Please read the attached letter from our Superintendent, Dr. Chadzutko, and Mr. Michael Deegan, Superintendent of the Archdiocese of New York.
Principal’s Update – 10/6/20
Good evening.
I want to thank those who came out today to voice their feelings about GSCA being open. Thanks also to those who joined us in spirit. I was proud that our concerns were voiced in a positive tone and were heard throughout the city. I am writing this a little later than planned as I was waiting to hear if there would be any changes. Unfortunately, we remain closed but hope that we will be able to return soon.
The difficulty with live streaming prayers was due to my error this morning. We should be in good shape for morning prayers tomorrow at 8:10 am at https://www.facebook.com/gscabk
Our faculty will continue to communicate their daily live streaming and work schedule. Should we remain closed next week, the schedule will be expanded.
We continue to pray for a safe return as soon as possible and, as always, for those who continue to suffer from the virus.
Have a good night!
Mr. O’Brien
Good Shepherd Closed Tomorrow – 10/5/20
Good afternoon. I am sure you have heard by now that the governor announced that all schools in the “hotspot” zipcodes will have to close effective tomorrow.
This is disapointing and devastating, especialy since our students and staff have been doing a wonderful job following our protocols and procedures, and we have not had one Covid case in our school community.
Attached, please find a letter that the NY State Catholic Conference has sent to the mayor and governor. I was also informed today that Bishop DiMarzio and Cardinal Dolan will be meeting with the governor today to advocate for our schools remaining open.
A second attachment with a diocesan press release is attached.
The Superintendent is encourage all parents to call the governor’s office with the following script:
“At Good Shepherd Catholic Academy, all of the guidelines set forth New York City and New York State are being followed. My child (children) is (are) safe and learning. He/She should not be penalized because some in the community refuse to wear masks and/or follow social distancing guidelines.”
The following phone number should be used when calling the Governor: 518-474-8390.
I will be meeting with teachers after dismissal today. Each teacher will conduct live lessons tomorrow. They will send a message through Option C (Remind for Pre-K) by this evening with scheduling details. All students should be in their gym uniform. I will begin the day with prayers and announcements, which will stream live on our school Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/gscabk/ at 8:10 am.
Again, I know we are all disappointed. As with all things, we will work together so that our students succeed, regardless of the setting!
Finally, if you need to pick up materials or a device, you may do so tomorrow between 9 and 11, or between 12 and 2. Please email me at jobrien@gscabk.org to let me know what you need to pick up.
Stay hopeful and prayerful!
Mr. O’Brien
Good Shepherd Family Featured in The Tablet
Please click the link below for an article in The Tablet featuring our very own Tomassetti family.
https://thetablet.org/juggling-a-family-of-six-during-the-age-of-covid-19-a-parents-point-of-view/
GSCA Reopening Plan
Attached please find the current plan to reopen Good Shepherd in the fall Good Shepherd Catholic Academy Reopening Plan _1_. Information about scheduling and the beginning week of school is forthcoming in the next few weeks.
Thank You Essential Workers!
Click here, Mary’s Helpers Video, to see a thank you for our front line workers from Mary’s Helpers.
A special thanks goes out to Nurse Joanne who has been working throughout the pandemic on the front lines as well. We also thank the GSCA family members who are out there on the front lines too.
Second Trimester Academic Awards
Yesterday’s academic awards ceremony can be viewed here for anyone who missed it on Facebook.
Congrats to all the students who were honored-we are so proud of everyone’s hard work!
Closure Extended Through Remainder of Year
Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes all elementary Catholic academies and schools in Brooklyn and Queens, has issued the following statement following Governor Cuomo’s school closure announcement:
“We just learned of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s decision that all elementary and secondary schools shall remain closed for the duration of the current 2019-2020 school year, as New York continues efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. As such, the Catholic academies and parish schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Queens, will remain closed through the end of June. The distance and digital learning platforms in place will serve as the instructional program for our schools for the remainder of this academic year.
Holy Happy Hour!
Back at it again-our priests and principal will host a Holy Happy Hour on Friday, March 20th at the KOC.
Card Party Time!
Join us for the annual card party on April 24th-a night of fun and fundraising in support of our school.