News

On Saturday, June 21, 2014 beyond our expectations, the church grounds of the Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ swelled with neighbors and those who traveled quite a distance, primarily Ukrainian-Americans, but mostly non-Ukrainians, to appreciate Ukrainian culture, crafts, foods and entertainment at our second Parish Festival.

Throughout the sun filled day, more than 1000 guests, including Congressman Frank Pallone, could be seen enjoying themselves, eating the delicious Ukrainian food, and there certainly was plenty for everyone, listening to lively Ukrainian music, socializing with friends and neighbors, and enjoying the entertainment of our incredible Ukrainian dance performances.

People came to the Ukrainian Festival for a variety of reasons, and one of the biggest attractions was the food. It seems everyone loves Ukrainian home made food. Everywhere, people gathered at indoor and outdoor tables eating pyrohy, holubtsi, shish kebab, hot dogs/hamburgers and  kovbasa.  There were delicious homemade cakes and pastries. Also offered were a variety of special Ukrainian beers, bottled water, soft drinks, tea and coffee, at the indoor and outdoor bars. Adding to the festivities, guests were entertained by a live band, plus a fabulous concert presented by Ukrainian Dance Groups from Perth Amboy, Jersey City and New York City. Visitors also had the opportunity to tour our beautiful church and see how we worship our Lord. Other attractions included children’s corner, face painting table, gift basket raffle, money raffle and vendors.

Our Festival was a huge success, thanks to the incredible work of so many volunteers. Thank you to everyone – festival committee, volunteers, ad booklet organizer, ladies who baked, decorated the hall and were in charge of  raffles, setup and cleanup crews,  sponsors, parish school FSA, parish secretary, teachers, guests and neighbors – who helped make the festival a great success!

Special Thanks goes to the ACS Faculty: Mr. Michael Szpyhulsky – Principal, Sr. Yosaphata  and Sr. Thomas,  Mrs. Bernstein, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Derevenska, Mrs. Lojko, Miss Makar, Miss Anna Lawrence,  Mrs. Pickering and a  former ACS teacher Mrs. Linda Rizkallah  for their hard work during the festival.

It was amazing to see so many people enjoying the day together! It was also wonderful to know that we have so many hardworking parishioners and school parents who are doing their best to help keep our church and school  financially stable.

There were many men and women who helped in some way to make our first festival possible. Those that couldn't help at the event baked cakes, donated money, helped spread the word through advertising, hanging  posters, etc. Others gave up their valuable free time to make traditional Ukrainian food by working many days in a row cooking and serving food.

As your pastor,  I was so proud to see so many  people  working together as ONE PARISH FAMILY. It was another proof that Assumption Parish Community  shines when we all work together as one family!

Please, check out pictures from our festival  at www.assumptioncatholicchurch.net/azcms/gallery.php

On behalf of the entire Assumption Catholic School, we would like to extend our best wishes to Miss Maryann Makar, who will be retiring at the end of the school year. We are all grateful for her many years of service and dedication to our school.
Today at the faculty luncheon, Miss Makar was given 27 roses, one rose for every year that she worked at ACS. Congratulations on your retirement and your outstanding teaching career. We pray for your well being and wish you a happy retired life. You will be greatly missed.

Thank you to the FSA and the parents that helped out at our “in-house” picnic. Although the weather did not cooperate, the event went well, and we think the kids had a good time.

There were three graduations ceremonies for students of Assumption Catholic School in Perth Amboy, NJ.
8th Grade Graduation
Kindergarten Graduation
Pre-K Graduation
Congratulations to all our graduates! Parents, families, thank you for entrusting your children to us this year.

At the beginning of the school year, each first grader was asked to write how they felt on their first day of school. They talked about their anticipations of the year ahead of them. Now, at the end of their academic year, they had a chance to reflect on their first grade year.

Each student wrote their first grade favorites: events, subjects, recess play, cafeteria lunch, etc. They compiled the sheets together with all of their writing craft work. This included English, social studies, science, etc. This became their very own First Grade Memory book. In addition, a class photo was taken. When completed they enjoyed signing each other’s book.

Each student also wrote a letter to their teacher, telling her what they liked, disliked, and  found challenging about their first grade year. They learned the importance of being thankful to God, their parents, teachers, and anyone who helped them accomplish this year. They patted themselves on the back for a job well done!

We didn’t forget about our dads either! Students made cards and secret letters for their dads to open on Father’s Day.

Finally, we spoke about our plans for the summer, including our summer reading, and how to be safe, and their anticipations for second grade. Have a wonderful summer soon second graders to be. You did a fantastic job!

ACS Students from grades 3-4-5 went to NJ Adventure Aquarium on June 5, 2014.  Here are some pictures.  A GREAT time was had by all in attendance!

The Pre-K class learned about the holiday of Memorial Day. They learned the meaning behind it and of the men and women we honor for our freedom. To celebrate the holiday we created an art project using our foot prints. The purpose of using our feet was because it symbolized how we only walked for a few years but we are safe as can be because of those who protect us in the air, land, and sea.

On Thursday, May 15, 2014 A.C.S. Senior Drama Club presented the Pioneer Drama Service production of Princess Who? It is the story of a young girl who woke up only to find that she had forgotten who she was.

Princess Who?  wandered through the forest where she met several familiar characters. She met Cinderella, Snow White, Goldilocks, and even Rumplestiltskin. Each of the fairy tale characters was able to offer some advice or a clue as to where she might have come from or who she might be.

The production even included a few of our own faculty members as fairies. Mrs. Lawrence and Mrs. Bernstein were the good fairies.  Mrs. Shumny portrayed the evil fairy that put a curse on the little baby destined to grow up and be the princess that could not remember her name.

In the end Sr. Drama cast members had a great time bringing entertainment to their families, friends, and ACS classmates.

The 3rd and 4th grade students at ACS recently completed reading their first novel, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. The classes spent a few weeks together reading the novel, learning new vocabulary, exploring setting and plot, and learning the importance of a true friendship.

After completing the novel, the students wrote their first book report including main character analysis, identification of settings, and summary. Finally, the classes got together a final time to watch the 2006 re-release of the movie starring Dakota Fanning, Julie Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and more!

The students enjoyed the departure from traditional short stories to more challenging, classical text. After watching the movie, students were in agreement that the book was better than the movie! Perhaps the seeds have been sowed for future lovers of reading!

On Thursday eveining at the ACS,  many students for the first time had the opportunity to perform onstage and both the students and the audience loved the show and had a lot of fun.