Dear Mrs. Molluzzo, Mr. Hansen, Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Parents and Students of St. Joseph Hill Academy,
On behalf of the Daughters of the Divine Charity I warmly welcome all of you to a new school year. Our past year ended like no other. The closing of our school on March 16th resulted in our having to complete the academic year with remote learning. We are embarking on a new adventure in Catholic education filled with anticipation, faith and hope as we welcome everyone back to St. Joseph Hill Academy and this beautiful campus. As President of St. Joseph Hill Academy, I wish to extend a special WELCOME to all of our new families, teachers and staff as together we work to ensure the safety of all.
We remember in prayer all those Daughters of Divine Charity, faculty and staff who left a legacy of faithfulness and love of learning to the youth of Staten Island, while enriching the lives of our students by building on the faith development begun in your homes, stressing the value and the importance of reverence, respect, and responsibility along with the academic challenges that have evolved in education.
Our Principals, Mrs. Molluzzo and Mr. Hansen continue to hold steadfast to the high standards, new initiatives, and strategies that build on the values and development of the whole person; spiritually, academically, socially, and yes, even emotionally, by providing and choosing the dedicated teaching staff and resources needed for our students today. Mrs. Molluzzo and Mr. Hansen’s concerns for the well-being of our students, coupled with the many long tedious hours spent in preparing for our reopening, will long be remembered with much gratitude.
We are very proud to have a complete Educational program Pre-K-3 thru 12th grade here under one site along with the Seton School which educates those students academically with special needs. What an awesome responsibility and yet the accomplishments of our students after leaving Hill was, is, and will continue to be one of service and giving back to the community of Staten Island and beyond.
May each day bring a smile to your face knowing that we as a community of educators and families are working together to empower our students to be faith filled loving individuals who support their classmates and peers. Together we work to develop their academic skills and teach them to be kind, respectful, compassionate, and loving to one another in and out of the school setting. We hope that these important values will carry them through life knowing that the friends they have made here at St. Joseph Hill Academy will last a life time and be their foundation for the future.
The purchases of supplies, cameras and other technology needs as well as PPE have been a necessary added expense. A heartfelt thank you to those in our community including parents and alumni who supported the purchase of our classroom Poly Studio A/V Soundbar cameras and microphones, classroom televisions, and plexi-glass dividers. I would also like to extend my thanks to all families who have contributed in supporting our COVID-19 reentry plan.
We give thanks to Almighty God for all our families, all our essential workers and those who sacrificed their lives in helping others during this fight against an invisible enemy. Our prayers are with all who have suffered the loss of a loved one because of COVID-19. You are all remembered in our daily prayers as the Sisters continue to have a Holy Hour each day for the needs of our families, our students, our country and all who are suffering from natural disasters.
I am hopeful that together we will meet the challenges that lie ahead with faith and trust that our loving God will hear our prayers. May our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, who protected their Son Jesus be our shelter and protection. Together we continue the legacy of the Daughters of Divine Charity in Catholic Education by providing Academic Excellence while embracing together our faith, love of God, community and service in an ever-changing world.
Take care, be safe and God Bless you all.
United in prayer and in the love of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.