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.

SCS Students win Columbus essay contest

Congratulations to St. Catherine of Siena students Kerry F., Lauren T. and Makenna B. who were winners in the Cedar Grove UNICO Christopher Columbus essay contest.

Month of the Rosary

Students at St. Catherine of Siena School gather in Siena Hall, every Friday, during the month of October to pray a “living Rosary”. In the Roman Catholic Church the month of October has been specially selected as the "Month of the Rosary," and the feast of the Holy Rosary is now celebrated on the 7th of this month.

Stop, drop and roll

The Cedar Grove Fire Department brought their rig and gear to St. Catherine of Siena School on October 6 to teach students about fire prevention and safety. Grades preschool through third attended the demonstrations given by Cedar Grove firemen Dan Donovan, Steve Young, and Brendan Murphy. Shown above,  Fireman Brendan Murphy shows students how to stop, drop and roll in the event of a fire while Fireman Dan Donovan explains the technique.

FBI visits SCS

Special Agent James Meskill Jr. from the FBI brought bulletproof vests, handcuffs, and a vast knowledge of criminal law and procedure to share with the students in Saint Catherine of Siena’s “Loving the Law: Civics, Character and Leadership” class on October 7. The middle school elective is taught by Professor Paula Franzese, a law professor at Seton Hall University School of Law and chairwoman of the state Ethics Commission.  Shown, sixth grade student Frank C. enjoys looking at a 1954 edition of  “The F.B.I.” by Quentin Reynolds.

Respect, responsibility, and caring

Students were treated to the magic and message of Jim Vagias, on October 7 in Siena Hall, who spoke about the importance of respect, responsibility, and caring in the students’ lives. The assembly kicked off St. Catherine of Siena School’s “Positive Action” program, which will continue bringing this message to students throughout the school year. Shown, sixth grade student Delia S. respectfully waits to reveal what is under her cylinder as prompted by magician Jim Vagias.

Blessing of the animals

The Nattini and Coleman families enjoy a moment with their pets during St. Catherine of Siena's annual blessing of the animals held October 4. The blessing of the animals is celebrated each year in conjunction with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

Sharing Polish heritage

Father Peter Koziolkiewicz spends a morning with St. Catherine’s second grade class sharing the traditions and culture of his native Poland. Father Peter entered the seminary in Poland, completed his seminary education in the United States, and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Newark. He has been at St. Catherine of Siena Church since June 2009.