The Black & Gold Report

September 29, 2023 Volume 1 - Issue 6

John P. Petruzzelli

Principal

610-374-8361 ext. 253

Email: John P. Petruzzelli

Twitter: jpetrosaints

Instagram: john.petruzzelli.9

The Week Ahead

Monday, October 2

Strategic Planning Meeting

Tuesday, October 3

NHS Induction (8:30am)
Faculty Advisory

Wednesday, October 4

Fire Drill

Thursday, October 5

Extravaganza Preview Night (5:00pm)
Partner School Appreciation Night

Friday, October 6

Dear Saints Families and Friends,

“It is time now for us to rise from sleep.”

-St. Benedict

Greetings from Berks Catholic! As I was looking for my weekly quote, I turned to one of my favorite saints – St. Benedict! Each morning, I love to stand by the gym and greet our Saints as they walk into the building and go to Homeroom. I often joke that some of our sleepy students must think if they don’t look at you when they walk by then we don’t see them. It’s an enjoyable and sometime humorous start to my day, especially as I try to learn each student’ s name. I love the look of surprise I get when I call a student by name, and they didn’t realize I know who they are.

Each morning we see students with a zip of pep in their step and others who look like they just rolled out of bed. We can definitely tell who the morning people are and are not. Aside from the laughs, the above quote, metaphorically, gives us our marching orders each day. Rise up and make this day the best it can be. It’s a blessing for me to be at Berks Catholic and be directly involved with our students as they do just that each day. Have a great weekend!

It’s a great day to be a Saint!

John P. Petruzzelli

Principal

Let Us Pray…

For those suffering from issues related to mental health. May the healing of our Lord be upon them.

For the institution of the family, that their rights, self-worth and dignity may always be respected.

Kudos

SAINT OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to Marianna Ott ,who was named this week's

Saint of the Week!

1000 Assists

Congratulations to Senior Marli Emrich who notched her 1000^th career assist for the girls’ Volleyball Team on Wednesday evening against Lancaster Catholic. Way to go, Marli!

Faculty Breakfast

Thank you to the Senior parents who graciously donated for our first PTO Faculty breakfast of the year. Wednesday’s breakfast was delicious. We so appreciate your kindness.

What's Happening

Goals for the School Year

At “Meet the Teacher” Night, I shared with parents several goals that I had set for the school for the current academic year. For the next few weeks, I plan to share one goal and reflect on it. As the year moves forward, I will let families know how we are doing with achieving each of the goals that have been set.

Goal #1 is to create a mission-driven, student-centered, life-giving School Culture. It is my intention that when a BC student walks out of our doors each day, I want him/her to feel loved and challenged by everyone of our faculty and staff that he/she encountered that day. I want our students to feel comfortable coming to BC teachers and staff for help. For many of our students, they are awake more hours of the day in school than they are at home. Thus, school should be a second home for our students. One of my favorite quotes is “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” When an organization has a dynamic culture, the people love being at the organization and grow as people. That’s what I want for Berks Catholic High School.

Pennsylvania March for Life

Our Saints are invited to attend the Pennsylvania March for Life on Monday, October 16th in Harrisburg. The bus will depart from BC at 8:00 am. The day will include Mass with Bishop Schlert at Saint Mary Church, Hamburg, speeches at the state Capitol, and the March itself in Harrisburg. We intend to return by the end of the school day. All students are welcome to attend and can obtain a permission slip from their Theology teachers or from Deacon Lanciano. Signups are due October 10th. If you have any questions, please email Father Kuna mkuna@berkscatholic.org or Deacon Lanciano rlanciano@berkscatholic.org)

National Honor Society Induction

The new members of the National Honor Society (NHS) will be inducted into the school’s Tetragrammaton Chapter of National Honor Society on Tuesday, October 3rd at 8:30 am in the auditorium. Students selected for membership in the NHS have met the qualifications and have exemplified the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service.

Spiritual Life – Cross & Helmet Prayer Service

On Friday, September 22nd, the Varsity Football Team spent time in the Chapel with Deacon Lanciano and their coaches for the 13th annual Cross and Helmet Prayer Service. Players and coaches prayed together, placed a cross decal on each helmet and were reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. They reflected on hard work, loyalty, faith and what it means to sacrifice for the greater glory of the team and our school. May God continue to bless all of our Saints.

Volunteers Needed

PLEASE HELP! The Extravaganza Committee is in dire need of volunteers to assist at the event on Saturday, October 7th. No experience necessary. The event benefits all of our students. If you could help for a few hours, we would greatly appreciate it. To volunteer, please contact Danielle Fowler at extravaganza@berkscatholic.org or 610-374-8361 ext. 239.

Homecoming 2023 and the Big Tailgate

Join us for the 2023 Homecoming Football Game on Friday, October 13th against Octorara Area High School. Prior to the game enjoy the Big Tailgate from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Enjoy lots of delicious food and the opportunity to mingle with our Saints community. The Homecoming ceremony will begin at 6:35 pm. Any partner or PREP student wearing partner school or BC spirit wear is admitted to the game for free.

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 pm 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 am-2:30 pm. 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! The Learning Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Students who have been identified as needing extra reading support by educational testing will work in the Learning Center.

College Visits Next Week

The following colleges will be visiting BC next week: Chatham University (by Zoom) and Seton Hall University on Monday; Washington College, Alvernia University and St. Francis University on Tuesday; Christopher Newport University (VA), St. Vincent College, Kutztown University Indiana University of PA, Lafayette College, Quinnipiac University and Miami University (Oxford) on Wednesday; and Goucher College, Monmouth University, Loyola University Maryland, and Stevenson University on Thursday.

Drama/Theater News

Please encourage your child to join us on Saturday, October 21st in the Franco-Post Auditorium at 9:00 am 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 am and we would love to see even more of our great Saints on stage showcasing their God given talents. Please click on the link for additional information, No experience necessary!

Wizard of Oz - Audition Information

News from the Dean of Students

Here are a few reminders from Mr. Ricco, Dean of Students:

As the chill of fall is in the air, please help us at home and remind students that they are only allowed to wear their BC quarter-zip over the spring/fall uniform. Students always have the option to be in winter uniform which includes the cardigan sweater and may add the BC quarter-zip as an additional layer. Thank you for your assistance in making sure our great Saints are looking their best and staying warm as we embark on the change of season.

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.

The Bible by the Numbers

Before Church service, check out Psalm 84.

Social Media

Did you see our posts this week about Homecoming? 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!

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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