THE FRIDAY REVIEW

St. Rose School

February 2, 2024

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

-Matthew 5:16

Greetings from Dr. G

Wow! What an emotional, fortifying and uplifting week we have shared together as we celebrated all that is good about Catholic education and our St. Rose School family.

We began the week with a schoolwide service outreach, Operation Blanket Share, to help a wonderful ministry for the homeless, Brian's Bags. We continued by appreciating our sensational students, bidding a fond farewell to Monsignor Bob and giving a warm welcome our new Pastor Father Peter. We had the opportunity to meet and interact with our local, state and Diocesan leaders who participated in the ever popular Knowledge Bowl. As always, the Faculty vs. 8th grade volleyball game was a spirited and friendly competition and we were delighted to have Fr. Vu and Fr. Silva join our teams. Today's lunch in appreciation of faculty and staff was delicious; we are so grateful to our HSA Board and all parent volunteers for giving us this mid-day treat. There truly is so much to love about St. Rose School!

Classroom lessons continue to challenge students in all grade levels; their engagement and accomplishments are a joy to witness as they BLOOM in mind, heart and soul. This morning after Mass I shared a meaningful message that I received from the Principal at Immaculate High School who remarked on the exceptional presentation of our St. Rose School students. This assures me that they are well prepared for high school and beyond -- something that is also evidenced through our successful alumni. My thanks to the dedicated teachers and parents who partner with us in this stellar academic, faith focused educational journey.

We were all excited to meet Fr. Peter who visited the classrooms yesterday to meet our students and faculty. Between that initial visit and this morning's Mass in which Fr. Peter delivered a most engaging and insightful homily, it is clear that God has sent us a dynamic Pastor who will be a regular presence in our lives. Please join me in praying for Fr. Peter as he makes this transition and for Monsignor Bob as he begins his retirement. We are all one family in Christ.

The days are getting longer and our new quarter is underway. Second quarter report cards will be emailed on February 5th. Please contact teachers directly with any questions. We encourage students to continue their hard work and pray for our 8th graders as they discern their high school decisions. God has a plan for every child, may He guide them all on their intended paths.

Here are some upcoming dates to mark:

February 9th -- Bingo

February 16th -- Early dismissal day, 11:30 a.m main school, 11:15 a.m. Preschool

February 19th -- School closed, President's Day

Congratulations to our Second Grade students who made their First Reconciliation last weekend. Our prayers go with them as they prepare for First Holy Communion in May.

As we conclude Catholic Schools Week I ask God's blessings on all of our St. Rose School families. My special thanks to the HSA for all of the creative and heartfelt work they put into this week's celebrations. Kudos also to Mrs. Petrillo, Mrs. Heyder and Mrs. B for planning an exceptional and memorable Catholic Schools Week.

Have a restful weekend.

God bless,

Dr. G



NURSE NEWS

Dear Parents and Guardians,

There has been a rise in flu cases, particularly Influenza B. Symptoms include:

Fever

Fatigue

Cough and Congestion

Headache

Body aches/ Chills

G.I. upset

Please monitor your child(ren) and consider having them evaluated if they exhibit these symptoms. All illnesses and in particular positive flu, covid and strep cases, should be reported to our health office. Students should not return to school until they are fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications, their symptoms have improved significantly so as to not expose others and they can tolerate the activity required during a normal school day.

Thank you for your understanding regarding this important matter.

Kim Carrino RN BSN

203-426-5102

ADMISSIONS CORNER

Thank you for sharing the good news about St. Rose School. Many inquiries come from people who are hearing positive feedback from current parents. We also have a good presence in the local media and Mom's networks. Please direct any interested families to Mrs. Mok, admissions@srles.com. Tours can be arranged weekdays and shadow days are starting to book. Your warm welcome makes a lasting impact on prospective families!

Bishop's Scholarship Fund

The gift of Catholic education is in the threads that weave generations together through the teachings of Christ which are timeless and truly the foundation for life. This week we witnessed this in a most profound way as we joined our hearts and voices in a beautiful send off for Monsignor Bob who certainly leaves a lasting mark in our halls and hearts. Yet only 24 hours later we greeted Fr. Peter as our new Pastor and saw that God is good in sending another lively shepherd to lead our flock and help us continue to BLOOM. We are grateful for the unique talents and abilities God grants to each of his children so that working together we can make the world a brighter place.

