High School Open Houses
St. John Paul II Regional School Welcomes the First Lady of Poland.
The Department of Education for the Diocese of Rockville Centre and St. John Paul II Regional School, Riverhead warmly welcomed the distinguished guest, the First Lady of Poland, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, along with Vice Consul Stanislaw Starnawski on Monday, September 18th, 2023.
Abbey Swiatkowski, principal of St. John Paul II Regional School, provided the First Lady with an informative guide, leading the First Lady on a tour of the school’s campus showcasing classrooms displaying students’ work. During the tour, she answered questions about the school’s curriculum, specifically the age groups and grades offered, which range from PreK to 8th grade. Mrs. Swiatkowski also elaborated on the school’s unique history, detailing how it emerged through the consolidation of two separate schools, St. Isidor in Riverhead, Our Lady of Mercy Regional in Cutchogue culminating in the creation of St. John Paul II Regional School, now home to a total enrollment of 171 students, a significant growth from its initial 99 students when it first opened. The school’s name, she explained, was chosen in honor of St. John Paul the Great due to the large Polish population in the area.
Ms. Agata Kornhauser-Duda also inquired about the school’s support for Special Education students. Mrs. Swiatkowski elaborated on the Response to Intervention (RTI) approach used at St. John Paul II and other schools in the Diocese to help students, including those with special needs, to catch up with their peers. This approach has proven to be highly successful, largely due to the school’s commitment to maintaining smaller class sizes. Mrs. Swatawski emphasized that the smaller classroom size enables educators to provide personalized attention and support to all students. In addition, the Polish school, Maksymiliana Marii Kolbego, affiliated with St. John Paul II School showcased its vibrant cultural connection during the visit. Students from the Polish school delighted the First Lady with Polish songs, eloquent recitations of verbs, and a culturally immersive presentation, all delivered in the Polish language. This demonstration not only highlighted the rich cultural ties between Poland and the school but also celebrated the diverse educational experiences offered by St. John Paul II Regional. The visit was a testament to the strong bond between education and culture, fostering a global perspective for students at St. John Paul II Regional School.
St. Anthony’s HS Principal Honored
Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State is Honoring St. Anthony’s High School Principal, Brother David Migliorino, OSF with the LIGHTING THE FIRE FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION AWARD. Brother is being honored for being an example and inspiration to other Catholic Educators. The event takes place on September 27 at the annual conference in Westchester.
CSAANY represents all the Catholic School Administrators in the State of New York, including the Archdiocese of New York, and the Dioceses of Albany, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Ogdensburg, Rochester, Rockville Centre, and Syracuse.
As Principal of one of the largest Catholic High Schools in the state, we are honored that Brother David is receiving this well-deserved accolade.
Back to School Prayer
God of wisdom and might, we praise you
for the wonder of our being, for mind,
body, and spirit. Be with our children as
they begin a new school year and keep them
safe from harm or danger. Bless them and
their teachers and staff. Give them strength
and grace as their bodies grow; wisdom
and knowledge to their minds as they
search for understanding; and peace to
their hearts. We ask this through Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Amen.
