...where knowledge, faith, and family meet!
Open Registration: Call for information click here for more information*
Welcome to the Saint Brendan School website!
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154 East First Street Clifton, NJ 07011-1057 973-772-1149 |
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For a biography of our Principal, Mrs. Deleu, click here * For a look back at our history, click here * What is Middle States Accreditation?* The goal of this website is to bring together the community of students, alumni, teachers, parents and our extended family of Saint Brendan parishioners. We hope you will share ideas as well. If you would like to get involved in our website, or have some ideas you would like to share please contact our Principal Mrs. Patricia Deleu at pdeleu@st-brendan.org NEW! Laptop Computers for Middle School Students
Thanks to a technology grant from the State of New Jersey, Middle School students now have access to laptop computers. This allows them to research information and work on reports without having to go to the computer lab. With Smartboards in every classroom and the new collection of laptops, St. Brendan is truly offering our students the latest in modern technology! About Saint Brendan School
St. Brendan School offers its ethnically mixed
student body a sound academic background with emphasis on moral principles.
The school, Pre-K through Grade 8, has a full range of subjects from the
three R’s to courses in science as well as physical education and music. It
also provides activities such as student council, scouting, basketball and
cheerleading. One of its unique features is its summer camp. Holiday Celebrations There is also a major focus on American traditions through the assemblies and festivities held in honor of our national holidays, such as Presidents’ Day, Thanksgiving and Halloween. Through these events the students join together to celebrate their common American heritage.
Christian Lifestyle
Community Involvement Appreciation of the Faculty and Staff The students also celebrate an annual Principal’s Day, established by the National Catholic Education Association, in order to honor the person responsible for the effective operation of the school. At St. Brendan, the Principal is also offers moral support to the teachers and is available at any time to help a student with academic or personal problems. The students also take time during Catholic Schools Week to thank their dedicated teachers. Our wonderful office staff is also remembered on Administrative Assistant's Day for the hard work they do "behind the scenes". It is part of learning how to show respect and appreciation for those around you. Home and School Association
Graduation
The Leaders of the Future |
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# Of Visitors to Our Site as of 1/5/2005
A Brief Biography
contact: pdeleu@st-brendan.org
Having served as an educator at St. Brendan School since 1982, Mrs. Deleu was asked to change hats and take on the responsibilities of administration as Principal of the school in 1995. Since then, she has led the school on its way to Middle States accreditation, spearheaded new programs, and served as inspiration to faculty and families alike to become truly involved in the school. Among her many skills is the ability to manage funds so that the most students may benefit from a program as possible. This was demonstrated last year when Mrs. Deleu skillfully appropriated state funding to acquire Smartboard computer technology for every classroom. (See "School Information" for more on that story.)
Mrs. Deleu earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Seton Hall University. Her Masters in Education was also completed at Seton Hall. She has extensive experience in Catholic Education having taught at St. Francis in Lodi and St. Anne's in Fair Lawn. As with most dedicated professionals, our Principal will tell you that every day is a learning experience and there is always more to gain through interaction with the teachers, parents and students.
When interviewed for this biography, Mrs. Deleu stated, "I believe in teaching the entire child; academically, socially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I believe in loving the child first and all else will come. I believe in providing a warm, safe, nurturing environment filled with the presence of God and Jesus and His teachings." Most of the students will tell you that the Principal's door is always open, whatever the need. Mrs. Deleu also stressed that religion is an important part of a student's every day experience and is an integral part of the educational process. These lessons go beyond the Bible to instill values, build character and good manners; to help make these children good citizens who are respectful, responsible and caring young men and women. The children at St. Brendan School practice what is preached on a daily basis.
The mother of two sons and grandmother to two, Mrs. Deleu takes great pride in her family. She dedicates her time away from St. Brendan's to her husband and family and relishes having everyone together as often as is possible. Her dedication to the school goes beyond what is expected and you will often find her there after hours and during the summer break; despite her love of the beach!.
