What’s the Buzz? Tell Me What’s Happening….
I always begin my correspondence with thanks to each one of you for choosing a Catholic education for your child. Father Anthony, our QP Pastor, and I are honored to accompany your children throughout this wonderful journey.
Thanksgiving 2023 is almost here! To date, our QPGS Playground Go-Fund-Me and private donations have reached almost $20,000.00. We are still collecting donations, and we are eagerly anticipating the dedication of our new playground in the Spring of 2024!
The Queen of Peace Grammar School has also been requested by the Newark Archdiocese to host our Annual Professional Development Day for Bergen County Parochial teachers and principals on Friday, April 26th, 2023. We are very proud of this opportunity and honored to share our wonderful school with other educators.
Our K- 8th grade students and faculty experienced the Jodee Blanco Anti-bullying presentation at school on November 2nd, 2023. Ms. Blanco is a victim turned activist regarding the impact of bullying. The QPGS is also implementing Jodee’s Post-Program Character Development and Citizenship Curriculum throughout the school year. Our students are learning the importance of being sensitive to other people’s feelings because bullying can damage a life. We ask that our QPGS families also embrace the twelve themes of anti-bullying and practice them at home.
The Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center will be visiting the QPGS on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023. Students will participate in a presentation on “Being a Responsible Pet Owner.” Afterwards, our students will meet some of the animals that are currently available for adoption.
In addition, our Kingdom Builders After-School Club has sponsored a school-wide donation event to assist in the needs of the shelter and its animals. Our donations will be presented to the shelter on the day of their visit to the QPGS. Miss Nara and Mrs. Ritter are very proud of their Kingdom Builders’ After-School Club and its dedicated middle school participants.
Our QPGS students will also be participating in the annual North Arlington Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023. QPGS students accompanied by their parents will participate in the evening’s festivities including the performance of two holiday songs! The following day, Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, is the annual QPGS Christmas Bazaar when our students officially begin their Christmas shopping.
Our QPGS HSA has also been busy with their annual fundraisers, and we sincerely thank you for your continued support of the QPGS! Our annual Pocketbook Bingo event sold-out and it was a wonderful success! Remember that all Good Tidings Raffle returns are due on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023. Breakfast with Santa is also quickly approaching on Saturday, December 16th, 2023. Students will enjoy a delicious breakfast with their families, see local dancers perform, and have a memorable photo with Santa!
The annual QPGS Christmas Concert will also have a dramatic feature this season titled “Fenwick – A Christmas Fable.” Middle school students in Ms. Mery’s After-School Drama Club will be performing in addition to the traditional primary grade Christmas carols. Pre-K 3, 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade parents will attend the concert on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, and Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grade parents will attend on Thursday, December 21st, 2023. Both afternoon performances will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Father Anthony continues his weekly visits to our school called Story Time with Father Anthony. He enjoys sharing stories with our students about the Saints. He will also begin his tours of the Queen of Peace Church for our students!
The QPGS Auditorium is also going to have a much needed “paint lift!” Our space will be transformed during the Christmas break. Many exciting events are occurring at the QPGS including additional exterior lighting for evening events as we near our 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2025.
May God continue to bless us during this holiday season!
Sincerely,
Dr. Linda Jacewich
QPGS Principal
