Saint Brendan Church, Clifton NJ

The School/Church picnic this year was a great success. Everyone had a terrific time in the picnic grove at Holy Face Monastery on what turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day. The buffet from Baskinger's included all sorts of tasty delights including burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, and (my personal favorite) sausage and peppers. Close your eyes and you'd think you were at Seaside Heights when you bit into one of those excellent sausage sandwiches! There were all manner of beverages including beer on tap. 50/50 winners walked away with tidy sums due to the super support of all the picnic-ers.

The children all had a fantastic time playing the games parents organized. The tug of war and sack races proved to be quite challenging to our younger contestants but there were prizes for all. There was also an inflatable jumping cage donated by A&A Inflatables of Hawthorne...thanks! It was great hit with the kids!

If you weren't there, be sure you make it next year! Jane had a great time, again!

FIRE! FIRE!

Paterson Firemen, Curtis Bouier and Theodore Carter gave our students important lessons in fire safety. The Fire Safety House showed children common dangers found in the home and how to make their own homes safer. The program ended with the children being taught how to evacuate a home in a fire emergency. Thank you, Paterson Fire Department, for taking the time to help protect our kids!

We Give Thanks

This year's very moving Thanksgiving assembly saluted heroes both past and present. Students representing historic figures read from their writings and told the stories of their lives and struggles. The show finale featured a reenactment of the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima.

Mrs. Kral's First Grade made a diorama of the first Thanksgiving complete with log cabins, turkey dinner, and pumpkin pie. The talented Mrs. Kral even painted the Mayflower on the background. Nice job, 1K!

Press Release from May 19, 2005

RAD: Resist Aggression Defensively

Mrs. Patin's 4th grade class at St. Brendan School, Clifton, recently became RADkids after completing a program offered by the Passaic County Sheriff's Department. The program offers personal empowerment and safety education to children between 5 and 11 years old.

The program teaches realistic physical resistance options to escape violence. According to Officer Facciollo, the techniques the children learn are designed to teach children how to escape violence, not encourage a fight. RAD representative Dorinne Krygsman mentioned that the curriculum also includes home, school, and vehicle safety.

During the final class parents were invited to a demonstration of the defense techniques taught to their children. Officer Edward Kinney of Wayne, donned a safety suit, posed as a potential aggressor, and took a beating from each and every one of the students. Captain Kathy Krzysko stood by and completed the episode by acting out the results of a 911 call with the attacked student.

The Passaic County Sheriff's Department has been offering this program for about two years now. The parents, teachers, and students at St. Brendan School were impressed with the training and information provided by Officer Ron Vargas and his team. At the conclusion, the children received certificates of completion and ID kits. The excited students thanked Officer Maccarolli and the other members of the RAD team. A certificate of appreciation was also presented to the RAD team by Mrs. Deleu, principal of St. Brendan School.

RADkids become empowered and learn to replace the fear, confusion , and panic of dangerous situations with confidence, personal safety skills, and self-esteem. The Resist Aggression Defensively program, or RAD, has been teaching kids the skills they need to protect themselves since 1998 with documented success. More information about the program may be found at pcsheriffs.org; click on Community Policing then RAD or call 973-881-2400.

Pictures from Last year's 4th grade RAD program

The Christmas Season at St. Brendan School

Clockwise from upper right: Volunteers at the tree sale. Gift collection for the needy. Santa visits the school. An unsure guest at Breakfast With Santa.

Kindergarten Tea

Each year the Kindergarten class celebrates their achievements and advancement to the 1st Grade at a Tea party hosted by the class and attended by family and friends. The students demonstrated the math and grammar skills they learned during the year as well as their understanding of the calendar, religion and respect for others. Examples of their art work are displayed throughout the classroom and the families are entertained by dozens of songs the children have learned during the school year.