St. Augustine School
Ossining, NY
June 2014
St. Augustine School ~ Ossining, NY From the Office of Sr. Mary Elizabeth, Principal June 2006
Blank for cap & gown photos …
Sr. Mary Elizabeth Donoghue, OP
Principal
School Phone
Phone: (914) 941-3849
then press:
1 ......... Main Office / Leone Stangle
2 ............................. School Nurse
3 ...................... Sr. Mary Elizabeth
4 ............................ Mrs. Fessman
5 ................ Cafeteria/Maintenance
6 ...................................... Alumni
Tax ID #13-2706038
Dear Parents,
June is really here, even though our weather has not been most cooperative.
I’m sure we are all happy to see the snow and rain behind us. As we look
forward to summer sun and fun, we are sad to say goodbye to Mrs. Linda
Herbek, who has taught at St. Augustine for the past 21 years. Her gentle ways
and softness will always be in our hearts, and she will be dearly missed.
Kudos to the Home & School Board members for a job well done. The
generosity of their time and commitment to all of us was phenomenal.
To our 8th graders, we say goodbye and send you forth with God’s blessings and
good wishes for four wonderful years of high school. We are so proud that
collectively they have earned over $185,000 in high school scholarships. In
addition, one student earned a full scholarship to Regis. Most importantly,
remember the signature of God is written on your lives. As Father McSweeney
says, Praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ and may you always respond “now and
forever”.
To all, a blessed and healthy summer vacation. We look forward to seeing you
at the St. Augustine Festival.
Dates to Remember
June
12th Baccalaureate Mass/Dinner 7pm
13th Kindergarten Graduation 9:30am
8th Grade Graduation 7:30pm
15th Father’s Day
16th Pre K Celebration 9:30
17th Pre K Graduation 9:30
19th Noon Dismissal, Field Day Gr 1-2
20th Noon Dismissal, Field Day Gr 3-4
23rd Noon Dismissal, Field Day Gr 5-7
24th Closing Mass – 8:30am
10:30am Dismissal
Last Day of School
Thank you and God bless,
Sister Mary Elizabeth
Depend on the Lord: Trust Him and He will take care of you. ~Psalm 37:5
A Fond Farewell
Mrs. Daddazio & Mrs. Kwan
Once again, as graduation rolls around, we find ourselves facing some good-byes
to families who have come to the end of their time at St. Augustine. Know how
very much your association with SAS will be missed. Our sincere best wishes to
the: Aguilar family, Anderson family, Barirde family, Barton family, Burke family,
Collins family, Conti family, Dauer family, Dellbrugge family, Fedak family,
Ferdinandsen family, Fitzsimmons family, Gagnon family, Greer family, Hughes
family, Irving family, Jiang family, Kuzianik family, Lahiff family, Lorio family,
Moran family, Palacio family, Rivera family, Ryan family, Sansotta family,
Tomaskovic family, Velardo family, Wei family, Zani family, and Zheng family.
We send you on your way with love, good wishes, and the knowledge that once
you are a member of our St. Augustine School family, you will always be a
member of our St. Augustine School family!
8th Grade Class Trip
Mrs. Daddazio & Mrs. Kwan
The long awaited eighth grade class trip is now just a memory, and what a fabulous memory for one and all!
Every member of the graduating Class of 2014 is still reflecting on, reliving, and treasuring the events of this very
special day. It seemed as though this magical trip day would never come, and here it is – a fond memory.
Months of preparation certainly paid off as forty-nine graduates, along with eighty adults, took New York City by
storm. How privileged Mrs. Kwan and I felt to have been associated with this fine group of students! As always,
welcomed compliments from many strangers throughout the day reconfirmed for us that we were celebrating with some
of the finest students around!
For some, Pippin was the first Broadway show they had ever seen; for others, who had been to Broadway
before, it will rank up there as the one with the most incredible aerial stunts. Our front and center mezzanine seats
were the perfect spot to enjoy the production! The lights, the music, and the special effects left many wishing for more.
As you walk through the hallways of St. Augustine School, some can be heard talking about the strength of some of the
actors!
Following the production, and under a bright sunny sky and comfortable temperatures, our graduates made
their way back to our buses, where we would travel to Chelsea Piers for the next leg of our adventure. They truly
traveled the streets like seasoned veterans. With the beginning of Fleet Week, it was exciting to see the number of
Sailors and Marines walking the streets of New York dressed in their uniforms! How proud we are of them and their
service. That certainly made up for the disappointment that the intense traffic in the city that day didn’t afford us any
time to mill around, shop, and people gaze. To their credit, our students were just happy to be together!
The anticipation of their dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of New Jersey was beginning to mount. For most, this
was to be an additional highlight of their day. Dining and dancing, combined with the beauty of the New York City
skyline at night, left each student wishing the evening would never end. Graduates, parents, Father McSweeney, Fr.
