The week of January 29– February 4 is designated National Catholic Schools Week. This practice to celebrate Catholic education got its start in 1974. Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy’s observation of this week demonstrates solemn and fun ways to honor the values of a Catholic education.
The 11:30am Sunday mass held at Saint Francis of Paola Church on January 29th officially opened Catholic Schools Week for the students of Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy, and they attended in full school uniforms. Monday brought a fun change as the students were allowed to come to school in their PJs and enjoy a movie. Tuesday was Teacher Swap Day, where teachers swapped classes for a period; also donations were collected to go to a special charity. Wednesday students can choose to come to school dressed as a superhero or super villain. Thursday will be Student Recognition Day when student teams will compete and raise funds during the Penny Challenge that will go toward purchasing choral risers for the spring show and future shows.
Friday, February 3rd, will bring Blessing of the Throats, First Friday Mass, and Family Visit Day when parents and grandparents are invited to visit classes in two sessions: 9–9:30am and 9:30–10am. Coffee and cake will follow.
“Never stop being curious. You have the whole world as a classroom.”
Just prior to Catholic Schools Week, Principal James Daino of Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy welcomed Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Diana Reyna. They discussed ways to get the word out about this school, one of the best kept secrets in the neighborhood. Mr. Daino has been principal at the school since August 2016, and with a background in math he has established a mathletics program which is already ramping up the students’ excitement about math. He also revealed his plans to get a 3D printer.
During the tour of the school Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Reyna saw a kindergarten class enjoy story time, was serenaded by the 2nd grade Stars, and she explained her role in government to each grade level she visited. At the end Reyna was met by the school’s student council: President Neyde Estrada (8th grade), Vice-President Delilah Medina (7th grade); 6th grade Representative Franklin Rivera, and 5th grade Representative Justin Wiley.
President Estrada asked if there was any advice the Deputy Brooklyn Borough President would give them.
“Never stop being curious. You have the whole world as a classroom, and bring a friend along,” said Reyna.
Estrada presented Reyna with a letter that expressed their appreciation for the visit and spoke on how the students of the school have been become involved with planning events, e.g. some ideas for Catholic Schools Week activities came from the students. The letter also praised their new principal, their teachers, and their school, “This year, we were blessed with a new creative, supportive, and loving principal Mr. Daino and have such supportive and caring teachers who always have our best interest in heart. Our school prides itself on making our environment a peaceful, welcoming, and accepting place.”
If you are interested in seeing Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy you may visit them on Tuesdays from 9am–11am for Touring Tuesdays. They are located at 11 Catherine St, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
The Greenline 