Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.   Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
Graduation Ceremonies: Forty-three eighth grade young men and women were awarded diplomas at a graduation Mass on Pentecost Sunday.   In his homily, Fr. Ronald Falco, Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish, encouraged the graduates to think about the Apps on their cellphones.  He asked them to imagine an App entitled “Me” and to consider what the icon would look like and what information would be posted on that App.  He exhorted the students to remember the foundation in faith and moral values learned at St. Bernadette School and to go forth into their new school communities as the disciples went forth, keeping God’s commandments, and share all they had learned.  In addition to receiving diplomas, several members of the graduating class were recipients of special awards.  Francis Devaney received The Bishop Reilly Book Award.  The St. Teresa of Calcutta Award is presented by the St. Bernadette School Advisory Board to a student who embodies St. Teresa’s characteristics as a humanitarian and an advocate for the poor and helpless as well as a symbol of charitable, selfless work.  The St. Teresa Award was presented by School Advisory Board Chair Ralph Tricomi to Emily Hammond.  Two St. Sebastian Awards for Athletics were presented by Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher Russ Harris to Meghan Kaminsky and Ashton Khamphavong.  The St. Bernadette Awards are given to a young woman and young man who display a sense of honesty, respect, courtesy, trustworthiness and willingness to serve their school and church with generosity and sincerity.  This year’s recipients were Jula Utzschneider and James Mitchell.  A dedicated group of seventh grade parents helped plan the eighth grade graduation celebration chaired by Science Teacher Kaitlyn Gentile which followed in the Charbonneau Center.  Seventh graders served as wait-staff and enthusiastically honored the graduates, performing a special song written by Mr. Moran, Middle School Math teacher.  
 
This week was also graduation week for our students in the Early Childhood Center. On Tuesday, PreK3, PreK4 and PreK4/5 attended closing ceremonies in the Charbonneau Center. Reverend Ron Falco greeted everyone and opened the proceedings with prayer and then each class presented prayers and songs.   Students received their “Diplomas” and then joined their families for some refreshments. On Wednesday, parents and siblings attended Kindergarten graduation.  In their caps and gowns the students provided all in attendance with glimpse of what is to come when they reach eighth grade. The children entertained beautifully with some musical offerings (the backwards alphabet was especially impressive) and then received their Graduation Certificates as cameras recorded the special event.
 
Farewell: This week, students and parents had an opportunity to express their appreciation to several faculty members who will not be returning to their classrooms at St. Bernadette School in the fall.  Deacon John Barry, who has taught Religious Studies in the Middle School, will resume a career in Graphic Design as well as continue his duties as a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Boston.  Mrs. Kathleen O hEigeartaigh who taught Middle School Language Arts and Literature will pursue opportunities in parish ministry and education. Mrs. Nancy Connor and Mrs. Deborah Cunningham, have each served as Reading Resource teachers at St. Bernadette School for the past 10 years and  will retire with a goal of spending time with their families and traveling.  We are grateful to each of these dedicated professionals for their service to the St. Bernadette School community.
 
Mass: The last day of school for our students concluded on Friday with an end of the year Mass celebrated by Fr. Ronald Falco. Students from Grade 7, along with Deacon John and Mr. Moran planned the Mass.  Luciana Najjar and Annabelle Semeter accompanied by Eric Barcelos on piano and Kauan Carvalho on guitar, sang the Communion Meditation, Earthen Vessels.  The celebration of Mass provides the school community with a blessed way to end the school year.  St. Bernadette School medals were presented to students who will not be returning by their classroom teachers. 
 
Summer Programs: Registration for the Summer Academic Enrichment Program is open, and we encourage all of you with students going into grades K-7 to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for summer fun. There are some great courses being offered this year in the Academic program covering a range of interests. The Recreational Summer Program is also accepting registrations and Ms. Howard has lined up some wonderful field trips and guest instructors. Further details can be found on the school website.  Please sign up as soon as possible to take advantage of the great programs available.
 
We thank you all for sending your children to St. Bernadette this year, and we encourage the children to relax, read, laugh and pray during the summer months as they enjoy special time together with family and friends. 
 
