Dear Academy Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel story, we hear about the appearance of Jesus to disciples on the Road to Emmaus. In this story, we see the origins and the structure of the Holy Mass that the Church has celebrated for over 2000 years! Jesus is the Master Teacher. The way He teaches the disciples on the Road to Emmaus gives us a blueprint not only for what good teaching looks like but also the basic structure of Christian worship—Holy Mass. 

The journey to Emmaus becomes a journey back to Jerusalem. But this time the disciples return to Jerusalem with a renewed sense of vigor and faith. They have been witnesses to the power of the Resurrection. They come barging into the room where the other disciples are and boldly proclaim: “The Lord has risen!” Their sadness and discouragement are no more. They have seen the Lord.

During this Easter Season let us continue to journey back to the Lord and in a special way make sure we make time to join him in the Eucharist at mass each Saturday Night or Sunday Morning. 

Onto to some important updates for our school for the Week of April 24th, 2023.  

ELA and Math State Exams: Congratulations to Grades 4, 6, and 7 who did a wonderful job completing the first round of New York State Testing in ELA this week. Students were focused and we know everyone gave their very best. Our Math State Test will be held on May 2nd and 3rd 2023.

Family Survey: In an effort to improve system practices, Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Academy will be conducting another survey over the next three weeks. Thanks to all who participated in our Catholic Identity Survey before Easter Recess. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. 

The second survey we are opening up is the Parent Survey. 

This survey asks parents their opinions about our school, including questions about teachers, administrators, and other aspects of your child's and own experiences with the school. We appreciate your time and your responses. Please note that the responses from these surveys are helpful for the academy to make decisions for the future. Thanks again.

In order to complete the survey, please go to: 

2023 Family Survey

This survey will be open for two more weeks until 5/4.  We anticipate sharing the results of both surveys at our annual State of the Academy meeting. Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous.  Your honest opinion is appreciated. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Golf and Tennis Outing: Our 18th Annual Golf and Tennis Outing will be held on Friday, May 19th, 2023 at the Marine Park Golf Course. More information was sent home this week and can be found by clicking the link below.

18th Annual Golf and Tennis Information 

Please consider taking a hole sponsorship with your family name displayed or a special cause or business you may wish to advertise. A beautiful sign will be displayed on a given golf hole or two displaying your support for our great school. More details are in the brochure that was sent home.  Your support is truly appreciated.

Lastly, please jump in on a great day on the golf course or at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club for some Tennis where we will enjoy fellow neighbors & friends for a full day of golf and tennis followed up by great eats and drinks. Put your foursomes together as soon as possible to help secure a successful fundraiser for our academy. Anyone may drop off monies at the rectory as well.  Thank You.

If anyone has any questions, concerns or inquiries, please contact Mike Brennan -Golf Chairman at 646-644-4513

Paul Effman Band Update: Congratulations to both Joyce Geraci and Daniel D’Agostino for being selected from our School Band to be in the New York Catholic School String Day Concert on 4/29. This concert will be a culmination of the top area violinists in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. 

Members of the Paul Effman Band, please save the date! Tuesday, June 6th at 7 pm is our annual St Francis de Sales School Band Spring Concert.

8th Grade Raffle: The 8th grade is selling $1000 raffle tickets (Chance to win $1,000 - 1 chance for $5 and 3 for $10 - Drawing May 12th) If anyone is interested in buying a raffle please reach out to Mrs. McElhinney (347-217-3866. Please help support the 8th Grade Dinner Dance. 

Records for Next Year:  If any child is transferring from St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy for the 2023-2024 school year, most likely their records will need to be sent to their new school. Please request that as soon as possible yet no later than the end of May as many schools are closed for the summer ask for that information before we break for summer.  

SAVE THE DATE 

½ Day Dismissal: Please note that Friday, May 5th is a ½ day with a 12 pm dismissal. 

Summer Uniform:  Starting on Monday, May 8th students can begin to wear their summer uniforms. This is just a reminder if anyone needs to purchase summer uniforms you should think of ordering them soon. Please see the graphic below in regards to some reminders about our summer uniform. 

State of the Academy: Please join us on Tuesday, May 9th at 7 pm for the annual Board of Directors State of the Academy. Our Board Members will be providing specific updates on various facets of the Academy including finances, facilities, academics, and many more. 

Science Fair: Wednesday, May 10th, our students in grades 5-7 will be displaying their projects at our annual Science Fair. Information on when families will be invited to look at our students’ work will be shared closer to the date. 

Class of 2023 Ring/Pin Service: The Class of 2023 (7th graders) will receive their class rings and pins in St. Francis de Sales Church on Tuesday 5/30 at 7pm. A small reception will follow in the Small Hall. All 7th graders are asked to report to the Small Hall at 6:40pm.  

Art Show: Please join us on May 31st at 5 pm for our annual Art Show! Mrs. Fitzergrerald and Mrs. Todd and our students have worked tirelessly in preparation for a truly superb art gallery display. We hope to see many of you there. To get a sneak peek of some of our students' artwork please follow our artists on Instagram at (sfds_art)

Have a great weekend!