ST. HELEN CATHOLIC ACADEMY - HOWARD BEACH, QUEENS - EDITOR IN CHIEF: CLARA WIERZBICKI

Articles From April

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Happy Easter, St. Helen Catholic Academy Family!

Dear Students,

As we celebrate the joy of Easter, I wanted to take a moment to share how truly proud I am of each and every one of you. This season is such a special time in our faith—it reminds us of hope, renewal, and the incredible love of Jesus. His resurrection shows us that even in our hardest moments, there is always light, always new beginnings, and always a reason to believe.

When I walk through the halls of St. Helen each day, I see that Easter message alive in all of you. I see it in the way you help a classmate, the way you try your best even when something feels challenging, and the way you show kindness and respect to your teachers and one another. You bring so much joy to our school, and you make our community stronger just by being you.

Easter is also a time to pause and reflect. Think about how you can continue to grow—not just academically, but as kind, thoughtful, and faith-filled individuals. Maybe it’s including someone new at recess, offering a helping hand at home, or simply choosing to be patient and understanding with others. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and they are a beautiful way to live out our faith each day.

I hope that during this Easter season you are able to spend meaningful time with your families, celebrate the joy of this holy day, and take a moment to appreciate all the blessings in your lives. You are all such a blessing to me and to our St. Helen family.

Remember always that you are loved, you are capable of great things, and you are never alone—God is always with you. Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and blessed Easter filled with happiness and love.

He is risen—Alleluia! Alleluia!

With love and blessings,

Mrs. Di Rico

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

National Junior Honor Society Induction

St. Helen Catholic Academy’s 7th- and 8th-grade students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society on March 6th, following the 9:00 AM school Mass. The ceremony was held during Mass so that the entire school community could come together to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.

Those inducted demonstrate leadership, strong character, citizenship, service, and scholarship. They excel in academics and are consistently kind to others around them. After the school Mass, the induction ceremony continued, where each inductee received a certificate and a pin. Families of the inductees were invited to attend, and a celebration was held in Father Dooley Hall for both parents and students.

Congratulations to all inductees!

Student Leadership Treasurer:

Tommy Gambino

Tommy Gambino, our 7th-grade school treasurer, has assisted immensely in making St. Helen Catholic Academy a better place for all students. He helps handle money at countless events, such as the Haunted House earlier in the year. He also helps determine what fits within the budget for new activities.

Tommy ran for this role because he wanted to make sure that the school had events for people of all ages to enjoy: “I wanted to become treasurer because I wanted to make sure that the school could have very fun activities within the budget.” In his eyes, the most important part of his job is keeping the finances organized. He also helps decide how the school’s money is spent during student leadership meetings.

During Tommy’s time as treasurer, he has learned many things: “I have learned to budget money really well. This is because I help plan fun events that stay within the budget.” He has done a lot for the school this year. He would like to inform students about the upcoming talent show in June. Auditions were held on March 27th.

Tommy loves the strong community at St. Helen Catholic Academy, especially during the Lenten and Easter season. Every Monday, students in grades 4–8 attend Stations of the Cross together, and he appreciates the sense of unity.

Tommy Gambino has been a great addition to student leadership, and he continues to help others enjoy school moreeach day.

ST HELEN SPOTLIGHT

Shaping Young Minds

Ms. Pellegrino, our school’s Pre-K3 teacher, has used her patience and warmth in the classroom to shape children’s lives. She was inspired by her mother, who teaches middle school social studies and ELA, to become a teacher: “I wanted to become a teacher because I was inspired by my mother, who was a phenomenal ELA teacher for over 30 years. Her dedication to the teaching field and the care for her students motivated me to be a great teacher as well.”

Ms. Pellegrino has been working at St. Helen Catholic Academy for five years, and her qualities of care and reliability have helped others grow both academically and in their faith. She enjoys seeing her students grow and progress over the course of the year, and she loves watching them achieve their goals. Ms. Pellegrino hopes to have a wondrous Step Up performance for her students by the end of the school year.

