Mrs. Patricia Deleu, Principal
154 East First Street
Clifton, NJ 07011-1057
973-772-1149
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In addition to our curriculum which includes: Look At All We Have to Offer
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SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT: Saint Brendan School has chosen the path of the future, while incorporating our richly endowed past. Together and along with all those whose concern is educating the whole child, we take up with greater assurance the most stimulating of challenges...the challenge of a Catholic liberal arts education. "Faith" encompasses our faith in the abilities of our students and the talent of our teachers as well as our Christian beliefs. Our students engage in daily classroom prayer and attend monthly Mass. Holy Days of Obligation are observed and special masses during the school year in which the students fully participate are also part of the practice of faith. Christian principles are taught and practiced in our school. Children are instructed in the teachings of the Catholic faith and are prepared for the Sacraments at the appropriate ages. Christ's message is more that just a lesson plan in our school; it is lived by our staff and students on a daily basis. Kindness and respect for each individual is exemplified in all our interactions.
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At Saint Brendan School, each child is recognized as a unique individual. Character education is taught and stressed throughout as well as the development of a solid foundation in values. We work together with families to teach the whole child. Parents are actively involved in the programs and fundraisers we present each year. We encourage families to support their children's achievements by attending assemblies, performances and competitions. The faculty, students and parents create a sense of "family" through all these efforts. Our outreach to alumni over the years has led many graduates to come to think of St. Brendan School as an extended family. Life long friendships have been formed in these halls; some that have led to happy marriages in later years!
This unique program was started by the Student Council in the early 1990's and continues under that body's direction with the help of the Student Council Moderators. The Council is made up of representatives from grades 5 through 8. The officers are elected by the member grades but only 7th and 8th graders are eligible for office. This group is the voice of the students and this program was a way for them to reach out to the lower grades. Children in grades 4 through 8 are paired up with children in PreK through 3rd grade at the beginning of the school year. Activities are planned for the pairs every 6 to 8 weeks. They participate in all sorts of activities from watching a movie or attending assembly to making crafts or playing games. The youngest children benefit from having an older student help them navigate the hallways when going to mass or another part of the school for special activities.
(left to right: Press release photo about the program; a PreK student and 8th grader work on a craft together; making hand print t-shirts was part of a school-wide Brother/Sister activity.) The older children take their responsibilities quite seriously and develop very special relationships with their young charges. The younger children are thrilled to have a "big kid" befriend them and help them to adjust to their new environments. It is one of the many ways that the students at St. Brendan School exercise their Christian values and help pass on the things they have learned to the younger generations. The Diocese of Paterson recognized this special program with their "Best Practice Award". A Best Practice school has innovative strategies that promote high student achievement, addresses student educational services and needs, and has a documented assessment of its objectives. A school retains the honor for a period of 5 years. An American History study looked into the outlaws of the Old West and the system of law that brought them to justice. Members of the class each created a Wanted poster for their favorite historic or imagined villain. The project was enjoyed by all the students and revealed some hidden talents! Wish I could be in Mrs. Gorman's class!!!
It's A Jungle In There! Mrs. Fico's 4th grade class took study of the rainforest to a new level...upward! The classroom has been transformed into a rainforest with animals and plants native to the region suspended from the ceiling in a canopy of color. In addition to the artistic approach, the students researched the animals and plants they portrayed and learned about conservation issues in our wildernesses.
Clifton Against Substance Abuse Poster Contest Winners
New this year to St. Brendan School is the Literary Club open to students in the Middle School. Club moderator is our 6th grade and History teacher, Mrs. Gorman, who selects a book for each age group. As the book is read, lively discussions take place at each meeting. It is a great way for the students to enjoy literature in a relaxed environment!
Work by our students was recently displayed at the PNC Bank office on Main Avenue in downtown Clifton. The display included seasonal works as well as exercises in art techniques and theories.
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