Catholic Schools Week Celebrates Good News

Schools throughout the Albany Diocese have good news to celebrate during the 33rd annual Catholic Schools Week observance, including national awards bestowed on two educators.

The week-long celebration, Jan. 28-Feb. 3, includes activities ranging from the artistic and musical to the spiritual, as well as open houses.

Students, parents, teachers and the public are invited to attend the annual Catholic Schools Week Reception and Art Exhibit at the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, Jan. 30, 3:30-5 p.m.

Highlights

Beginning at 4 p.m., a formal program will honor the Diocesan Distinguished Principal of the Year, James Leveskas of St. Casimir's Regional School in Albany, and Jane Wingle, the Diocesan Distinguished Teacher of the Year and the National Catholic Educational Association's Regional Teacher of the Year.

Reception highlights will include musical performances by the school choir from Holy Cross parish in Albany.

Throughout Catholic Schools Week, the annual art exhibition will be on display in the Concourse. More than 20 schools, grades pre-K through 12, will have art represented, with creations ranging from drawings to ceramics and sculptures. 

"This year's collection is exceptional," said Denise Chonski, an art teacher at St. Teresa of Avila School in Albany. She has organized the display for the past seven years. "I am always impressed with the mature talents of our students. Their artistic expression clearly shows their appreciation for and use of their God-given talents."

Activities

Individual activities and celebrations are planned at each school, including special liturgies, theme days, open houses, teacher-student sporting contests, and other events designed to imbue students, families and faculties with a sense of pride and enthusiasm for their schools.

The national theme for Catholic Schools Week is "Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education," underscoring the Christ-centered foundation and academic excellence of Catholic schools.

"During Catholic Schools Week, it is our hope that the community will take the opportunity to learn more about what sets our schools apart," said Sister Jane Herb, superintendent of diocesan schools. "Catholic education prepares children for life, providing instruction that goes beyond the necessities of reading, writing and arithmetic. Students learn the importance of character and integrity, becoming more understanding, compassionate and loving as a result of a Christ-centered education."

Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for the nation's 7,800 Catholic schools.

(The schools of the Diocese of Albany are guided by the mission of Jesus, providing for the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of each individual within the framework of Catholic Christian values. Comprised of 31 schools in nine counties, there are 27 diocesan elementary schools and four diocesan high schools, with a combined enrollment of 7,223 students. For more information, visit www.rcdaschools.org.)

(1/25/07) [[In-content Ad]]