By celebrating holidays—such as St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph’s Day, Christmas, and Easter—with her students, she implements her Catholic faith into the curriculum. Ms. Pellegrino teaches her Pre-K3 students to live their lives according to God, and she encourages them to grow up to be great people.

She is also a licensed cosmetologist and enjoys doing other people’s hair. Through both teaching and cosmetology, she makes those around her feel beautiful on both the outside and inside.

Ms. Pellegrino has set a strong example for the students at St. Helen Catholic Academy. By teaching others, she has impacted many people. She brings energy, bliss, and love to the school.

The Coming of Easter

The flowers arose from their leisure

Children ran outside, and countless of hours were spent

And the birds sang their boisterous song, such a treasure

The fresh deluge, which carried a pleasant scent

Had took over all others

The season of preparation, Lent

Has come now to its gentle end

And spring, to all, has become a friend

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STUDENT CORNER

Easter Around the World

Easter is one of the most important holidays, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. While its meaning remains the same, the way it is celebrated can look very different from country to country.

Easter is celebrated differently around the world. For example, in France, people make giant omelets using thousands of eggs. This tradition represents unity and friendship. In Sweden, children dress up as Easter witches and exchange artwork for candy, similar to Halloween in America. On Holy Monday in Poland, people engage in water fights; this is believed to bring good luck. In Austria, people light large bonfires on Holy Saturday, symbolizing the end of winter and the victory of light over darkness. In Italy, families gather to enjoy a traditional Easter feast and attend special church services, celebrating together with food and faith.

Easter is a holiday that brings people together to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.

FROM THE EDITOR

The Meaning of Easter and Holy

Easter is the resurrection of Jesus: the day He rose from the grave. After the Last Supper with His disciples, Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, which led to His arrest and crucifixion. He suffered immense pain and was buried in a secure tomb; however, He rose on Easter Sunday.

During Holy Week—the last week of Lent—we reflect on the key events leading up to Easter. On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem to cheering crowds and was hailed as King. The people laid palm branches and cloaks on the road as He rode a donkey; this fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy. Today, we are given palm branches in church in remembrance of this.

Holy Monday and Tuesday are days of preparation when we reflect on Jesus’ life. On Spy Wednesday, we remember Judas’ betrayal. Holy Thursday is the day of the Last Supper; Jesus blessed bread and wine and declared them to be His body and blood. This was the institution of the Eucharist, which we receive each week.

Good Friday is the day Jesus was nailed to the cross and suffered for our sins. He carried the cross and was crucified on that day; Good Friday is a time to honor His sacrifice for humanity.

Holy Saturday marks the time Jesus lay in the tomb after His crucifixion. Easter Sunday is the official end of Lent and the day Jesus rose from the grave. It signifies victory over sin and our chance at eternal life.

Easter is the most important Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church.

BIBLE VERSE

Luke 24:46–47 “And He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.’”

CALENDAR

April 1st - 9:00AM Mass / 2PM Dismissal

April 2nd - Holy Thursday

April 3rd- Good Friday

April 5th - Easter

April 2nd - April 12th - School Recess

April 13th - Classes Resume

April 21st - NYS English Language Exam (Grade 4, 6 , 7)

April 22nd - NYS English Language

Exam (Grade 4, 6 , 7)

April 24th - Grade 4 - 8 Middle School Event

April 27th - Spirit Day

April 28th - NYS Mathematics Exam (Grade 4, 6, 7)

April 29th - NYS Mathematics Exam (Grade 4, 6, 7)

April 30th- Ladies Night

May 1st - 9:00AM First Friday Mass

May 5th - NYS Science Exam (Grade 5, 8)

May 6th - NYS Science Exam (Grade 5, 8)

May 8th - Plant Sale

May 10th - Mother’s Day

May 14th - Ascension Thursday / 9:00AM Mass

May 15th - 200 to 1 Raffle

May 18th - Spirit Day

May 20th - Field Day

May 22nd -12:00PM Dismissal

May 24th - Pentecost Sunday

May 25th - Memorial Day

May 27th - Field Day / Rain Date

May 29th - Movie Night

Articles From June

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From the Editor

The 2025–2026 school year has officially come to an end. The 8th graders are soon graduating from our school and entering high school. Congratulations to all students, especially the graduating class, for their hard work and accomplishments throughout the year. We wish them success and hope they enter this new chapter bravely.

