News

Written by Miss Anna Lawrence.
 

The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ –  Home to NHL's New Jersey Devils, the Seton Hall Pirates and, for one night only, Assumption Catholic School's Ukrainian Dance Group, Reechka.

Under the direction of their instructor Yarko Dobriansky, the oldest dancers, from grades 3 through 7, had been hard at work perfecting a new hutsul dance and Saturday, December 6, as part of Ukrainian Heritage Night at the Devils' game versus the Washington Capitals was their time to shine.

Some of our students have been dancing with this group for as long as they've been old enough to.  Some of them only started dancing this year.  However, all the students gave a performance to be proud of with their bright smiles and fast and fancy footwork.  The boys wore the brightly colored vests of the hutsul region of western Ukraine.  The girls wore braided head pieces with poppies and sequins.  The dance, choreographed by Pan Yarko, featured circle and partner moves, typical of the hutsul style, and a new and daring combination where the boys jump over one another. 

This was the second annual Ukrainian Heritage Night held at the Prudential Center.  The evening featured other dancers in addition to our own, older students and professionals from Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Whippany, NJ.  Pre-game entertainment included strolling accordion players, face painting (Ukrainian flags or tryzubs), and a face in the hole.  For the students, pre-game entertainment also included the rush and excitement of being "backstage" at the Prudential Center.  The students and their parents arrived at the Center by 4:30 – over an hour before the doors officially opened to the public – and were led to their dressing room down a long hall somewhere underneath the stadium.  Later, they were led up to the performance area, and were allowed a run through of the dance to feel out the size of the "stage," a roped off area of the main promenade.  This was where they were to perform in just a few short moments, as thousands of Devils fans and Ukrainians streamed through the area on the way to their seats.

During this time, the students were able to relax a little bit.  There was a paparazzi moment with the students, Pan Yarko and Miss Lawrence (who has been assisting with the dance group), a Ukrainian flag and a beautiful Christmas tree.  Then Pan Yarko led the students over on "official business" to the far side of the promenade.  The official business?  Taking pictures with the "face in the hole" – a large stand up picture of a boy and girl in traditional Ukrainian folk costumes where their faces are actually holes for you to stick your own head in.  The children had a lot of fun taking turns.  Even Pan Yarko and Miss Lawrence posed for a quick picture!

Finally, it was time to perform.  The students waited patiently for their turn and were dazzled to watch the professional dancers as they jumped impossibly high or spun around at dizzying speeds.  It was truly inspiring to watch.  When it was their turn to perform, they ran to their spots and waited nervously for the music to start.  As the familiar tune started to play, they jumped into their dance, skipping and spinning around the stage.  They were a real hit with the audience!  When they finished, there was much applause.  It was almost time for the game but they actually had to perform again!  The program was designed to be repeated.  As Andrij Cybyk, the director and choreographer of Iskra explained to all the dancers before the show, the point wasn't just to perform for our moms and dads and friends, it was to help spread the beauty of Ukrainian dance to some unsuspecting Devils fans, too!  Performing twice before the game would expose the lively music and beautiful moves to more of the public.

Funnily enough, the game was not nearly as exciting as the dancing.  The Devils actually lost, despite the cheers coming from the dancers section of the arena (If magnitude of cheering really did affect the outcome of a game, it is this writer's opinion that the third grade dancers alone could have inspired the Devils on to victory, but alas, this is not how hockey works).  The game aside, the students still had one more chance to perform, inbetween the second and third period.  As the second period drew to a close, the dancers made their way back to the stage area for one last hutsul dance.  As expected, they performed flawlessly. 

Now that they were finally finished, the students returned to the dressing room to change out of their costumes.  The last ten minutes of the game were relatively uneventful, but that's only because the main event happened not on the ice, but on the promenade, with Reechka Dance Ensemble's stellar debut!  Thanks to the students for all their hard work, and thanks to Yarko Dobriansky for his guidance and faith in the students' abilities.

Once again the ACS Glee Club and Chimmetteers under the direction of Mrs. Lawrence took the show on the road.  At the invitation of the Raritan Bay Auxiliary, about 30 ACS students performed in the Raritan Bay Medical Center lobby for their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  From “Carol of the Bells” played with hand-held chimes, to a customized rendition of “Silver Bells,” joyous holiday spirit filled the air.

On Friday, December 5th  the Assumption Catholic School Class of 2015 made their way to Divine Liturgy as they had done every Friday for as long as they could remember. This week it was a little different. The class of 25 students looked like they were walking on air! This was going to be a special day for them. After Liturgy was finished, they participated at the blessing of rings ceremony. The class ring symbolizes a remarkable achievement in the life of students and marks the beginning of a new stage in their school experience.  Fr.  Ivan Turyk blessed the rings then congratulated each student as  the school's Principal Mr. S. called them forward to receive their ring. In his  homily, Father  stated that the class ring is not only a symbol of power and prestige, it is more importantly a symbol of service, a reminder that authority is to be used for good, it is to be wielded with mercy, it is to be put to service for the benefit of fellow students. Following a session of proud families taking pictures, everyone went down to the church basement for a small celebration to mark the importance of the day. Kudos and blessings to the Class of 2015.

