News

Assumption Catholic School students gathered in Church for Divine Liturgy celebrating the feast of the Annunciation. It was also a very special day for two reasons. First, Pope Francis consecrated both Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Secondly, students were introduced to Father Ihor Kolisnyk who gave a beautiful sermon. 
Father Ihor is spending the weekend at the parish hosting a parish mission. Father Ivan told the students they were the first to hear Father Ihor speak. Our third graders were very lucky to represent the students of ACS at the end of the liturgy in presenting yellow and blue carnations to the Blessed Mother. What a wonderful way to show our faith in our Holy Mother on the day we ask Her protection for the people of Ukraine.

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2nd grade all green. We made shamrocks in Religion that remind us what we learned about the Holy Trinity. 

Grades 3 to 8 went to Confession today and we all learned about St. Patrick!  

Prek and grade 5 made leprechaun traps together. They had a leprechaun chase on Go Noodle and had green Oreos for snack. In math, second grade worked on pot o’ gold addition and subtraction riddles. For penmanship, we practiced St. Patrick’s Breastplate in cursive. After our delicious lunch, Ms. Shumny treated 2nd & 3rd grade to a mini-dance party. 

Kindergarten and third grade had a green bagel breakfast and a super fun dance party! 

The whole middle school did a compare and contrast project of St. Patrick and St. Joseph! So very interesting!  

Fourth graders celebrated Saint Patrick’s day with the arts. We learned how to draw a leprechaun while listening to Irish Celtic music. Some of us were even “Irish jigging” in our seats. 

The FSA treated all the students to a delicious pancake breakfast with whipped cream and green sprinkles!  

YET, the BIG excitement came from…. 

ACS had a very special visitor on St Patrick’s Day. It all started when the members of the 21CLC STEM club decided to see if they could catch a Leprechaun on St Patrick’s Day. They designed and made different style traps with lures of gold coins to entice the Leprechaun. The next thing they did was place them in strategic places like the principal’s office, outside Pre K , Kindergarten, grades one, two and three. Then they waited. Surely, one of these traps would catch the leprechaun trying to steal the gold. But, at each and every trap they found the same note that read: “ Dear Students, Happy St. Patrick’s Day You almost caught me with your trap! Too bad, you didn’t catch me, I’m too quick for you! Thanks for the gold! Better luck next time!” 

Oh well, maybe next year’s STEM club will design a better trap. 

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By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the community of Perth Amboy held a prayer vigil to pray for Ukraine. The vigil was organized by the city of Perth Amboy and Assumption Catholic School. Over a hundred people gathered at city hall circle in support of Ukraine. Participantsincluded Mayor Helmin Caba, members of the Perth Amboy City Council, local politicians, students from Assumption Catholic School, and citizens of Perth Amboy and surrounding communities.

The vigil began with Principal of Assumption Catholic School Mrs. Lissette Shumny, who spoke of the generosity of the community which has been incredible. She stated that many donations were received toward the humanitarian fund for Ukrainian aid. Mrs. Shumny stated that the school has united in prayer daily for the last 3 weeks to pray to the Blessed Mother for peace in Ukraine. She gave a brief history of the Perth Amboy Ukrainian Community, “The Ukrainian Catholic Community has gathered to worship in the City of Perth Amboy since 1908 at its original location on Wayne Street. Our current church, the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Alta Vista Place was built in 1952 by Ukrainian immigrants which established themselves in our city.In 1963, our school (Ukrainian Assumption School which was later renamed Assumption Catholic School) opened and has been a staple in this community. It has served as an important foundation in many families lives as they entered Assumption Catholic School to educate their children. These same children have become pillars of the community of whom we are immensely proud. Currently, our demographics have added a beautiful diversity to our school, yet our Ukrainian Catholic identity is at the root at who we are. We need your generosity and support. Pray for the nearly 3 million Ukrainians, mothers, children, and refugees. Pray for the soldiers that stood their ground against all odds. Pray for the world leaders that they find the strength and guidance to help put an end to this unprovoked attack.”