Throughout the year, students have worked hard, grown in their faith, and created many unforgettable memories. The school year was filled with memorable moments, exciting class trips, school events, and opportunities to grow in learning.

Every student is excited for summer: warm weather, beaches, and fun. We wish all students, teachers, and families a safe, joyful, and faith-filled summer. May God guide and bless everyone as we enjoy this new season and prepare for another great school year.

Class Trips

St. Helen Catholic Academy’s middle school students went on numerous trips this school year, giving them opportunities to learn outside of the classroom and create lasting memories with their classmates.

The 6th grade classes of Mr. Sauro and Mrs. Guallpa visited the Hall of Science. There, students explored STEM concepts, participated in hands-on activities, and learned more about everyday science in a fun and interactive way.

The 7th grade class of Ms. Pellegrino traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students learned about the history of the United States and the Constitution while visiting important landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The trip gave students a better understanding of American history and allowed them to experience it firsthand.

The 8th graders attended a Brooklyn Cyclones game in Coney Island. They enjoyed watching the game together and stayed in a private suite, making the experience even more exciting. The trip gave students the chance to celebrate their final year of middle school and spend time together before graduation.

All middle school grades enjoyed fantastic class trips this year. These experiences helped students learn newthings, strengthenfriendships, andcreate unforgettable memories.

Student Interview

St. Helen Catholic Academy’s 7th grade student, Alia Richmond, was one of the winner of the Holy Name Society Scholarship. The scholarship is a competition in which students answer heartfelt questions about their faith in essay form. Alia entered the competition to share her Catholic faith and compete for the scholarship prize. “Winning this award meant a lot to me and my mom. I’ve grown to follow my dreams,” Alia shared. By receiving the scholarship, she gained confidence and continued pursuing her ambitions.

Alia actively contributes to both our school and parish communities. She recently sang in the Children’s Choir and participates in numerous clubs, where she developed leadership and teamwork skills. “I have learned how to deepen my relationship with my faith and school community,” Alia explained.

Her essay reflects her confidence, faith, and self-esteem. She wrote, “By sharing Christ’s message through my actions, serving others with love, and listening to the Holy Spirit, I can grow closer to God and help others do the same.” Alia also enjoys the St. Helen carnival, which takes place at the end of each school year. The event gives students the opportunity to spend time with friends and strengthen their school community.

Some of Alia’s strongest qualities are her patience and communication skills, which helped her while writing her essay. Her teachers, including Mr. Devanny, Mr. Sauro, and Ms. Pellegrino, encourage her to continue pursuing her passions. Along with writing, Alia has a passion for art. “I love drawing and have loved art since I was 3 years old,” she shared.

Alia Richmond has made many positive contributions to St. Helen Catholic Academy and is a valued member of the student body.

Student Interview

Santino Ammirabile, a 7th grade student at St. Helen Catholic Academy, was awarded the Holy Name Society Scholarship. The Holy Name Society Scholarship is a contest in which students write essays about their faith. Santino chose to apply because he believed it would be a great opportunity.

Through choir and altar serving, he has faithfully served God for many years. Receiving the award gave him confidence to pursue new opportunities and follow his passions. Santino truly values the St. Helen community. “First of all, I love our priests, Fr. Colamaria, and Panicali,” he shared.

Each day, Santino strives to follow Jesus’ two greatest commandments: loving God and loving one another. He explained that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially reverence and wisdom, guide him in respecting God’s creation and making thoughtful decisions. His faith inspired him to apply for the scholarship.

Santino is known for his kindness and active involvement in faith and school activities. “Those qualities help me in my everyday life because people want to talk to me on my baseball team and in school. I also want to be the first one on the field so everyone knows I am committed,” he said. His commitment helps him express his faith through his actions.

Santino has served the community in many ways. As an altar server and student, he expresses his love for God and consistently shows kindness and compassion toward others.He is a valued member of St. Helen Catholic Academy.

Bible Verse

Joshua 1:9 - “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”