Week of 3/30/25

Dear School Families,

In this week’s Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) we hear the story of the Prodigal Son. When reflecting on this week’s Gospel, I watched Fr. Greg Friedman’s reflection video (USCCB, https://bible.usccb.org/podcasts/video/2025-03-30-reflection-33-31). During his reflection, Fr. Greg mentioned that Pope Francis had noted that “Jesus is the face of the Father’s mercy”. May we all strive to show mercy to others this week.

A fun time was had by all at our Fashion Show on Thursday evening. Our students were resplendent as they walked the runway at the lavishly decorated Grand Oakes. Thanks to Mrs. La Grega, Mrs. Lukowski, Mrs. Bove, Mrs. Bianco, our volunteer moms, Mrs. Bongiorni, Mrs. Napolitano, Mrs. Greenblum, our teachers and staff-- Mrs. Gardella, Mrs. Contino, Mrs. Delgado, Mrs. Griffo, Ms. Farrell, Mrs. Twohig, Mrs. Rodriguez, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Greco for a lovely evening. Thanks also to Mr. Quirk for his help with our red carpet.

Mass with Cardinal Dolan, celebrating the 100th year anniversary of our parish, was truly a joyous occasion! Our students' artwork provided a warm and beautiful welcome for Cardinal Dolan in the CCC. Congratulations to Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Miller who were among those honored at the event. Thank you to all of our students who attended Mass and represented our school so well. 

This week we look forward to Whole School Reconciliation for students in grades 3 - 8 on Monday, March 31st; our 6th grade production of Godspell on Tuesday, April 1st; the 7th grade Trout Trip on Wednesday, April 2nd; and the PreK Easter Hat Parade on Friday, April 4th. 

The Bread of Life food drive, spearheaded by our National Junior Honor Society, is underway. A Flocknote with more information was sent out yesterday. Please join us as we support the Notre Dame Club in their efforts to replenish Staten Island food pantries. Thank you to Mrs.Kneeshaw for overseeing the drive for our school.

Easter Basket donations are still being accepted by the Jr. Giving Circle. The club members hope to make Easter a bit more joyous for children in need. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Students may wear the spring uniform beginning Tuesday, April 1st.  Parents please make sure that girls’ skirts/skorts are of a modest length (at least mid-thigh). Clare’s Closet will be open on Friday, April 4th from 12:30 - 2:00 PM in the school gym should uniform updates be needed (for example, if skirts/skorts are too short). 8th grade parents are reminded that all 8th grade students will need their school sweater for the 8th grade regional mass in May. Please be sure to purchase one if needed from Flynn & O’Hara or Clare’s Closet well in advance of the mass on May 21st.

A new month for lunch orders begins on Tuesday, April 1st. Please be sure to place orders if you are interested.

Friday April 4th will be a Dress Down Day for those students who wish to participate in the fundraiser. No slides, cropped tops, or ripped jeans please.

Friday will also be a 12:00 dismissal day for a faculty meeting.

A Flocknote for our next pretzel day (April 16th) was recently sent out. Orders are due April 10th. Orders are to be placed using this google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpfGDKpHUl9VWkXGemT10tK-XRYckpFvxOyAy_WmM6LsO8mg/viewform?usp=sharing). Please note that orders are not complete until payment has been sent to the school office. The form can also be found on the school events page of the school website.

Gift card collection for Radio Bingo is currently underway. Gift cards are due April 15th to qualify for the May 5th Radio Bingo dress down and pizza party contest. Please note a  gift card donation for Radio Bingo is the only way to participate in the May 5th Radio Bingo dress down. Donations will not be accepted for the May 5th dress down after the April 15th deadline.

Please be sure to send in reservations for our Mother - Daughter (April 12th) event asap as this event closes out quickly.

Chromebooks (not iPads) should be used in grades 4 - 8 as iPads are often incompatible with programs that are used in class. Our teachers have also reported that students seem to be more easily distracted with iPads. Please note that Chromebooks will not be available for borrowing during state testing, as school devices will be reserved for testing purposes. Be sure to check the Upcoming Events list below for state test dates.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Chiusano and Ms. Kneeshaw for their dedication and support in covering for Mrs. Minucci and Mrs. Rodriguez during their maternity leaves. Your commitment to our students and school community is truly appreciated!

A list of upcoming events follows.

Have a blessed week!

Mrs. Olsen

Upcoming Events

Monday, 3/31/25 Whole School Reconciliation

Tuesday, 4/1/25 6th Grade Godspell 8:30 School Auditorium

Tuesday, 4/1/25 Spring Uniforms may be worn

Wednesday, 4/2/25 7th Grade Trout Trip

Friday, 4/4/25 PreK Easter Hat Parade, PreK 4 8:30; PreK 3 10:30

Friday, 4/4/25 12:00 Dismissal Faculty Mtg/Dress Down Day

Friday, 4/4/25 12:30 - 2:00 Clare's Closet School Auditorium

Tuesday, 4/8/25 6th, 7th, 8th Grade ELA State Test

Wednesday, 4/9/25 6th, 7th, 8th Grade ELA State Test

Wednesday, 4/9/25 Report Cards Distributed (Grades K - 8)

Saturday, 4/12/25 Mother - Daughter Party

Monday, 4/14/25 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade ELA State Test

Tuesday, 4/15/25 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade ELA State Test

Easter Break Thursday, 4/17/25 - 4/25/25 Easter Break

Monday, 4/28/25 Return to School 8:30 Mass

Tuesday, 4/29/25 Kindergarten/8th Grade Graduation Photos