Fat Tuesday came a few days early here at Union Catholic with the celebration of Carnivale. Carnivale is traditionally celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, but since that coincided with a long weekend off for Presidents Weekend, the celebration began on Friday.
Students from all four years of Mr. Cerimele’s Italian classes poured into the celebration bringing homemade Italian dinners and pastries – it sure did smell good! The evening was filled with good food, music and dancing – a fun night was had by all! But just as Mardi Gras abruptly ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday, so does Carnivale end and bring Lent to the UC Community. Prayer services conducted by Deacon Lynch were held during each period of the school day on Wednesday so that all students were able to attend and receive ashes. Deacon Lynch gave a beautiful reflection on the meaning of sacrificing during Lent, sacrificing with a smile….maybe by doing some “random acts of kindness”.
What a perfect time of year for our seniors to leave for their retreat…a time to reflect on their high school years and where their future will take them. With college acceptances pouring in, decisions need to be made – which school is the right choice? Seniors are faced with so many decisions as they travel through their last months of high school. I’m sure the retreat will be a wonderful time of reflection with some fun thrown in. Faculty and students have all been submitting their letters of affirmation for the seniors attending. These letters will be given to the seniors during their weekend…always a very special time of the retreat!
Class of 2007 ---enjoy your retreat, you will be in our thoughts and prayers - next week will bring the “107 Days till Graduation” breakfast. Mrs. Abel and the ladies in development are planning a special menu in your honor!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
St. Valentine
If you look up St. Valentine’s Day on Google, you’ll find out lots of different theories…one is that the tradition of proclaiming one’s love to another came from England and France during the Middle Ages where it is believed that on February 14th, half way through the second month of the year, the birds began to pair.
Valentine’s Day here at UC means a "tag day" - a day to dress in our jeans, and red of course. The building is bright with the color of red everywhere. And of course, Sister Eloise will probably win for being the person who receives the most flowers!
Student Council sold candy grams all last week which were delivered this morning in homeroom. Student Council also ran a computerized compatibility test - what fun it is to see who you are compatible with!
Not even a "snow day" can keep UC from celebrating St. Valentine’s Day. Here we are on February 15th wearing our red and taking the time to tell those we care about that we love them. In thinking about it, I realized that this is just what UC does - they make everything special. So here in the middle of winter and 6 weeks before the hope of spring, we take a day to celebrate LOVE!
As our February Club period approaches, I am sure that the IRISH VIKINGS will be gearing up for the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Union on March 10th. Come out and see us as our Performing Arts Company will be performing at the Grandstands in Union Center and the UC Viking will be marching with the UC Students. All UC students marching in the parade get a special breakfast prepared by UC’s favorite mom, Mrs. Abel - save a pork roll sandwich for me!!
Valentine’s Day here at UC means a "tag day" - a day to dress in our jeans, and red of course. The building is bright with the color of red everywhere. And of course, Sister Eloise will probably win for being the person who receives the most flowers!
Student Council sold candy grams all last week which were delivered this morning in homeroom. Student Council also ran a computerized compatibility test - what fun it is to see who you are compatible with!
Not even a "snow day" can keep UC from celebrating St. Valentine’s Day. Here we are on February 15th wearing our red and taking the time to tell those we care about that we love them. In thinking about it, I realized that this is just what UC does - they make everything special. So here in the middle of winter and 6 weeks before the hope of spring, we take a day to celebrate LOVE!
As our February Club period approaches, I am sure that the IRISH VIKINGS will be gearing up for the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Union on March 10th. Come out and see us as our Performing Arts Company will be performing at the Grandstands in Union Center and the UC Viking will be marching with the UC Students. All UC students marching in the parade get a special breakfast prepared by UC’s favorite mom, Mrs. Abel - save a pork roll sandwich for me!!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Accepted Students Dance
Who will the Class of 2011 be?? It’s like waiting for the birth of a new child - What talents will then bring - who will be the new leaders, athletes, stage stars? Who will be the new additions to the UC Community?
