After more than three months at home, Academy students were glad to be back as summer school opened in early July. And while students quickly adjusted to a “new normal” that includes face masks, daily temperature checks upon arrival, and keeping a safe distance apart, their enjoyment at being back with their classmates in person is evident. “It’s so good to be back and hanging with my friends. I’m having a good time,” said Anna Stowe. The Center’s new routine is the result of several weeks of collaborative planning. From staggered scheduling to cleaning and classroom layout, the Center has carefully incorporated the requirements and recommendations of the State Department of Education and the Department of Developmental Services, as well as other guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. “We’re reopening with confidence,” said Helen Burland, Executive Director. “We convene each day and decide what needs to be adjusted, striving for as much accessibility and individual attention as possible. And while there are extra layers of caution now, this is what we’ve always done at Saint Catherine.” In the classrooms, desks are spaced apart and facing the same direction. Using consistent, positive messages such as “Be Safe” and “Quiet Hands,” staff emphasizes the importance of hand washing and social distancing. Illustrated signs throughout the building reinforce these messages. Students are appreciating the structure and familiar routine. Yoga was held in the gym and was also live streamed to the students at home from a nearby laptop. Therapists are also back on the schedule, providing individual speech and occupational therapy both onsite and online. Weekly music sessions with Mr. Matt continue online. Lessons learned during the four-week summer school session will provide a

On December 20th, the gym at Saint Catherine Center was filled with family and friends eager to watch our students enact the annual Christmas Pageant. This year’s production, “A Cousins’ Christmas,” was written by former Academy teacher Mollie Mitchell and told the familiar story with an emphasis on the closeness between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth and the value of receiving the gifts that we are to each other. All students had a role. “It was beautiful to see how much some of our students have grown in the past year,” said Sr. Cheryl, who directed the Pageant.  This special event each year would not be possible without the help of many people: volunteers from the Order of Malta who provide refreshments; Knights of Columbus-St. Patrick Council who bring Santa with them; Sean Nayden, who set up the ramp for the actors to travel on; Russ and Amy Nagy from the Fairfield University Quick Center, who set up the lighting; and the dedicated Saint Catherine Academy staff. Thank you all! Read more about the Pageant in Fairfield County Catholic.          View photos

Helen Burland, Executive Director, thanked the guests for their support and commitment to the Center over the past 20 years. Bright sunflowers and smiling faces helped to transform the gym into a sanctuary at Saint Catherine Center as more than 125 students and their families, faculty, staff, and friends gathered together on September 22 to celebrate 20 years of service to young people with disabilities. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano was the principal celebrant, along with concelebrants Msgr. Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown and Center board member, and Msgr. William Scheyd. “How blessed are we that for 20 years we have St. Catherine’s Academy and those who lead it, who see the world differently,” Bishop Caggiano said. “Everyone who comes here is here because they are beloved, first by God and then by His servants who are you and me.” Readers included Charles Chiusano, Chairman of the Center’s Board; Anna Stowe, an Academy student; and Eric Spencer, Director of Education. Erin Aoyama led the congregation in song. The beautiful sunflowers were donated by Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens. A reception followed the service. Virginia Dwyer-Aoyama, a volunteer from the Order of Malta who helped coordinate the Mass, posed with her daughter Erin, who led the congregation in song. The bishop expressed appreciation to the Saint Catherine Center Board. “To have a vision is one thing. To make it real is another,” he said. He also recognized Helen Burland, Executive Director, for being the “animator of this entire enterprise,” and thanked the young people of the Center. “You keep our vision clear,” he said. View photos and read more about the event in the article in Fairfield County Catholic.

With freshly painted halls, clean classrooms, and even a new picnic table in the playground, we welcomed students to a new school year at Saint Catherine Academy. View some photos of the first days of school. “I like seeing my friends again. I like that we’ll be doing reading and writing and science—but not math!” said Anna Stowe from Sr. Cheryl’s class. We welcomed two new students—Vincent from Rye, NY, and Antonio from Bridgeport, CT.  Patty Loh (pictured at right with her colleagues, Sr. Cheryl Driscoll and Joanne LaPorta) joined the teaching staff. Patty is a certified special education professional with 23 years of experience in special education. She has been associated with the Academy as a substitute teacher and volunteer at our vocational worksites. Patty also has advanced training in the Wilson Reading System, an intensive structured literacy program, and experience in TouchMath, both of which she intends to use in the classroom. “Setting concrete goals is important, so that each student can feel good about what they achieve. I want them to feel a positive atmosphere so that they can grow and thrive,” she said. At the opening Convocation held for all Diocesan teachers and administrators before the first day of school, keynote speaker Dr. Tom Thibodeau inspired our teaching staff with his talk on “The Positive Power of Servant Leadership,” encouraging all to express gratitude and appreciation to their students and colleagues frequently, and to find and share the goodness of each day. “It’s been a wonderful year, and we will be building on our positive experiences,” said Eric Spencer, Director of Education. “We’re looking to enhance our social studies and science curriculum and create more life skills opportunities for our students.

June 5th was a big day for Donte, Jack, and Jennifer, who graduated from Saint Catherine Academy during a special Mass celebrated by Msgr. Robert Weiss. “God gave each of us a different gift,” he said in his homily, “but the same God lives in us all.” He then acknowledged the special gifts each of the graduates had shared with their classmates, praising Jennifer as “the best spreader of peanut butter and a good friend to everyone”; Donte for “a smile that never stops and keeps us happy”; and Jack for “the best bow tie in the room—and when he hugs you, you know you’re loved.” Donte and Jennifer have both at the Academy for 11 years; Jack has been with us for the past year. Msgr. Weiss also thanked the graduates’ parents for the “love with which you’ve accepted this special responsibility.” “We all have a responsibility to bring happiness to this world, even when people are mean,” encouraged Msgr. Weiss. “We have to try to keep loving, knowing how much we are loved by God.” Anna, Jaheim, and Ron gave the readings and intercessions, which were chosen by the graduates. Along with classmates and staff, members of the three families watched proudly as Dr. Steve Cheeseman, Superintendent of the Diocesan Schools, presented the Certificates of Completion. At the end of Mass, Jennifer led the group in singing her signature song, “This Little Light of Mine.” A lunch and individual cakes for each graduate followed the Mass. Donte and Jack will continue in the Center’s Adult Day Program. View the photos