Principal's Weekly Newsletter
December 19th, 2025
A Message from Dr. Nadjarian
Dear St. Mary's Families,
As we come to the end of another busy and fulfilling term, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to all our community for a blessed and joyful Christmas season. This time of year invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible gift of God’s love made known through the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the busyness of our daily routines, jobs, events, and the many obligations that fill our calendars, it can be easy to overlook the simple but profound importance of slowing down and being present with those we love. I encourage each of you to use this Christmas break to rest, reconnect, and cherish time with family and friends. These moments of togetherness nurture our spirits, strengthen our relationships, and remind us of what matters most.
May this Christmas bring peace to your homes, joy to your hearts, and renewal for the year ahead. I pray that your holidays are safe, restful, and filled with God’s blessings.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
VFW Awards
This past October, our middle school students took part in the annual Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The contest, open to students in grades 6–8, invites young writers to think critically about patriotism and what it means in their own lives. This year’s theme, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”, gave students a meaningful way to express both their ideas and their values. All essays begin at the local VFW Post level, with the opportunity to advance to District, State, and National competitions.
We are proud to share that three of our middle school students, Lola, Vibha, and Griffin, were named Finalists at the Dedham VFW Post. At Wednesday evening’s ceremony, each student was recognized for their outstanding essays, and together they earned a total of $500 in award money. The students were joined by their families and their teacher, Miss Falcone, whose guidance and support played an important role throughout the process.
One especially meaningful moment of the evening came when one of Miss Falcone’s former students, now in high school, was also recognized as a Finalist. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact her teaching continues to have.
The night became even more memorable when Miss Falcone was honored as the Dedham VFW Post’s Teacher of the Year for Promoting Citizenship Education. She was recognized for her many years of dedication to honoring Veterans, encouraging civic responsibility, organizing educational trips to Washington, D.C. and New York City, and her deep commitment to Holocaust Education, including bringing Holocaust Survivors to speak with students. Her passion and leadership continue to inspire our entire school community.
To celebrate the evening’s accomplishments, the students, their families, and Miss Falcone wrapped up the night with a trip to J.P. Licks, a fun and fitting end to a night filled with pride and recognition.
Lola and Miss Falcone will now advance to the District Competition, and we look forward to cheering them on in the next round.
Congratulations to all of our student participants, and thank you to Post Commander Steve Ruggiero and the Dedham VFW for their continued support of student learning and civic engagement.
Highlights from Advent and Christmas Celebrations at St. Mary's!
- Señora Bognet brought her middle school Spanish students caroling in the hallways and outside
- The third grade elf locked the students in an escape room! They had to use their expert math skills to get out and save Christmas!
- Girls Scouts learned about St. Juan Diego and and made flowers to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Miss Falcone's Grade 6 ELA class wrote advertisements to sell their gingerbread houses as real estate agents; then, they created those houses!
- The Toddler classroom participated in a candy cane sprint and class party with their families
- K2 built beautiful gingerbread houses with the help of some parent volunteers!
- Mrs. Porcello's PreK class and Mrs. Palmer's Grade 5 class met with their buddies to read the story Reindeer Food and make their very own reindeer food!
- K1 discussed their five senses in relation to Christmas
- In science class, first graders learned where the North Pole is located and compared the current temperature to the temperature here in Brookline. They also colored in a map of the North Pole (Santa’s workshop included)!
- Ms. Houlder's PreK class decorated gingerbread cutouts today to practice fine and gross motor skills!
- Señorita Lopez's PreK-Grade 2 Spanish classes learned all about the Three Kings/Wise who followed a bright special star to find baby Jesus. They got a special Tres Reyes Magos crown!
- Students enjoyed some snowy fun at recess!
- The infant class learned all about the Nativity and got to play with and set up a felt nativity scene and decorate a stocking!