Well if the accepted students dance is any indication of the spirit and life that the Class of 2011 will bring, we can’t wait for them to get here!
Union Catholic’s "big brothers" and "big sisters" along with the Union Catholic ambassadors were on hand to help welcome accepted students to the "accepted students dance" Music was provided by DJ Tony Pops, who commented on how much he loves coming to do the dances at UC - he loves our kids!
The Class of 2011 followed the lead of the some of the UC Boys basketball team as they led them in Cotton Eyed Joe and the Cha-Cha slide. It was nice to see that their talents aren’t limited to basketball - by the way great season guys (13-3) Good luck with the rest of the season!
Congrats goes out to the Union Catholic Winter Track Team as well for just taking the County Title - way to go Coach McCabe & the UC Track Team!
The students from the Class of 2011 are coming from many different areas and schools. Each bringing a uniqueness to Union Catholic. We know that you may be a little nervous - but not to worry, we are here to help you with the transition. The Union Catholic faculty and staff along with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters will show you the ropes -
As singer Natasha Bedingfields songs say...
"Live you life with arms wide open…Today is where your book begins!"
Class of 2011 your "book" begins on Saturday….see you then!
Well if the accepted students dance is any indication of the spirit and life that the Class of 2011 will bring, we can’t wait for them to get here!
Union Catholic’s "big brothers" and "big sisters" along with the Union Catholic ambassadors were on hand to help welcome accepted students to the "accepted students dance" Music was provided by DJ Tony Pops, who commented on how much he loves coming to do the dances at UC - he loves our kids!
The Class of 2011 followed the lead of the some of the UC Boys basketball team as they led them in Cotton Eyed Joe and the Cha-Cha slide. It was nice to see that their talents aren’t limited to basketball - by the way great season guys (13-3) Good luck with the rest of the season!
Congrats goes out to the Union Catholic Winter Track Team as well for just taking the County Title - way to go Coach McCabe & the UC Track Team!
The students from the Class of 2011 are coming from many different areas and schools. Each bringing a uniqueness to Union Catholic. We know that you may be a little nervous - but not to worry, we are here to help you with the transition. The Union Catholic faculty and staff along with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters will show you the ropes -
As singer Natasha Bedingfields songs say...
"Live you life with arms wide open…Today is where your book begins!"
Class of 2011 your "book" begins on Saturday….see you then!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Winter Sports Rock the Vault...
Just when you think school spirit couldn’t get any better, UC holds a pep rally. The Viking Vault (UC’s gym) was rocking as the winter sports athletes were introduced on Wednesday afternoon. The Union Catholic Viking was on hand to rally support as Danielle ‘07 sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem followed by the UC Cheerleaders dance routine. Union Catholic’s dance team wowed the crowd with their routine followed by games of "class knockout". Then, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the step squad jumped into action - great job!!
As I stood on the sideline I couldn’t help but feel the energy in the gym - I didn’t know where to look first - the class of ’07 DJs kept the place hopping, each class cheering for the 3 on 3 tournament, and the basketball spinning contest. I do believe I even caught Sister Percylee dancing with the Viking…… UC Spirit is alive and well.
As I stood on the sideline I couldn’t help but feel the energy in the gym - I didn’t know where to look first - the class of ’07 DJs kept the place hopping, each class cheering for the 3 on 3 tournament, and the basketball spinning contest. I do believe I even caught Sister Percylee dancing with the Viking…… UC Spirit is alive and well.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
'Tis the Season...
I know that the world seems to skip over Thanksgiving and jump right into Christmas - but here at UC we had the honor of having Fr. Kevin Hanbury, Vicar of Education and Superintendent of Schools visit UC and say our Thanksgiving Liturgy on November 21st. Fr. Kevin blessed all our Thanksgiving baskets before they were brought over to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and then addressed each individual class during the liturgy. After mass the UC community was lucky enough to have a five day weekend - that was great!
