September 22, 2023 Volume 1 - Issue 5 |
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John P. Petruzzelli
Principal
610-374-8361 ext. 253
Email: John P. Petruzzelli
Twitter: jpetrosaints
Instagram: john.petruzzelli.9
The Week Ahead
Monday, September 25
- Kairos Retreat Sign-Up Day
- Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 26
Wednesday, September 27
- PTO Faculty Breakfast sponsored by the Senior Parents
- Picture Re-takes
Thursday, September 28
Friday, September 29
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Dear Saints Families and Friends,
“Together, we rise!”
School Theme 2023-2024
Greetings from Berks Catholic! Each year as a Principal, I have selected a school theme. For the 2023-2024 school year the school theme will be: “Together, we rise!” I shared the following reflection with the student body last week at Mass about the theme:
“I see before us at BC an incredible opportunity to make a good school even better. To make our students better Christians. To make the faculty better educators who love and challenge our students every day, who don’t accept mediocrity or excuses. When we have this attitude and work TOGETHER, this school will surely RISE!
But in getting there, it won’t always be with thunderous applause or magnificent fanfare. It may just be a simple gesture to a friend or teacher. It may be helping someone when they most need it. It may be doing something when absolutely no one sees you doing it. It may be in a simple prayer that you make for a teacher or a classmate who is struggling. It might be winning a Championship. It might be a small text of encouragement that you write to someone. It may be by just loving the people around you.
I challenge all of us today to work collaboratively with this mentality - Together, we rise! We have a tremendous opportunity to do great things at Berks Catholic. Today, and every day, I give you my promise, to do my part in helping to lead us to great things in our lucky Year 13! I ask that you join me with that same focus, mindset and excitement so that, Together, we rise!”
Have a great weekend! It’s a great day to be a Saint!
John P. Petruzzelli
Principal
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Let Us Pray…
- For Pope Francis’ monthly prayer intention: people living on the margins that they will not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
- For all laypeople who serve the Church faithfully and bring about God’s love to others.
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SAINT OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to Yoniel Moronta who was named this week's
Saint of the Week!
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Congratulations to Senior J.T. Krynock and Sophomore Braeden Stringer who volunteered this past August at the Msgr. Bornemann Council of the Knights of Columbus for Holy Rosary and Sacred Heart parishes. A congratulatory note was sent to school about the boys that stated, “With their help our Council was able to raise nearly $20,000 for Sacred Heart School….Many remarked how impressed they were with the guys, their level of maturity, and the way they carried themselves.” Well done, guys!
Congratulations to the following students who were elected as the 2023-24 Student Government:
- President Paisley Lutz, Vice President Ben Cunningham, Treasurer Meghan Munter, Secretary Sabrina Roberts and Chair of Activities Marianna Ott
- Senior Class President – Dylan Sutton; Junior Class President – Noah Newswanger; and Sophomore Class President – Grace Impellizzeri
- Senior Homeroom Reps: Cole Baker, Celia Hess, Olivia Jones, Regan Prechtl and Sara Witmer
- Junior Homeroom Reps: Lukas Arbuckle, Allison Devine, Derick Jerez, Emma Linderman, Sarah Schnatz and Lily Wloczewski
- Sophomore Homeroom Reps: Nicolas Alvine, Jada Do, Regan McClure, Helen Ott, Julian Rios and Dillon Walls
- Freshmen Homeroom Reps: Lily Cambria, Emilio DeCarlo, Janiel Gutierrez, Priella Lenzi, Luke Schrenk and Moises Zavala
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We also received a kind note from the college rep from Misericordia University about our students. He writes, “I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how kind, courteous, and informed your students were for my high school visit today. They asked very insightful questions about Misericordia and the school’s majors, programs, and the admission process…The school should be very proud of the way its students represent Berks Catholic.” Great job, Saints!