Fr. Michael Morgan, Priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Perth Amboy gave the opening prayer. “We need to pray for peace among the nations of the world. Let us pray for peace on earth.”

NJ Legislative District 19 Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez offered her remarks, “We are here to offer our collective support to people of Ukraine to this evil attack on democracy.” She denounced the Russian airstrike on a maternity hospital intentionally killing women and children. “Despite these horrorsand against all odds the Ukrainian people are holding strong in their determination to remain a free and sovereign nation. I am proud that our country and our state has taken action to block the Russian government in every turn to make sure that they do not engage in the world economy while waging a senseless war. I urge everyone to pray for the people of Ukraine – for the brave men and women on the front lines fighting for freedom and the loved ones they are fighting for. Let us all pray for an end of this conflict and for the recovery of the Ukrainian people.”

Members of the Assumption Catholic School choir sang a hymn to the Blessed Mother.

The next person to speak was Mayor Helmin Caba who recognized the members of the City Council, County Commissioners, and other politicians who were present to unite in the power of communal prayer. He cited the definition of local leaders, “Our job is to protect our residents and provide services to preserve the best life in our cities. We are to serve our communities and represent our residents to preserve their welfare. We are to serve our community to preserve their wellbeing.” Mayor Caba spoke of the sorrow of the people of Ukraine. “Imagine leaving all your belongings, your home, your job, your community – all of it – leaving it behind. Their reality serves as a reminder to each and every one of us that we should not take our freedom and our liberties for granted. We are a diverse community made up of many different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and beliefs. There is so much that divides us, yet there is so much that unites us, and perhaps nothing is more important than our shared beliefs on democracy and freedom.Today we stand united in support for peace with the Ukrainian people in prayer for the protection. We remain humble by their remarkable courage. We stand in solidarity for peace and for freedom.”

Assumption Catholic School Student Kiera Colon read a poem.

Mrs. Shumny explained that the significance of the Moleben Prayer Service which began in the beginning of the 20th Century in Ukraine. “It honors Mary, the mother of God, which is usually said during the month of May, but we will honor her now for the love of Ukraine.”

Mrs. Shumny introduced Fr. Ivan Turyk, Pastor at Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption in Perth Amboy. Fr. Ivan began, “It is painful to see forces of darkness at work.” He quoted the Gospel of John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Fr. Ivan continued “What is going on in Ukraine is very dark, but each candle that is lit at today’s vigil, reminds all who gather that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World and who brings Hope and Peace to all of us even in the midst of the darkness of war. I ask you to light the candles. They are made from the beeswax, the same ingredients from Ukraine, the Breadbasket of Europe which flows with honey and milk. It is so prosperous and good. We stand here together to pray for my motherland Ukraine, and I am so proud and honored that of my adoptive land of the United States of America who gave us so many opportunities to my fellow immigrant Ukrainians to participate in today’s service to show that the voice of the Ukrainian people cannot be silenced by the munitions of the Russian army. We pray for the ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Russian occupants. We pray to the Blessed Mother of God for her to intercede on her behalf to our LordJesus to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.” Fr. Ivan Turyk then led the vigil in the prayer of the Moleben.

 After the Moleben, Assumption Catholic School Alumni Apryl Coffman Shumny sang a beautiful rendition of “Via Dolorosa”.

 Mrs. Anna Maria Kukuruza, the Second Grade Teacher at Assumption Catholic School and parishioner at Ukrainian Assumption Church gave a brief history of Ukraine. “When someone says: “Glory to Ukraine,” you respond, “Glory to its heroes!” She explained giving the Ukrainian translation.