Of course as soon as were back from our long weekend, preparations began for the month of December - our dedicated parent guild decorated our halls with bows of lighted garland and our Christmas Tree was put up in the main foyer for our Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony and Christmas Concert. This year’s Tree of Lights ceremony was especially moving as the tree was lit in memory of Chris O’Bara, Class of 2008 who passed away this past September from cancer. The O’Bara family was present and was able to take home the dove ornament with Chris’ name on it.
The over 100 families were then able to leave the Tree of Lights ceremony and head to the auditorium for the annual Christmas Concert - this year’s theme ---Christmas Rock!
And let me tell you the auditorium did rock! Under the direction of music teacher, Don Frio, UC’s finest musicians put on a concert that definitely lifted spirits and put everyone in the mood for the Christmas season! From individual performances to the Gospel Choir to the UC Blues Ensemble and then the UC band, it is evident that the UC Community has a very talented group of students - thanks to all for a fabulous show!
So you may be thinking that this would be enough for one week - but - there’s more! Friday night over 560 students attended the Union Catholic Christmas Semi-Formal. The gym, otherwise know as the "Viking Vault" was transformed into a Christmas wonderland where our students, dressed in their finest, danced the night away to the music of the Pros. A delicious home cooked dinner was served by the UC Faculty. Of course I’m not sure how many of our students got the chicken fingers - Coach McCabe was serving them --- one for you - one for him.
Ok, you may think that we do is plan events - well in the midst of all of the Christmas celebrations, UC also received word of several commended students and a student who receive a perfect SAT Writing score. Union Catholic creates an environment that celebrates the changing seasons with special traditions and events and yet at the same time challenges their students to achieve goals they never dreamed possible. When learning is fun - success follows.
The winter pep rally was Wednesday - I’ll let you know how that goes…….
Of course as soon as were back from our long weekend, preparations began for the month of December - our dedicated parent guild decorated our halls with bows of lighted garland and our Christmas Tree was put up in the main foyer for our Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony and Christmas Concert. This year’s Tree of Lights ceremony was especially moving as the tree was lit in memory of Chris O’Bara, Class of 2008 who passed away this past September from cancer. The O’Bara family was present and was able to take home the dove ornament with Chris’ name on it.
The over 100 families were then able to leave the Tree of Lights ceremony and head to the auditorium for the annual Christmas Concert - this year’s theme ---Christmas Rock!
And let me tell you the auditorium did rock! Under the direction of music teacher, Don Frio, UC’s finest musicians put on a concert that definitely lifted spirits and put everyone in the mood for the Christmas season! From individual performances to the Gospel Choir to the UC Blues Ensemble and then the UC band, it is evident that the UC Community has a very talented group of students - thanks to all for a fabulous show!
So you may be thinking that this would be enough for one week - but - there’s more! Friday night over 560 students attended the Union Catholic Christmas Semi-Formal. The gym, otherwise know as the "Viking Vault" was transformed into a Christmas wonderland where our students, dressed in their finest, danced the night away to the music of the Pros. A delicious home cooked dinner was served by the UC Faculty. Of course I’m not sure how many of our students got the chicken fingers - Coach McCabe was serving them --- one for you - one for him.
Ok, you may think that we do is plan events - well in the midst of all of the Christmas celebrations, UC also received word of several commended students and a student who receive a perfect SAT Writing score. Union Catholic creates an environment that celebrates the changing seasons with special traditions and events and yet at the same time challenges their students to achieve goals they never dreamed possible. When learning is fun - success follows.
The winter pep rally was Wednesday - I’ll let you know how that goes…….