Congratulations to the following Spirit Week winners:
Door Decorating Contest:
- 1st Place: Sophomore 10C Homeroom 208 (Mrs. Dominguez)
- 2nd Place: Senior 12D Homeroom 108 (Mrs. Eisenhofer)
- 3rd Place: Senior 12C Homeroom 104 (Mrs. Etienne)
BC Fall Brawl Team Game Winner
- Junior Matthew Kerchner (Water Polo Team)
BC’s Biggest Fan
Thank you to our many friends who supported this year’s “Swing for the Saints” golf outing. It was an enjoyable day on the links supporting BC! Thank you also to our students who volunteered on Monday: Seniors Sophia Border, Gianna Robert, Sabrina Roberts and Samantha Unger (all day); Seniors Celia Hess, William Hess, J.T. Krynock, Paisley Lutz, Connor Pennington, Joey Polinsky, Alexandra Oscar & Carley Stuckert, and Sophomores Dylan Luft and Braeden Stringer. .
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School Mass
Our next school Mass will be next Tuesday, September 26th at 9:00 a.m. Any parent or guardian who would like to join us is welcome to do. Please sign in at the Main Office before coming to the auditorium.
Priesthood Sunday
This Sunday, September 24th, we celebrate Priesthood Sunday in the Diocese of Allentown. It is a special day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church. We remember all those priests who have dedicated their lives to the faithful of our diocese. In a special way, we remember our school Chaplain, Fr. Kuna, and ask God’s blessing on him as he commits his life to God and the students and families of Berks Catholic.
Picture Re-takes
Picture retakes will take place next Wednesday, September 27th for any underclassmen who missed his/her picture earlier this month, if you ordered a packet and wish for a re-take - you must bring in your packet to be rephotographed, as well as final graduation photos for any Senior who did not get them taken during the summer.
Kairos Retreat Signups
It is time to start signups for our fall Kairos Retreat! Kairos will be held at the Malvern Retreat Center from November 7th - 10th. Signups will be a one day only event on Monday, September 25th. More information will be sent out via Canvas to Senior theology classes so students should be on the lookout. There are only 35 spots available this fall so please prayerfully encourage your child to embark on this powerful retreat experience.
Berks County Regional College Fair
Students and their families are invited to the Berks County Regional College Fair being held at Albright College on Wednesday, October 4th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the college’s Bollman Center. Over 100 colleges, universities, technical schools and military branches will be in attendance. For more information about the schools attending, how to sign up , etc. click here: Berks County Regional College Fair
Inspired Wellness Guidance Support
As we prioritize the well-being and academic success of our students, we are pleased to announce added support for our students. Fostering emotional and mental health is essential for a positive successful educational experience. BC has partnered with Inspired Wellness, LLC, an outpatient mental health provider, who will provide extra support in our Counseling Department to students Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. We believe that these efforts will contribute to the overall emotional and mental well-being of our students and will create a more supportive and inclusive school environment. We recognize that each student is unique and may have different needs, and we are committed to addressing those needs as they arise. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being by contacting Mrs. Vilardo at nvilardo@berkscatholic.org or 610-374-8361 ext. 234.
Saints Learning Center
The Saints Learning Center is open! Welcome to our new Learning Center teacher, Mrs. Jackie Lawler. Mrs. Lawler comes to us from Governor Mifflin High School where she worked in their resource room. She brings many years of experience working with students who need learning support. The Learning Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Students who have been identified as needing extra reading support by educational testing will work with Mrs. Lawler.
Drama/Theater News
Please encourage your child to join us on Saturday, October 21st in the Franco-Post Auditorium at 9:00 a.m. where we will be watching The Wizard of Oz in preparation for our spring musical. Auditions will be held on November 4th at 8:00 a.m. and we would love to see even more of our great Saints on stage showcasing their God given talents. No experience necessary!
Ski Club
Students interested in the BC Ski Club and sign up by clicking the link:
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Students interested in the BC Ski Club and sign up by clicking the link: | |
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Bear Creek Mountain Resort
(where we ski)
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Faculty Breakfast
THERE IS STILL TIME TO SIGN UP! The first PTO Faculty Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, September 27th at 7:00 a.m. Senior parents are invited to sign up to assist with the breakfast items. Items need to be delivered to school by Tuesday, September 26th by 3:00 p.m. or Wednesday, September 27th at 6:00 a.m. if not heated or by 7:00 a.m. if heated at home. For questions, contact Nicole Smith at PTO@berkscatholic.org. To sign up, click on the link:
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Early Dismissals
Students who must leave school before the end of the day are required to bring a written note signed by the parent or guardian, to the Main Office as soon as they arrive at school in the morning. They will be issued a pass to leave class at the designated time. Students will sign out in the Main Office before leaving the building and sign in when returning from their appointment. It is very disruptive when a note is not received and a parent/guardian comes unexpectedly or calls to have their son/daughter excused for an appointment. In some instances the student may be in Mass, assembly or outside for gym class and may not be readily available.