Click here for photos

HSA NEWS

Hello SRS Community,

Monsignor Bob’s Retirement

Such a wonderful day of celebration to thank Monsignor Weiss for everything he has done for the school and our community! It truly is a blessing from God to have him as our leader in faith for the last 24 years! We would like to wish Monsignor Congratulations on his retirement! He more than deserves all the rest and relaxation that comes with it. Thank you again to Father Bob for your years of service and dedication to St. Rose School.  

The HSA hosted an assembly for Monsignor. It was student centered giving him time to walk around and talk to the students. The following videos were played for him. A special thank you to Mrs. Locke, Mrs. Kirkman and Mrs. Quinn and all the families who sent messages in. We hope you enjoy viewing them as much as Monsignor did.

• Memento Video
• Danke Schoen Student Video 

We as a parent community gifted Msgr. an invite to field day so the community can treat him to ice cream, a special ornament for his Christmas tree, renaming the golf classic as the Monsignor Weiss Golf Tournament and presented him with the Monsignor Weiss Legacy Scholarship. Thank you to all families who donated to the Legacy scholarship and made this possible! He felt the love of parents and students and their appreciation for all he has done for the school and children over the past 24 years. We thank the entire parent community because without your support and commitment to the HSA and school we would not have been possible. A special “thank you” to the Papsy family for their generous donation of four Ranger games tickets. A “thank you” to the Anstett family for donating a dinner at the Heidelberg Restaurant in New York. The HSA parent community will be providing him with transportation to and from the city!

Following the assembly, the HSA also hosted a luncheon for Monsignor. Food was provided by Sal and Pepe’s in Newtown, CT. 

The HSA would also like to thank everyone that showed up to cheer him on for his final ride from the school to the rectory! Special thanks to Jen Singer, Kristina Bruzzi, Maureen Pendergast, Candy Duda, Laura Moulder, Crystal Mok, Maggie Anderson and Dave Cicchese for all their help. Monsignor’s first time in the school he rode through on a golf cart so we thought it was only appropriate if he drove away in one. It was truly a special moment and we will cherish all of the memories we shared on that day and throughout Monsignor’s years of service to our community.  

Danbury News Times article: https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/robert-weiss-st-rose-newtown-pastor-retires-18639705.php

Welcome Father Cipriani

We would like to offer a warm and heartfelt welcome to our new leader in faith, Father Peter. We offer our prayers during this transitional time and ask God to provide him with all the support he may need. We are so fortunate as Father Peter made it a priority to visit the school and all the classrooms within his first few hours on the St. Rose campus. With your help and support, we were able to provide Fr. Peter a welcome banner above the gathering hall and light breakfast during his visit. When you see him, be sure to introduce yourself, share your stories on what makes this school so special to you and your family, and let’s show him how welcoming and supportive we are as a community!

Catholic Schools Week - Teacher Appreciation

The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2024 was “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” St. Rose observed this annual celebration with a lot of fun, smiles, and appreciation for our teachers!   

Thank you to Ann Budzynski and the following volunteers for putting together such a wonderful luncheon for our teacher’s, staff and clergy:

Victor Almeida, Shelly Brewer, Mylene Chawi, Jen Conlon, Ashley Daniel, Alexia Cortella, Candy Duda, Shannon Engel, Isabel Fappiano, Laura Jane Fournier, Patricia Fragoso, Jennifer Greco, Jenna Juan, Lisa Keane, Jocelyn Kehoe, Diane Lavin, ToniAnn Manuele, Keiko Mathewson, Michelle McRuiz, Barbara Moehring, Karen O'Leary, Ashka Patel, Jennifer Perry, Nina Ruben, Carrie Sirois, Mary Talmadge, Jennifer Tokarczyk, Vanessa Tomaz, Karen Walauskas.

Thank you to Rocco’s Deli, owners Justin & Rachel Rocco, St. Rose School Parents, for providing the food for the luncheon. 

Please click here for remainder of report

PRESCHOOL CORNER

Showing their hearts for Jesus, sharing their knowledge with the whole school and demonstrating their love for Monsignor Bob and Father Peter remind us that we can learn big things from our littlest learners. They've got that JOY! JOY! JOY!

February 9th -- Bingo

February 16th -- Early dismissal 11:15 a.m.

February 19th -- school closed President's Day