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Class of 2011
Union Catholic was buzzing with over 300 students taking the High School Entrance Test (COOP) this past Friday. Union Catholic was one of the many testing sights throughout the Diocese of Newark with over 6,700 eighth graders taking the test this year. Big Brothers and Sisters were on hand to help 8th graders find their classrooms and to help give out snacks at break time. It was great to see how many students recognized each other after being here for Freshman For A Day! It was great to see many alumnae here dropping off the next generation ready for Union Catholic - the legacy continues! It was also nice to hear that many of our prospective parents have enjoyed reading the blogs on our website.
Eighth grade is an exciting time. So many students have traveled through their grammar or middle school with the same group of friends - over the years they become like family. Now as they take this high school entrance test the realization of having to make a high school choice comes one step closer. The friends they have traveled with for all these years may go in different directions. So how does an eighth grader make that choice? I believe that the majority of eighth graders today have a good idea of what their goals are and what they hope to gain from their high school experience. So Class of 2011, your high school test is done - you are another step closer to high school, now what?? Visit your choices - come see us, talk to our students, visit a sporting event - let us show you what UC has to offer you spiritually, academically & socially.
If you’ve missed the high school entrance test, there is a make-up this Saturday, November 18th at Union Catholic - feel free to call for more information!
Eighth grade is an exciting time. So many students have traveled through their grammar or middle school with the same group of friends - over the years they become like family. Now as they take this high school entrance test the realization of having to make a high school choice comes one step closer. The friends they have traveled with for all these years may go in different directions. So how does an eighth grader make that choice? I believe that the majority of eighth graders today have a good idea of what their goals are and what they hope to gain from their high school experience. So Class of 2011, your high school test is done - you are another step closer to high school, now what?? Visit your choices - come see us, talk to our students, visit a sporting event - let us show you what UC has to offer you spiritually, academically & socially.
If you’ve missed the high school entrance test, there is a make-up this Saturday, November 18th at Union Catholic - feel free to call for more information!
Monday, October 30, 2006
The tradition of a high school ring...
The Class of 2008 passed another milestone Tuesday as they received their rings at the Union Catholic Ring Ceremony. The Mass was held at Immaculate Heart Church with a beautiful reception hosted by the Class of 2009 parents in the UC cafeteria immediately following.
What does a ring symbolize….the celebrant, Fr. Hummel explained…"now you are people" not little freshman or silly sophomores, but young adults, now bonded as a class…the Class of ’08."
As I watched the juniors go up to receive their rings and then in the cafeteria turning each others rings I couldn’t help but reminisce my own ring ceremony. In 1974 The Union Catholic Girls School held their ring ceremony mass right in the UC foyer where it seemed that a group of girls from all different towns bond into one….the Class of 1975 - we became the upperclassmen of Union Catholic. How exciting it was to receive that ring, and how proud I was to wear it. Times have changed since then, juniors are able to pick their own style ring, personalizing every aspect of their choice. But the tradition remains - the tradition of receiving your class ring. The Class of 2008 has arrived - they are now upperclassmen, bonded forever as a class - the Class of ‘08. Congratulations!
Speaking of traditions that have remained the same….this week is Halloween which means the UC Halloween parade! I can’t wait!
What does a ring symbolize….the celebrant, Fr. Hummel explained…"now you are people" not little freshman or silly sophomores, but young adults, now bonded as a class…the Class of ’08."
As I watched the juniors go up to receive their rings and then in the cafeteria turning each others rings I couldn’t help but reminisce my own ring ceremony. In 1974 The Union Catholic Girls School held their ring ceremony mass right in the UC foyer where it seemed that a group of girls from all different towns bond into one….the Class of 1975 - we became the upperclassmen of Union Catholic. How exciting it was to receive that ring, and how proud I was to wear it. Times have changed since then, juniors are able to pick their own style ring, personalizing every aspect of their choice. But the tradition remains - the tradition of receiving your class ring. The Class of 2008 has arrived - they are now upperclassmen, bonded forever as a class - the Class of ‘08. Congratulations!
Speaking of traditions that have remained the same….this week is Halloween which means the UC Halloween parade! I can’t wait!
