Student earns 2nd black belt

SCS 7th grade student Alexander U. passed the 2nd Dan Black Belt Testing on October 17, 2009 at Talium Headquarters located at Fairfield, NJ. Alex started taking lessons in Taekwondo at age 6 and earned his 1st Dan Black Belt in December 2006. He intends to continue his training and work towards attaining his 3rd Dan Black Belt by 2012. His martial art training helps Alex to further enhance his self esteem, built confidence, and strengthen his physical coordination and mental discipline

SCS Basketball at the Izod Center

Saint Catherine of Siena students had a special opportunity to play a basketball scrimmage in the NJ Izod Center on November 17. Seventh and eighth grade players felt the up close thrill of playing on the NBA court and then were able to get NBA player autographs and enjoy the NJ Nets game that followed.

St. Catherine's Honor Veterans

St. Catherine of Siena School honored veterans with a Veteran’s Day Assembly attended by students in grades kindergarten through eight on November 11. The assembly included guest speakers from the United States Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The event was hosted by the school’s eighth grade Forensics Team.

The assembly opened with a prayer service of remembrance, honoring veterans from past US Wars up to present day. The students continued with a presentation on the history of Veteran’s Day and then watched a short film supplied by the Veteran’s Administration, “Honoring All Who Served”.

The school’s guest speakers; Army Sergeant Brindle, retired Air Force Captain Jack Lamb, retired Marine Sergeant Yoon, and Coast Guard Lieutenant Daniel Twomey spoke to students about their training, experiences, and why they joined the military. The speakers each then participated in a question and answer session with the students.

Several sixth grade students gave the officers cloth bracelets symbolizing their gratitude for the speakers’ military service and recognizing them for making a positive difference in the students’ lives. The assembly closed with the singing of “God Bless America”.

Living Saints at SCS

St. Catherine of Siena School students were "living" saints during their school mass on November 7 in honor of All Saints Day. Fr. Robert Suszko presented each of the portrayed saints, to the congregation, during his homily. The students portrayed St. Angela Merici, St. Dominic, St. Bernadette, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Maximillian Kolbe, and St. Gabriel, The Archangel.

Calendar Fundraiser

Catherine of Siena School is accepting donations for a three-month calendar fundraiser to benefit the school. Participants have 92 chances to win a share of $6,250 in prizes during the months of January, February, and March. Calendar entries require a $10 donation and are eligible for all drawings. If interested, contact Luciana Lalande at 973-243-0022.

Halloween at SCS

St. Catherine of Siena School students began their Halloween celebration with an afternoon parade around the school. Students then enjoyed some special treats at their Halloween Party in their classrooms.  SCS eighth graders also ran the Halloween Arcade in the gym with some help from the seventh grade class. Big brothers and sisters in grades 7 and 8 enjoyed walking around with their little brothers and sisters, in grades kindergarten and first, playing games and and having fun together.

Fall clothing drive

A clothing drive is set for Friday, October 23 and Saturday October 24 to benefit St. Catherine of Siena School.  The clothing and other items will be sent to needy families in Eastern Europe and East Africa for reuse.  Residents are asked to donate usable items in the following categories: men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, and sneakers; hats, belts, purses, blankets, curtains, bed linens, comforters, bedspreads, towels and stuffed animals. All shoes must be bagged separately.  Place items in sturdy plastic bags which can be dropped off at the back door of the school gym. Enter from the Bradford Avenue driveway.  Drop off times are 3 pm to 5 pm October 23, and 9 am to 12:30 pm October 24. Funds raised will benefit the Home School Association (HSA) for St. Catherine of Siena School.