Mr. Hugh M. Keenan's blog

Dear Parent / Guardian:

Over the last several years, state lawmakers have failed to reimburse our schools for the costs we incur in complying with state-imposed mandates and participating in state programs. This reimbursement is critical to controlling the cost of tuition. To make matters worse, state lawmakers imposed a new “payroll” tax to bail out the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which serves the 12 counties in and around New York City.

Below is an article in the Journal News this morning, written by James Cultrara, director for education, New York State Catholic Conference, and co-chairman, New York State Coalition for Independent and Religious Schools. It lays out the issues and the need for the Legislative Forum better than I ever could. Hope to see many of you tonight.

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8th, only 13 days away!

For the last few weeks, our students have been preparing for our Spring Concert. It has made for a very exciting time around the school and in the classrooms. It is necessary to adjust our daily schedule so that the students are prepared to entertain the school community next Wednesday evening.

Here are details everyone needs to have:

My dear friends,

The Second Grade students here at St. Joseph’s School has made their First Holy Communion. I ask you to join me in congratulating them and praying with me that these young people and their parents experience the ever-present Jesus in their lives.

Thought this week would be a good opportunity to mention a few things that are of importance and pass along some information for all. I will put more details into the March Newsletter.

First, Cardinal Egan and Dr. McNiff, Superintendent of Schools, have announced that no schools will be closing for the 2009–2010 school year. This is certainly good news for all of the students and families who choose Catholic Education throughout the Archdiocese.

Dear Friends in Faith,

With the celebrations of Catholic Schools Week completed, I am spending some time this Friday afternoon reflecting. With all the thoughts zipping through my head the one feeling I keep returning to is one of amazement. I will elaborate.

I was amazed by my students last Monday as we opened Catholic Schools Week at Mass at 9AM on Monday. They are always well behaved but they were more prayerful and reverent than usual. Several parishioners in attendance stopped me to acknowledge their behavior and congratulate me on the “fine students” that I have.

With the celebrations of Catholic Schools Week completed and the prospect of another cold weekend ahead of me I am spending some time this Friday afternoon reflecting. With all the thoughts zipping through my head the one feeling I keep returning to is one of amazement. I will elaborate.

CHRISTMAS PRAYER
by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the sheperds, and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

This Wednesday evening, December 10th, St. Joseph's School held its' Annual Christmas Pageant - Lessons & Carols.

The evening begins with the experienced members of our Student Band performing several Christmas songs. Led by Mr. Charlie Gray, over 30 students got us all in the Christmas spirit.

Then, all student sin Kindergarten through 7th grade sang different songs while the 8th graders acted out the birth of our Savior. This culminated in a Nativity scene and the entire audience joining us in “Silent Night, Holy Night.”