Weekly Update to Families

Dear Academy Families,

As we enter the Second Week of Advent, we reflect on the joy, hope, and anticipation that define this holy season. Advent is a time for traditions, and here at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy, we are proud to carry on one of our most cherished traditions: decorating the Christmas tree outside of the main office.

This tree is dedicated to the memory of Ms. Kathy Farragher, a beloved former teacher who left a lasting legacy at our school. Many of our current parents, now alumni, likely had Ms. Farragher as their teacher and remember her incredible creativity and talent. One of her most memorable assignments was the annual creation of dolls representing historical or literary figures. In honor of this tradition, the angel that crowns our tree was lovingly designed to resemble a doll, reflecting Ms. Farragher’s influence and artistry.

What begins as an empty tree after Thanksgiving soon transforms into a colorful and heartfelt display of ornaments placed by our students throughout Advent. We invite you to take a moment during the next two weeks to stop by, admire the tree, and join us in celebrating this beautiful tradition that brings our community together.

This Monday, 12/9 we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This day is a Holy Day of Obligation. Our students in Grades 1-8 will be attending a special 10am mass. There will be limited seating available for any family that would like to join us.

I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the parents who joined us for Family/Teacher Conferences this week. Your engagement in your child’s education is a cornerstone of their success, and we are so thankful for your continued partnership.

As we journey through Advent, may the peace and joy of this season fill your hearts and homes. Thank you for being a vital part of our St. Francis de Sales community.

Dr. Scharbach

Now onto some important reminders, news, and events at the academy in the upcoming days….

The Christmas Boutique for our students will be December 11th- December 12th. Please see below the schedule of when classes will be attending. If you want your children to do a little Christmas shopping for their family please be sure to send in money with your child next week.

Wednesday 12/11: 1A, 2nd Grade, 4A, 4B, 5th Grade, 6A, 6B 7th Grade, and 8th Grade

Thursday 12/12: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1B, 3rd Grade, 4C, and 6C

Our school year is rapidly moving along. We can hardly believe that Christmas is almost here. As we begin to prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, we want to ensure that our plans maximize the benefit to your child/children. We have just completed a period in which our current Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten families filled out a letter of intent for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes for next school year.

We ask that if you have any sibling (brother or sister) of a current student here at St. Francis who plans on attending St. Francis in 2025 as a new Nursery, Pre-K, Kindergarten or Grade 1-7 student please complete the form below by Friday December 20th. After that, we will be opening registration to the public in the Winter of 2025 (If space allows)

https://forms.gle/gho3LJmgiSB5pavx6

Please note we anticipate having waiting lists in many grades for next year. This intent form is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee your registration for the 2025-2026 school year.

We are so excited about our upcoming Annual Christmas Movie Night on 12/6, and we know how much our students look forward to this festive tradition each year. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we will need to postpone the event.

The new date for Christmas Movie Night will be Thursday, December 19th, with the same schedule and details:

1. Kindergarten

   • Time: 4:00 PM–5:45 PM
   • Location: Small Hall
   • Movie: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
   • Activity: Holiday Craft

2. 1st–2nd Grades

   • Time: 4:00 PM–5:45 PM
   • Location: Gym
   • Movie: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2018)

3. 3rd–5th Grades

   • Time: 6:30 PM–8:15 PM
   • Location: Small Hall
   • Movie: Elf

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding. We are confident that the evening will still be special for our students.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing your children on December 19th for a night of Christmas magic and fun!

Tickets can be bought at the door for $10.

St. Francis de Sales is very excited to be offering a production of SpongeBob the musical this Spring. Below are the dates for the tryouts, callbacks, practices and show dates. We understand this is a big commitment, so please ensure the dates work for your child's schedule before signing up. Here's a link to the Spongebob the Musical Sign Up form. We ask that you complete the form by December 11th. We will send out preparation materials for the audition after that date.

St. Francis de Sales is very excited to partner with Inside Broadway to offer a production of Spongebob the Musical this Spring. A very special thank you to NYC Councilwoman Joann Ariola for sponsoring this enrichment activity within our school. This enrichment activity is currently open to our current 5th-8th graders

If you have any questions, please let us know. Again, we are so excited to have our students have this amazing opportunity this spring.

With the Christmas season approaching, as we look forward to the birth of our Lord, we should remember those less fortunate than us. In the spirit of giving, we are asking that students donate a gift for other children. Please bring in an unwrapped toy or game after the Thanksgiving Holiday. All donations will go to children in need. Thank you for your generosity. All donations need to be made by Friday, December 13th.

As the colder weather begins, we see more and more children who become ill. A child who is sick will not be able to perform well in school and is likely to spread the illness to other children and staff. If your child is ill, before sending them back to school please clear it with your child's pediatrician. Please call the school's nurse or main office if you have any questions or concern

Come and see our brand new online school store. We have some great items with our school name and Franny, our Mascot.

Choose your own designs! These are great items to wear on dress-down days, weekends, Blue and Gold Day, or just around the house.

Great brands (Nike, North Face, Under Armor, Puma, and more) and great quality. All orders are shipped directly to your home.

Come and support our 8th graders on Friday 12/6 at the BHYC Holiday Boutique. Our 8th graders will be selling baked goods. Great night to support the Class of 2025 and get some Christmas shopping done.

Please save the date for Saturday December 14th as St. Francis de Sales Parish lights their Christmas Trees, Angels, and Nativity. The night kicks off with 4:30pm Mass followed by the lighting.

We hope you join us for this great tradition.

Thursday December 19th is a $1 dress down day. All students are encouraged to wear Red and or Green, or wear an ugly holiday sweater. All money raised is going to a family in need.

Every year, students, 5th through 8th grade, prepare a craft activity to create, with students in Pre K-4th grades. This year the entire school will be partaking in this activity on Thursday, December 19th in the afternoon.

On Friday December 20th we have a ½ day 12 noon dismissal, this kicks off our Christmas Recess. Please note we do not reopen until Monday January 6th 2025.

We are excited to host an Open Gym Night for our 6th grade students.

This will take place on Friday, January 10th from 7-9 pm in the Gym. The Academy will provide games, crafts, music, basketballs/volleyballs, snacks & pizza.

Pre-registration is required, and forms are due by Wednesday, January 8th. The cost is $10 per child and should be pre-paid. Please send to the office in an envelope with your child's name and "Open Gym" on it.

We are looking forward to a great night and hope everyone can make it.

*Please note, Open Gym night is for students of St.Francis de Sales Catholic Academy only.*

**If your child is out sick on the day of Open Gym they will not be permitted to attend that night**

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy

Asst. Principal: Mrs. Maureen Hayes

Email: admin@stfrancisschoolbh.net
Website: https://stfrancisacademybh.org/
Location: 219 Beach 129 Street Belle Harbor, NY 11694
Phone: (718) 634-2775
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SFDSCA