When not at the school, she is often on the computer following up on school business. This dedication inspires those around her to also achieve their personal best. Her ideals are reflected in the success of the school and the many functions that faculty, staff, parents and students work on together to keep St. Brendan the School where knowledge, faith and family meet.
circa 1959
The year was 1946, Father Louis had purchased the land on the corner of Lakeview Avenue and two army barracks had been purchased and reconditioned for use as a Church. Planning for a school was foremost in the mind of Monsignor Louis, despite the lack of funds or a suitable building. His determination to provide for the education of the youth for Saint Brendan's Parish led to the purchase of a dwelling at 425 Trenton Avenue and the job of converting the building into a combination convent/school began.
On Sept.9, 1946, St. Brendan's School began with a total enrollment of 72 children under the administration of our first principal, Sister Mary Denise and her faculty of three; Sister Constance Mary, Sister Margaret Agnes and Sister Margaret William. Enrollment increased and each year a new grade was added necessitating additional faculty and space. Renovation at 425 Trenton Ave and a second house at 360 Knickerbocker Ave became "make shift" quarters. It became evident that a real school building was needed.
Plans were drawn and the red brick building housing eight classrooms, a kindergarten, library, offices and a temporary church facility was erected and ready for the opening of school in September 1949. A total of 194 students were enrolled with a faculty of five Sisters of Charity; Sisters Mary Denise; Principal and teacher of grades 4 and 5, Alice Rosarii (grade 6), Mary Robert (grade 3), Constance Mary (grade 2), and Margaret William (grade 1). Kindergarten was taught by the one lay teacher, Ms. Rita Merner.
The 1946 to 1956 enrollment increased steadily from 72 to 702 children and by 1966 the number of students had reached an all time high of 745. The addition or annex had been erected in 1953 to accommodate both the increasing need for classrooms and attendance at Sunday Mass.
The all time high enrollment of 745 gradually decreased due to many factors; educational, cultural, social and financial which impacted all Catholic schools across the nation. By 1971, just five years later, the drop in students attending St. Brendan was a noticeable 533, but two classes of each grade were retained with the average class size at 35 students. By 1973, the class size and decrease in Sister of Charity available to staff the school greatly increased the financial burden on the parish. Tuition had been increasing steadily by this time placing a heavier financial burden on the families. In September of 1963, the enrollment had declined to 271 with single grades throughout the school, excepting the second grade which remained a double class. The faculty consisted of only 3 Sister of Charity and 9 lay teachers.
By 1990, the only Sister of Charity on staff was the Principal. Class sizes were purposely kept small; 25 - 30 to meet the changing educational scene with 12 lay teachers. In 1993 the enrollment was 295 with Sister Anne Donnelly, administrator, 13 full time lay faculty, 3 part time teaches, a full time secretary , 1 part time teacher aide and 1 part time office assistant. A pre-K class for 3 1/2 to 4 year olds was added to the school in 1987. A total of 30 wee ones added a joyful group of eager learners to the school.
St. Brendan School is a Middle States accredited school guaranteeing on going self evaluation and yearly reporting required by both our Diocesan School Office and the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools. St. Brendan School continues to provide quality education in an environment permeated with Christian Catholic values. Our dedicated Christian faculty supported by our pastoral staff and with strong parental participation make possible this reality.
In 2005, we are looking forward to an enrollment of 358. The development of a strong fund raising program, strategic acquisition of grants and aid, and the active participation of the families has relieved the burden of support that used to fall upon the Church. Please browse this website to see more about the curriculum, faculty and activities taking place at this dynamic school.
St. Brendan School is Middle States Accredited. A recent article in The Beacon explains the process to become accredited and the benefits to the students and parents when a school warrants this rating.
Through a self evaluation, the school discovers it it has what is needed to fulfill the promises offered by its philosophy. It also acquires the self knowledge to plan with confidence. Having completed a successful self-study, the school is evaluated by a team of recognized evaluators named by the commission. The evaluators, who have no prior relationship with the school or its sponsoring authority, verify the findings of the self-study and during a three day on-site visit offer evaluative judgments of their own.
At the time of its objective evaluation or shortly thereafter, the school is requested to provide a plan for its further development and improvement. The commission grants accreditation if the the self-study, evaluation and planning reports reveal that the school meets the standards for accreditation. Accreditation is given for a period of ten years. During this time, through networking with other quality schools, periodic progress reporting, and participation in other commission-sponsored school improvement events, accredited schools work toward their own improvement and the improvement of other schools.
