By David Karas | Correspondent

The first day of school this fall will bear a special significance for the community of St. Dominic School, Brick.

On Sept. 8, when students and faculty return to the campus for a new year, they will mark the half century anniversary of the school, commencing classes on precisely the same date the school opened in 1965.

“St. Dominic School has enlivened the Catholic faith and provided an academically excellent education for the children of St. Dominic’s Parish for 50 years,” said Carol Bathmann, principal.

The occasion marks 50 years of education, and efforts towards furthering the school’s mission, “to enliven the Catholic faith, foster respect and responsibility, and facilitate academic excellence in every student in order to send forth future leaders to our Church and society.”

Bathmann said that the anniversary provides the ideal opportunity to express gratitude toward those who have helped make the occasion possible.

“As we celebrate this milestone in St. Dominic School’s history, I cannot think of a better time to thank all those who have contributed to our school’s success,” she said. “I sincerely thank all of St. Dominic’s pastors, associates, administrators, teachers, students, parents, and parishioners.”

Marking the milestone

Bathmann said that the school community has planned a range of celebrations – including Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. – for the occasion of the anniversary, with some beginning as early as this past Catholic Schools Week, and running through the fall.

Festivities kicked off in January, with a Mass for students and the school community Jan. 25 with a reception afterward. Throughout Catholic Schools Week, the school organized an open house, a bus driver appreciation breakfast and a prayer service to honor school leaders and volunteers. There were also appreciation days for students and teachers, and St. Dominic launched its new website.

Celebrations continued into the spring and summer, with a golf outing and a walkathon in May leading up to a family movie night June 26.

Organizers are currently preparing an Aug. 30 Day at the Races in Monmouth Park Race Track, Oceanport, 12 – 4 p.m. The picnic area of the park will be reserved for St. Dominic families and alumni. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

On the opening day of the 2015-2016 school year, Sept. 8, alumni are invited to help welcome students, and to join in a breakfast and prayer service – during which a tree will be planted and a time capsule buried. Sept. 19 will feature a Blue Jay 5K in Ocean County Park, Lakewood, organized by the school PTA, and a fall picnic is planned for Oct. 3, 12 – 5 p.m. on the school field, with games, prizes, food and attractions for guests of all ages. Attendees should bring their beach or lawn chairs. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 – 12, and children under 4 attend free. Tickets will be sold after Masses in late September.

The capstone celebration will feature a Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell, planned for noon Oct. 4. The Mass, which will commemorate the school’s golden anniversary, will be followed by a dinner dance from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Crystal Point Yacht Club, Point Pleasant. Tickets for the adult dinner dance are $75 per person.

 “Our 50th anniversary celebrations are for everyone,” said Bathmann. “Our parish, school, and local community helped to make St. Dominic School what it is today.”

For more information on St. Dominic School and upcoming celebrations to mark its anniversary, visit www.stdomschool.org.