On December 5th, St. Nicholas paid a visit to Assumption Catholic School! The festivities began with a special performance by the  Senior Drama group.  After the play, students welcomed St. Nicholas to ACS by singing the traditional St. Nicholas Song, “O kto, kto Nikolaja l'ubit”. WHO IS ST. NICHOLAS?  The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

St. Nicholas greeted the students and staff with gifts. As St. Nicholas was leaving for the next visit on his list, students returned to their classroom to enjoy their new gifts and chocolates donated by our FSA.

On Wednesday, November 26, 2014 a Thanksgiving tradition at Assumption Catholic School continued. What begin several years ago as a simple gathering to give thanks to God together as a school, has grown into a real Thanksgiving Feast. The day started with Divine Liturgy, continued with entertainment related to Thanksgiving, and finally a dinner prepared by FSA board, parents and students, was served for the entire school . ACS faculty and students were joined by invited members of Saint Ann Society, Holy Name, Ukrainian Credit Union, Bingo workers and the Senior Citizens Club. This year, we were highly honored by the presence of Mrs. Wilda Diaz , Mayor of the City of Perth Amboy who spoke to our students about importance of putting God first in their lives. Thank you to everyone involved in making the day such a special day!

ACS! ACS! The crowd roared at the Bishop Ahr Competition. On Monday, November 3rd ACS students participated in the Annual Bishop Ahr Grammar School Competition. Our representatives competed in five categories: grade 5 in Spelling Bee and grades 6 and 7 for Problem Solving, Jeopardy, Dramatic Arts and Athletics.  Continuing our tradition of team spirit and strong competitiveness Assumption Catholic School placed third in Dramatic Arts and took first place in Jeopardy!  ACS congratulates all participants and their parents for their support!

When you think about Halloween you probably have visions of devils, witches, and other scary figures roaming the streets. If you were near ACS today you would have been pleasantly surprised. The only figures to be found were those of the heavenly kind. There were stars, sheep, shepherds, and students representing the story of creation. You would have also seen the tongues of fire from Pentecost and the saints from throughout the centuries. Fourth graders dressed as part of the Nativity.

Last summer, before the new school year was even started, the teachers thought that it would be nice to celebrate Halloween from the Christian point of view. So they came up with classroom themes and a once yearly tradition returned to ACS.

At 1:30 in the afternoon on Halloween day the Pre K class led ACS around the block. The whole school returned to the playground to take an all school picture followed by class pictures. Parents wandered around the playground admiring the costumes and taking in the festive atmosphere of the afternoon. All in all, ACS students had a wonderful afternoon celebrating Halloween in the spirit of all that is good.

On Friday, October 31, 2014, thirty-six Sodalists from Assumption Catholic School (ACS) in Perth Amboy, NJ participated in a special blessing of Icons. Following the weekly school Divine Liturgy, Father Ivan Turyk, Pastor of Assumption Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, gave a special blessing and dedication to each of the girls and the Icons they carried. Icons were given to the girls to foster devotions to Our Blessed Lady. Father concluded the service by advising the young ladies to prominently display their Icons in a location at home which will remind both them and their families to call upon Our Lady in times of need. The service was well attended by family, friends and the entire student body of ACS. Afterwards, the new and current Sodalists, along with their attending family members, Sister Yosaphata, Sister Thomas, Father Ivan Turyk and Mr. Michael Szpyhulsky, principal of ACS, enjoyed light refreshments in the church hall.

Sodality is a sisterhood comprised of young ladies and women (grade 3 and beyond) who practice the ideals set forth by Our Blessed Virgin Mary. Sodality has been part of ACS’ history for over 50 years. In the past, Sodality was led by the Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God and lay faculty. Under the past guidance of parishioner and teacher at ACS, Melanie Lawrence, Sodality members made cards for the sick, goody bags of appreciation, visited the elderly, and raised money for neighbors affected by tragedy.

This year, Sodality is facilitated by Mrs. Halyna Lojko and Mrs. Patricia Bernstein both teachers at ACS. The girls meet monthly to pray as a community and plan service activities that will benefit both our immediate and extended communities. During the Easter Season, Sodalists will show their love for Our Lord by taking turns kneeling in adoration at the Tomb of Our Lord from Good Friday through Holy Saturday. Finally, our special devotions to Our Lady will culminate in May with our Moleben Devotions and a gift of flowers to the Blessed Mother.

With All Saints Day approaching, Nov.1, First Grade were asked to choose a saint and write about them, to display on our bulletin board. They presented their saint in front of their class. It was very interesting hearing about so many different saints and how we can use them as role models for our christian faith.
Each student has started a Saints book at the beginning of the school year. Each month, they are adding a saint, that we learn about, whose feast day lies in that month. So, their All Saints Day project will later make a perfect addition to their Saints book!

We thank God for the gift of the witness of our saints' lives. We ask that they may intercede for us, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Happy All Saints Day!