Accredited schools have met standards for the following:
* Defining appropriate education goals and providing educational programs to achieve them
* Maintaining a qualified faculty and an effective school organization
* Assessing outcomes of school experiences and controlling the quality of educational programs
* Responding to concerns of parents and needs of the school community
* Providing for the continuity of its programs and planning for the future
* Describing with accuracy the content of its services and programs
Twenty fourth grade students at St. Brendan School in Clifton will be celebrating the success of their humanitarian efforts to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims with a Pizza party. Early in the school year the class held a meeting to suggest and vote on a class fund raising project for the disaster relief. "Many good suggestions were provided by the children," commented Mrs. Fico, the class teacher. "Our discussions led us to the idea that we should do something personal to raise the money rather than just ask people to donate it." The class decided to take on extra household chores and ask parents to provide a small donation to the fund. Each student received a chore chart to record their chores and money earned. The class kept track of the project and encouraged each other to do as many chores as possible. Chores included taking out the trash, babysitting, laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms and living rooms and making beds. Money started coming in within the first week of the project. By the end of September, Mrs. Fico gave the class an incentive telling them that if they reached $400.00 she would make a donation to make the grand total $500.00 raised and provide a pizza party celebration. The students met the challenge and raised the most money for the school-wide effort. The total donation to Catholic Relief Services from the families at St. Brendan was in excess of $1,700.00. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.
Top: Mrs. Fico, right, with the Fourth graders giving the donation check to Mrs. Deleu, Principal, to pass along to the Diocese. Bottom: Some of the students with their chore charts that kept track of the extra work they did to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Members of the Kids Helping Kids Club collected school supplies for the children who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. The United Way of North Jersey accepted the box of pencils, paper, scissors and more for distribution to those in need. This is just one of the projects sponsored by United Way that the students of St. Brendan support through the Kids Helping Kids Club.
Calendar of Events for Catholic Schools Week 2007
Monday, January 29th: The Good News in Education in Our Community
Open House 9 - 11 am and 1 - 2:30 pm. All are Welcome!
Tuesday, January 30th: The Good News in Education in Our Students
Sport/Spirit Day: Wear your favorite Sport Jersey or green and white or your gym uniform. At 10:30 am The Harlem Magic Masters will perform and at 1:00 pm the faculty and staff vs. the 8th Grade annual volley ball game will take place.
Wednesday, January 31st: The Good News in Education in Our Nation
National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools: All dress in red, white and blue. Flagpole Assembly at 9am. Children will write letters to our Troops and there will be ice cream for all.
Thursday, February 1st: The Good News in Education in Our Vocations
Vocations and Pajama Day: Entire school to pray for vocations, send valentines to the retired sisters at Villa Walsh, Convent Station and Marian Woods. PJ's are the dress code!
Friday, February 2nd: The Good News in Education in Our Faculty, Staff, & Volunteers
National Teacher Appreciation Day; Mass at 9am and brunch for faculty and staff at 10a,. Big Brother / Big Sister Day will play board games.
School family re registration on March 7th / New Family registration on March 12th, 13th and 14th.
The 8th Grade vs. the faculty volleyball game was once again won by the faculty. The Kindergarten class cheered the players on!
Fascinating projects were featured at the annual Science Fair including "Fog in a Bottle", investigation into the Bermuda Triangle and the building of molecules and a generator. The lower photograph shows students wearing green and white on School Spirit Day.
Religious vocations were celebrated during Catholic Schools Week. Both Priests and Sisters spoke to the students about their personal call to vocation. The week long celebrations concluded with a special Mass featuring singing by the Kindergarten and 8th graders and songs by the new choir conducted by 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Fico, and accompanied by Mrs. Capobianco.
Winners of our Annual Declamation Contest!
Students learn a poem, story or prose and prepare a dramatic presentation for the student body. A panel of faculty members then chooses the best based upon difficulty, creativity and delivery. This year's winners were really outstanding!
