In the Spotlight

On September 17, 2022, the Diocesan PTA held their Annual Fall Conference. Students, principals, and parish PTA leaders assembled at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine on his feast day for Mass with Bishop O’Connell. The Bishop spoke of the importance of nourishing the seed, which is just what the parents of our students are doing by sending them to Catholic schools. After Mass, the participants were treated to a lovely brunch. Elia Landino, PTA President, had the opportunity to address everyone in attendance. After everyone had their opportunity for nourishment, Paul Signorelli, a long-time member of the Diocesan PTA leadership team, spoke to everyone about his involvement in the organization over the years. Jessica Jarmer, who handles marketing for the PTA, made a presentation of student scholarships to several students from a number of schools. It was truly a beautiful and inspirational day. 

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At St. Benedict School on Friday, September 16, 2022, the Maryellen Harris Playground called The Nest was blessed and dedicated. Fr. Garry Koch was on hand to lead the ceremony along with Mr. Kevin Donahue, Principal. The playground attaches to the Pre-K 3 classrooms. Mayor Greg Buontempo of Holmdel presented a proclamation in honor of Mrs. Harris. St. Benedict School alumna, Olivia U., from the class of 2019, also shared her sensory equipment made for the playground as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. We hope the PreK 3 students enjoy their new playground and equipment for many years to come!



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Many thanks to the Principal of St. Paul School in Burlington, Mr. William Robbins, for welcoming the principals and the staff of the Department of Catholic Schools. On Friday, November 12, 2021, the leaders of the schools of the Diocese took part in a professional development workshop. Mrs. Brianna Hodges presented a great workshop on Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities. We also celebrated the conclusion of the Cognia re-accreditation process. While the schools of the Diocese have not received the "offical" word on re-accreditation, the concluding meeting with the visiting team was VERY positive and encouraging.

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On October 22, 2021, The school community of St. Jerome celebrated Heroes’ Day. This is an annual event to honor the heroes who serve in the community.  The event is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of police, fire fighters, first aid providers, active military, and veterans.

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On October 12th, the school community of St. Benedict in Holmdel celebrated the official opening of the Dr. Robert H. Harris Early Learning Center for PreK 3 students. Everyone was beyond excited for the students and teachers. St. Benedict  is most grateful to Mrs. MaryEllen Harris for her overwhelming generosity and unwavering commitment to                           Catholic school education.                      

           Thank you to all who celebrated this most memorable day!                                          

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Calling all 7th and 8th grade students! There's a part wating for you in our story. Click the image below and check out what's happening in our high schools. Lights! Camera! ACTION!


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Notre Dame High School and the Diocese of Trenton suffered a great loss on June 21, 2021. The hearts of the school community were broken as they learned the sad news that their beloved coach John McKenna had been called back to God's Kingdom. John was an exceptional husband, father, teacher, coach, and person. A man of great faith, he cared about the well-being and success of every student and colleague at Notre Dame High School. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.



Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
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During Teacher Appreciation Week, the PTA and students of St. Paul School in Burlington decided to thank the "teacher of teachers," Principal Bill Robbins. Now, Mr. Robbins has been known to be a pretty dapper dresser. To reflect this, the students made ties listing all the positive qualities that Mr. Robbins exhibits each day at St. Paul School.
Lookin' good, Mr. Robbins!




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Recently, Colin T. and his father accepted a generous donation to Special Olympics Area 06 from 3rd grade student Ella. The donation came from the proceeds for the Rock Your Socks event which celebrated World Down Syndrome Day. Keep on rockin', St. Dominic School.

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Congratulations, Dr. Briggs, our own Frontline Hero!

Dr. Jason Briggs, Principal of St. Gregory the Great Academy in Hamilton, was nominated to be a Frontline Hero and to have his image emblazoned on a banner to hang outside Citizens Bank Park for the Opening Day festivities of the Philadelphia Phillies. The final heroes were selected from about 500 nominations that were submitted by fans in February. Please see the article about the Frontline Heroes, the video which was submitted to nominate Dr. Briggs, and the banners that are being displayed. Dr. Briggs knocked it out of the park in responding to the pandemic.

Read the article here: https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-phillies-and-toyota-announce-frontline-heroes-to-be-honored-on-ope?fbclid=IwAR2dI_eOhzbaKOXemrV9wOLgtsgcVQoZjjODDgfMxf-xxRYhxBxwcoBo1wY

Frontline Heroes Banners: https://www.mlb.com/phillies/fans/contests/frontline-heroes/banners

Video SGGA sent to the Phillies: https://vimeo.com/515280813

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Two of our students share their thoughts for the Annunciation Novena.




During Respect Life Week, the students of the diocesan and private Catholic high schools throughout the four counties collected essentials for newborn children and their mothers who are in need. God bless those moms for CHOOSING LIFE. We are strongest when we work together and this collection was a tremendous success thanks to the students, parents, and faculty members in our high schools.
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