and Allison Gumbs Jim and Elena Harris Mark and Julia Huber Eric and Adrianna Lubaczewski Steve Pitel and Jennifer Szwalek Corporate Matches GE Corporation Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Novo Nordisk

The 2018-19 GNA Fund Campaign is still underway – consider the difference you can make on our student’s education!

25 Gator Gazette

GREY NUN ACADEMY 2018-19 GNA Fund Campaign

G RE Y NU N ACA D EMY • 1750 Q UA RRY RD, YA RD L EY, PA 1 9 0 6 7 • (215) 968-4151

YOUR GIFT PROVIDES FOR A FAITH-FILLED ENVIRONMENT, A CHALLENGING ACADEMIC PROGRAM, AND EXTENSIVE CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Your gift matters - every student and teacher benefits directly from the generosity of our alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, board members, friends, and the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. By supporting the Grey Nun Academy community with a gift to the GNA Fund Campaign, you are investing in the future of Grey Nun Academy and “Educating Children for Life.”

VISIT WWW.GREYNUNACADEMY.ORG TO MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! Fall/Winter 2018

Grey Nun Academy 1750 Quarry Road Yardley, PA 19067 215-968-4151 www.greynunacademy.org