College Visits Next Week
The following colleges will be visiting BC next week: Fordham University (by Zoom) and Elizabethtown College on Monday; Hofstra University and West Virginia University on Tuesday; Lebanon Valley College, Franklin & Marshall College, Widener University and Gettysburg College on Wednesday; University of Vermont, University of Scranton, Providence College, Shippensburg University and Penn State on Thursday; and Virginia Tech (by Zoom), Villanova University (by Zoom), Saint Anselm College and Towson University on Friday.
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News from the Dean of Students
Here are a few reminders from Mr. Ricco, Dean of Students:
- As we continue to work on safety protocols this year, we have distributed student ID cards and lanyards for students to wear during the school day. This is an important part of the dress code as it pertains to the school safety protocols. We ask your support at home to ensure that our great Saints come to school daily wearing the ID card on their lanyard. A replacement cost of $25 will be assessed for any lost or damaged ID cards.
- We ask for your continued assistance to ensure that students arrive to school daily and are in their homerooms by 7:50 a.m. We will, of course, continue to be flexible when we are aware of traffic backups on the highways. Leaving a few extra minutes early is always a great start to the day to ensure that students are on time.
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EXTRAVAGANZA 2023
IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW OUR NEWEST RANCHER!!!
PLEASE JOIN US AT THIS YEAR’S EXTRAVAGANZA FAMILY & DONOR NIGHT OR EXTRAVAGANZA 2023 TO MEET AND GREET OUR NEW PRINCIPAL MR. JOHN P. PETRUZZELLI!!!
FAMILY & DONOR NIGHT WILL BE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 6-8PM
(This is a complimentary evening – (anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Stop by to check out what Extravaganza is all about!!!
EXTRAVAGANZA 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Beginning @6PM
$150 Per Person
(Must be 21 to attend)
**Watch your mail for your invite to this special event sometime the week of September 4th.
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PLEASE ALSO JOIN US AS WE HONOR
LONGTIME SUPPORTER OF CATHOLIC
EDUCATION IN BERKS COUNTY AND BERKS CATHOLIC
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECIPIENT
STEPHANIE RADO TAORMINA HN’83
Berks Catholic High School
Lloyd M. Wolf Gymnasium
955 E. Wyomissing Blvd
Reading, PA 19611
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION TO EXTRAVAGANZA OR PURCHASE A CASH RAFFLE TICKET, YOU MAY DO SO BY CLICKING THE BELOW PAYPAL LINK
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VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
FOR EXTRAVAGANZA 2023
THURSDAY 10/5, SATURDAY 10/7 AND SUNDAY 10/8.
WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR SOME COMMITTEE CHAIRPEOPLE TO RUN OUR STORAGE COMMITTEE AND OUR SILENT AUCTION WORKER TEAM- BOTH OF THESE WOULD REQUIRE YOU TO BE HERE BOTH 10/5 & 10/7- IF INTERESTED OR JUST CURIOUS- CALL 610-374-1695.
Please click on link below to view Extravaganza 2023 volunteer opportunities and to sign up!!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ACA628AAFA7-extravaganza6
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The Bible by the Numbers
When you worry, check out Matthew 6: 19-34
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Social Media
Did you see our posts this week about Student Government Induction? Keep up with all the happenings at the school on our social media channels. Check out what our students are doing day-to-day in class; important news articles; sports and activities; and more! Be sure to follow the school on social media for all the latest updates, pictures and school information. Facebook: Berks Catholic; Twitter: @BerksCatholic; and Instagram: berkscatholic.
It's a great day to be a Saint!
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Our Mission
Berks Catholic High School is centered on the four pillars of God, Family, Academics and Fun. As a vibrant Christ-centered community, the Administration, Faculty and Staff are dedicated to providing a challenging academic environment for a diverse population of young men and women. Through Christian principles rooted in the Catholic tradition, we strive to positively impact our students spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally, so they can live productive lives of service in this world and attain eternal life.
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