Catholic Schools Week Message from Sister Mary Coffelt, FDC

Congratulations St. Joseph Hill Academy

Elementary --- Pre K 3 – 8th

and

High School

Excellence in Education

 

The Sisters and I would like to send our heartfelt greetings to the Administration, Staff, Parents, Students and Alumnae as we join the nationwide celebration of Catholic Schools Week!

Our educational journey here on this beautiful campus of St. Joseph Hill Academy began with a dream of the Daughters of Divine Charity in 1913 as our Pioneer Sisters answered the call to come to America, to New York and the busy metropolitan city of Manhattan.  Bravely immigrating to the United States to meet the needs of God’s people in serving women, youth and the elderly.  Meeting life’s many challenges along the way and yet keeping their vision fixed on their mission of “making God’s love visible” by spreading the Gospel message of Jesus, their Catholic faith through service and example.

This mission led Mother Kotska Bauer, in 1919 to purchase this beautiful piece of property which today is the site of our Provincial House and School known throughout Staten Island as St. Joseph Hill Academy.

The legacy of the Daughters of Divine Charity continues in the outstanding educational opportunities given to our students today.  The journey over the years has evolved and has become a strong innovative place for students of all faiths to learn, excel and be prepared for life wherever that may lead them beyond the halls of St. Joseph Hill Academy.

May this week of celebration remind us all of the importance of our Catholic Education which is rooted in our faith, values, traditions and virtues while developing the spiritual, educational, physical and social development of every student.

This could not be accomplished without acknowledging and thanking the leadership of our principals, school board, administrators, teachers, staff and many others who each day strive and encourage our students to reach their highest good “Summun Bonum.”

We, the Daughters of Divine Charity, take this opportunity to thank our families, alumnae, benefactors and many others within our community for supporting our educational programs, renovations and igniting new initiatives benefiting the students and giving future generations of Hilltoppers a place to call HOME. 

We have much to be proud of here at St. Joseph Hill Academy.   We have been blessed in knowing so many families throughout the years and our students have in  turn given back in service to the communities in which they now live.   Have a great Catholic Schools Week celebrating your achievements, creating new memories and having fun.   The Sisters pray for you each day asking St. Joseph our patron to guide, direct and protect our families and one another.  May you continue on this journey of life-long learning with faith and trust that Jesus is with you always.

 

With love, prayer and gratitude,

God Bless You All!

Sister Mary and Sisters