 

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.   Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
Graduation Ceremonies: Forty-three eighth grade young men and women were awarded diplomas at a graduation Mass on Pentecost Sunday.   In his homily, Fr. Ronald Falco, Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish, encouraged the graduates to think about the Apps on their cellphones.  He asked them to imagine an App entitled “Me” and to consider what the icon would look like and what information would be posted on that App.  He exhorted the students to remember the foundation in faith and moral values learned at St. Bernadette School and to go forth into their new school communities as the disciples went forth, keeping God’s commandments, and share all they had learned.  In addition to receiving diplomas, several members of the graduating class were recipients of special awards.  Francis Devaney received The Bishop Reilly Book Award.  The St. Teresa of Calcutta Award is presented by the St. Bernadette School Advisory Board to a student who embodies St. Teresa’s characteristics as a humanitarian and an advocate for the poor and helpless as well as a symbol of charitable, selfless work.  The St. Teresa Award was presented by School Advisory Board Chair Ralph Tricomi to Emily Hammond.  Two St. Sebastian Awards for Athletics were presented by Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher Russ Harris to Meghan Kaminsky and Ashton Khamphavong.  The St. Bernadette Awards are given to a young woman and young man who display a sense of honesty, respect, courtesy, trustworthiness and willingness to serve their school and church with generosity and sincerity.  This year’s recipients were Jula Utzschneider and James Mitchell.  A dedicated group of seventh grade parents helped plan the eighth grade graduation celebration chaired by Science Teacher Kaitlyn Gentile which followed in the Charbonneau Center.  Seventh graders served as wait-staff and enthusiastically honored the graduates, performing a special song written by Mr. Moran, Middle School Math teacher.  
 
This week was also graduation week for our students in the Early Childhood Center. On Tuesday, PreK3, PreK4 and PreK4/5 attended closing ceremonies in the Charbonneau Center. Reverend Ron Falco greeted everyone and opened the proceedings with prayer and then each class presented prayers and songs.   Students received their “Diplomas” and then joined their families for some refreshments. On Wednesday, parents and siblings attended Kindergarten graduation.  In their caps and gowns the students provided all in attendance with glimpse of what is to come when they reach eighth grade. The children entertained beautifully with some musical offerings (the backwards alphabet was especially impressive) and then received their Graduation Certificates as cameras recorded the special event.
 
Farewell: This week, students and parents had an opportunity to express their appreciation to several faculty members who will not be returning to their classrooms at St. Bernadette School in the fall.  Deacon John Barry, who has taught Religious Studies in the Middle School, will resume a career in Graphic Design as well as continue his duties as a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Boston.  Mrs. Kathleen O hEigeartaigh who taught Middle School Language Arts and Literature will pursue opportunities in parish ministry and education. Mrs. Nancy Connor and Mrs. Deborah Cunningham, have each served as Reading Resource teachers at St. Bernadette School for the past 10 years and  will retire with a goal of spending time with their families and traveling.  We are grateful to each of these dedicated professionals for their service to the St. Bernadette School community.
 
Mass: The last day of school for our students concluded on Friday with an end of the year Mass celebrated by Fr. Ronald Falco. Students from Grade 7, along with Deacon John and Mr. Moran planned the Mass.  Luciana Najjar and Annabelle Semeter accompanied by Eric Barcelos on piano and Kauan Carvalho on guitar, sang the Communion Meditation, Earthen Vessels.  The celebration of Mass provides the school community with a blessed way to end the school year.  St. Bernadette School medals were presented to students who will not be returning by their classroom teachers. 
 
Summer Programs: Registration for the Summer Academic Enrichment Program is open, and we encourage all of you with students going into grades K-7 to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for summer fun. There are some great courses being offered this year in the Academic program covering a range of interests. The Recreational Summer Program is also accepting registrations and Ms. Howard has lined up some wonderful field trips and guest instructors. Further details can be found on the school website.  Please sign up as soon as possible to take advantage of the great programs available.
 
We thank you all for sending your children to St. Bernadette this year, and we encourage the children to relax, read, laugh and pray during the summer months as they enjoy special time together with family and friends.