Back to School

Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Trenton are joyfully opening wide their doors this September, welcoming back students to the rigors and rewards of a faith-based education and celebrating the new principals and presidents who are taking on new roles.

Tried-and-true methods of instruction share the stage with new, innovative use of technology and partnerships, uniting with one focus: the student. 

Click here to check out the digital version of the annual Back to School supplement!

Kimberly Cioci, the new principal of St. Paul School, Burlington, is looking forward to the school year, blessed with a caring staff, five new teachers and a philosophy of education she labels as “freedom.”

When Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran, opens its doors as an independent Catholic high school, it will be in the hands of seasoned administrators, including its principal, William J. Stonis, a veteran of 38 years as a public school administrator.

Reflecting on years gone by as an elementary teacher, I recall the enjoyment experienced in teaching Social Studies. Historic times and personalities came alive in an intriguing way. Beyond the textbook, additional resources brought life to the curriculum for students and teacher alike.

A common theme that surfaces throughout history is that each age, and indeed, each life, is filled with contrast – joys, sorrows, challenges, strife and at times, heart-wrenching circumstances that can only be  adequately addressed with wisdom, courage, faith, and insight.

The weight room at Notre Dame High School has taken on a whole new meaning for a group of Irish football players.

“Coming to Notre Dame, I always thought of the weight room as some macho place you go down to and get huge, but it’s so much bigger than that,” senior quarterback Rob Buecker said. “It embodies so much more.”

Kevin Callahan describes using social media this way: “It’s like Paul visiting Corinth, without strapping on the sandals.”

Callahan, minister of evangelization and marketing in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, sees social media as a tool for communication, growth and community building, sharing the story of both parish and school and the Good News of the Gospel in the process.

There have been many studies in recent years on brain development. Much has been written about cognition and meta-cognition and many scholars and researchers have shared their own “thoughts about thinking.” One thing is certain: Each of us is a unique child of God, and each of our brains has developed differently – at varying rates and with distinct abilities.

While Parent Teacher Association boards have long been integral in the operations of a school community, their fundraising efforts and the support they provide are both needed and appreciated, now more than ever.