 Mrs. Kukuruza continued, “I am here today to talk to you a little about courage. I am a second-generation Ukrainian, which means my grandparents came here from Ukraine. My family and I have always been active participants in the Ukrainian American Community. We have never been shy when talkingabout our Ukrainian background or explaining where Ukraine is. We are proud of our Ukrainian ancestry. Our families were forced to leave our beloved homeland to escape during World War II and never to return for fear of retribution. Being courageous was instilled in us to never forget what we left behind, our country, culture, and language. Twenty days ago, Russia illegally invaded the independent country of Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians have become displaced refugees. Prior to February 25th, Ukraine had a total population of 40 million people. To put it in perspective, it would be as if the entire city of Los Angeles, the second most populous city in the United States would just up and leave. Families leaving everything behind with nothing but a backpack on their backs to leave home for safety. Others are staying behind to preserve what has and always been rightfully theirs. If there is any word to describe Ukraine or its people, it is “Courage”. Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the blitz of Russian missiles, especially the death of at least 71 children as genocide. We are no strangers to that. In 1932, Russia tried to eliminate Ukraine by hunger, a genocide called the Holodomor (forced famine), yet we survived, and we have courage because we refuse to let history repeat itself. We here today must have courage. We must no longer silently observe like we had for decades during the Russian regime where you cannot express your opinions and beliefs in peace, where the nation has turned into slaves. We must have courage and understand that Ukraine is not only protecting itself, but alsoEurope and the world’s shared values. We must have courage in our convictions to help in any way we can. So often we have seen the power of prayer. Our brothers and sisters in Ukraine need our help more than ever.”

 Fr. Michael T. Chendorain from St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church gave the ending prayer. Students from Assumption Catholic School then sang another hymn. Fr. Ivan Turyk then led the vigil singing “God Bless America” and then the Ukrainian National Anthem. “The glory and freedom of Ukraine has not yet perished”. This ended a beautiful evening of prayer.

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In the current world around us there are many who suffer and face grave challenges.
This morning, the students and faculty members from Assumption Catholic School, a Ukrainian Catholic school, and Perth Amboy Catholic School, a Roman Catholic school, gathered together  in  friendship   and in solidarity to pray for peace in Ukraine and  for brave Ukrainians risking their lives in defense of their freedoms, liberty, and their democratic way of life. Most Rev. James F. Checchio  the Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen was present at the Liturgy and expressed  his support for the Ukrainian people. Bishop James also has asked parishes in the diocese to participate in a special Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, which will allow the faithful to provide assistance to the victims of war in Ukraine and many other projects the Collection supports in the region.

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Here are some highlights…. 

Prek began the 100th day celebration by putting 100 dot stickers on their crowns.  

Students and teachers dressed like they were 100 years old. We read the story, One Hundred Shoes. We then colored 100 shoes. We also read, One Hundred Hungry Ants, and cut and glued 100 ants on a hundreds chart. 100 plastic eggs filled with candy were hidden on the playground. Each student collected 5 and we practiced counting by 5’s too 100. We enjoyed our free lunch of delicious tacos. 

First grade had a wonderful day celebrating the 100th day of school. We started the day with reading Biscuits 100th day of School during our morning meeting. We ended the day with making 100th day posters. The most funnest part of the poster was drawing what we would like in 100 years! 

Second grade celebrated 100 days on Twos-day by writing 100 two-digit addition & subtraction problems and at 2:22, we had a Dance Party! 

5th grade: We made time boxes to be open 20 years from now! 

6th grade class  

Word challenge how many words can you make using the letters in the phrase Twos Day ?  

Drawing challenge- create a drawing g using the image below, Creative writing How old will you be in 22 years from now and made a 100th day bead necklaces 

AND we can’t forget the TACO TUESDAY LUNCH provided by the FSA!! Thank you!! 

More 100 Days of school fun! I couldn’t forget third and fifth grade…. 

Yesterday, 3rd grade’s favorite senior citizens had an amazing day in class. They wrote letters to their future selves to be opened on 3/3/33, and made a list of 100 things they love about ACS 

Fifth grade made time capsules! They wrote about their favorite likes and some of their dislikes and they put together very creative time capsules – 100 days smarter! 

LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!  

Fourth graders charged into ACS’s 100th day celebration on 2/22/22. They did oodles of doodles, oodles of noodles, 100 nouns, 100 verbs, read 100 pages and ended with a STEM challenge of building a 100 centimeter tower out of plastic

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