Short Video from Junior Ring Ceremony
Thursday, October 19, 2006
UC Spirit is Alive!
School Spirit is alive and well at UC! The first UC Pep Rally took place on Thursday to a gym packed with enthusiastic students. After the Nation Anthem was sung by senior Candace Pyne, varsity teams were announced and the fun began. The UC cheerleaders and gymnastic team performed and games of volleyball were played. But the highlight of the afternoon was definitely when four of our own UC teachers participated in the “bobbing for apples contest”. Union Catholic teachers are not only exceptional educators; they’re also a lot of fun and good sports!!
Thursday was also the night of the National Honor Society. It was a beautiful evening with four of our inductees speaking on Character, Service, Leadership and Scholarship. The keynote speaker, Humanities teacher Mrs. Marla James, quoted “to those who much has been give, much will be expected.” Mrs. James challenged the inductees to use the gifts and talents that they have been given through their parents, families and school to give back. Give back to their families, their school and their community. This special evening ended with proud parents and students enjoying refreshments in the UC cafeteria.
I helped chaperone the school trip, this past weekend and it was fabulous. Two buses of juniors and seniors pulled out of the UC parking lot at 8:30 am and headed to our first stop – the Hard Rock Café in
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Open House and more...
Open House was amazing, a full house with standing room only. I love to watch the UC students interact with prospective students and their parents Our kids are so genuine, sharing their own personal experiences here at UC. And, since Open House, the “Freshman for a Day” program is off and running with excited 8th graders coming in daily to spend the day with one of our freshman. Today a parent was dropping off their 8th grader for “freshman for a day” and was watching our student put on UCTV and said, “the high school experience has so much to offer now, it makes me want to come and spend the day”. Yes, high school is a whole new world and UC is an exciting place to learn.
Having a freshman son in the building myself has helped me get an inside look of what their day is like. Of course I think I am going to give Coach McCabe, our Cross Country team coach, a list of things I need DJ to do because what ever “coach says” goes! As a parent I am thrilled to see the discipline, drive and sportsmanship that coach instills in the team, but more importantly, it is wonderful to see the older students welcome a freshman to the team. Not only are they Conference Champs, they had fun getting there – that’s a great combination!
I will be leaving on Friday for Williamsburg Virginia with 100 of our Juniors and Seniors . Mrs. Palenik, the trip coordinator, has a full weekend planned - I will fill you in next week – let’s hope for good weather!
Having a freshman son in the building myself has helped me get an inside look of what their day is like. Of course I think I am going to give Coach McCabe, our Cross Country team coach, a list of things I need DJ to do because what ever “coach says” goes! As a parent I am thrilled to see the discipline, drive and sportsmanship that coach instills in the team, but more importantly, it is wonderful to see the older students welcome a freshman to the team. Not only are they Conference Champs, they had fun getting there – that’s a great combination!
I will be leaving on Friday for Williamsburg Virginia with 100 of our Juniors and Seniors . Mrs. Palenik, the trip coordinator, has a full weekend planned - I will fill you in next week – let’s hope for good weather!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
My first blog =)
Let me introduce myself – my name is Betsy Thornton and I am Director of Admissions at Union Catholic High School. I am a graduate of Union Catholic Girls School - Class of 1975. Yes, “back in the day” Union Catholic was two different schools – the “girls’ side” and the “boys side and even though there were no cell phones, no laptops, or instant messaging some of my best memories took place in the halls of UC. I made life long friends and left after my four years prepared, educationally, socially and spiritually for the challenges that faced me.
Now that I am back in Union Catholic, it is my privilege to help students learn about UC. Our building has been alive with activity since the doors opened on a new school year. Last week we had over 350 8th graders visit from some of our catholic sending schools for the 8th grade Days of Recollection and our Freshman for a Day program is in full swing with visitors scheduled daily. Our doors are always open and our ambassadors are ready to give tours and show you around. As the school year progresses, I look forward to sharing weekly notes about “life in the UC community”.
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