About the Nonprofit
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t. Brendan School offers its ethnically mixed student body a sound academic background with emphasis on moral principles. The school, Pre-K through Grade 8, has a full range of subjects from the three R’s to courses in science as well as physical education and music. It also provides activities such as student council, scouting, basketball and cheerleading. One of its unique features is its summer camp.
Most importantly, however, with its long standing diversity in the cultural back grounds of its students, the school exemplifies the motto of our United States, E Pluribus Unum, one from many. In the case of St. Brendan’s, the force which helps to unite the many into one is the Catholic faith.
Each year the classes hold programs that reflect the varied ethnic cultures of the students in order to teach them to appreciate and respect differences. There is even a food-tasting event that presents the varied foods from these cultures.
Holiday Celebrations
There is also a major focus on American traditions through the assemblies and festivities held in honor of our national holidays, such as Presidents’ Day, Thanksgiving and Halloween. Through these events the students join together to celebrate their common American heritage.
Christian Lifestyle
Yet, most significantly, St. Brendan’s is a Catholic school stressing the values of a Christian lifestyle through the practice, in word and deed, of the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” During Catholic Schools Week, each February, our parish school celebrates the unique contribution of Catholic education to students, their families, and society itself.
Community Involvement
The small community of St. Brendan’s is also part of a larger one. Each year Clifton police and firemen visit the school to show students how to be responsible citizens and how to be safe in their homes and on the streets. By establishing rapport with these young people, they hope to gain students’ respect and earn their trust. Through our Kids Helping Kids Club our students learn how to reach out to their community as well and help those less fortunate.
Appreciation of the Faculty and Staff
The students also celebrate an annual Principal’s Day, established by the National Catholic Education Association, in order to honor the person responsible for the effective operation of the school. At St. Brendan, the Principal is also offers moral support to the teachers and is available at any time to help a student with academic or personal problems. The students also take time during Catholic Schools Week to thank their dedicated teachers. Our wonderful office staff is also remembered on Administrative Assistant's Day for the hard work they do "behind the scenes". It is part of learning how to show respect and appreciation for those around you.
Home and School Association
All the meaningful education could not take place without a strong Home and School Association in which parents are encouraged to interact with the principal and her faculty toward forming and implementing school policy. The Association also raises substantial funds through various events throughout the year. General Meetings also include guest speakers that provide helpful information to parents on various topics from gang problems to highlights of New Jersey Counties. The ladies also make a wonderful cup of coffee!
Graduation
Students graduate from the school each June in a church ceremony that is both solemn and festive. As the diplomas are issued, it is hoped that all the students will take with them the academic and moral foundation they received from their teachers and mentors at St. Brendans. We also hope that students will stay in touch with us and continue to support their Alma Mater through our newly formed Alumni Association.
The Leaders of the Future
Our students have become teachers, lawyers and doctors as well as politicians, artists, and dedicated parents. The foundation they have received at St. Brendan School has prepared them to meet the demands of a wide variety of careers. As the Disney theme park’s song says, “It’s a small world after all.” St. Brendan’s students are well prepared to go forth and help make this small world into a better and more peaceful one.