Slowomir, Sr. Mary Elizabeth, Mrs. Fessman, Mrs. Kwan, and I dancing the night away! As if this weren’t enough
excitement for a day, the students seemed to be in awe as they stood on the outer deck of the boat as it cruised past
the Statue of Liberty.
As the boat pulled into dock, no one wanted to believe that the day was coming to a close. As I reflect on the
events of the day, I cannot help but remember the camaraderie that was displayed by faculty, staff, students, and
parents. We truly are a parish family and with graduation fast approaching, it seems difficult to believe that they will
be going their separate ways.
A trip like this does not happen without much advanced planning and cooperation from all involved. Our
heartfelt thanks to our parent chaperones who so graciously made themselves available to us for student supervision
throughout the day. Mr. and Mrs. Moran, Mr. and Mrs. McHale, Mrs. Skelton, Mr. and Mrs. Barton, Mr. and Mrs.
Kuzianik, Mrs. Velardo, and Mr. and Mrs. Calov, … thank you, thank you, thank you! An extra round of applause goes
to Mrs. Moran for her incredible assistance throughout the day! Keeping so many guests informed and assuring that
they were where they were supposed to be when they were supposed to be there was no easy task! To each and every
one of you, thank you for stepping up to the plate. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Pulling into the parking lot of SAS at midnight, bleary eyed and exhausted, Mrs. Kwan and I breathed a sigh of
relief as we were pleased to have pulled off another successful eighth grade class trip! We were both looking forward to
having the next day off from school. Thank you, eighth grade, for a spectacular day. We know that you will hold on to
these memories with fondness for years to come.
First Communion
2nd Grade
On May 10th, a beautiful spring day, our 2nd Graders proudly donned their first communion finery and received the
Eucharist for the first time. Very special thanks to Mrs. Ferris & Mrs. McMahon for working with our children and
preparing them for this beautiful sacrament.
Special Word of Thanks
Mrs. Daddazio & Mrs. Kwan
As the Class of 2014 winds down its final days at St. Augustine School, there are some thank yous that need to be
expressed. Securing volunteers to act as class parents for the graduating class is always a challenge. We guess that
word has gotten out what a time consuming task it can be. (It is our hope that this doesn’t frighten away future
volunteers for the Class of 2015!) Nevertheless, without fail, each year the Home and School Association is able to line
up a competent group of parent volunteers. As busy as we all seem to be, these four class moms…and sometimes
dads…have always made themselves available for whatever we needed from them. They have lent their time and their
talents throughout the year. We would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to express our gratitude to them.
To Mrs. Moran (Mr. Moran, too), Mrs. May, Mrs. McHale, and Mrs. Skelton we extend our heartfelt thanks for rising to
the challenge time after time! Whether they were asked to prepare and send e-mails, organize bake sales, make
arrangements with our videographer, shop for and serve at appreciation breakfasts, collect photos for various projects
(Thank you to those parents who were always ready and willing to help!), secure additional volunteers for various
activities, and so many additional tasks, these class mothers were always ready and willing. They worked tirelessly to
ensure that all of our graduates’ final year at SAS would be memorable. What wonderful examples they have been of
service with a smile. Please accept our sincere gratitude.
CYO Art Contest Results
Mrs. Zimmerman
Congratulations to all the St Augustine winners in the CYO Art Contest. They are:
Small Fry Division (1st & 2nd Grades)
1st Place – Lily Rivera, Brendan Lyle, Eva Lagdamen, Maggie Joyce
2nd Place – Mia Baelis, Mary Masterson, Rhian Fitzpatrick, Brittany Corbett
3rd Place – Katie Casquarelli, Kai Ha, Tyler Garcia, Rowan Elizabeth Van Wormer, Julianna Traver, Connor Dornau
Beginners Division (3rd & 4th Grades)
1st Place – Elle Ha (2x), Nicole Benros, Stefanie Weber, Valentina Capshaw, Anthony Torricella, Anna Cascapera, Daniella
Renha, Ryan Hunter
2nd Place – Leoni Melo, Grace John, Leah Mione, Sara Farrell, Lauren Duncan, Riley MacKenzie, Sadie Buzanski, Carter
Tresgallo
3rd Place – Lucia Calvert, Madelyn Lyle, Melanie Cotrone, Elizabeth Harnett, Gabriella Lopez, Ava Panzanaro, Riley MacKenzie,
Olivia Pasquerella, Lauren Duncan
Learners Division (5th & 6th Grades)
1st Place – Julia Torricella, Madelyn Eldredge, Orla Hagan, Jennifer Hidalgo, Cat Sutterlin
2nd Place – Deeya Patel, Isabella Madori, Iestyn Fitzpatrick, Kristen Cadge, Nicole Tocco, Cat Sutterlin, Tommaso Dizon
3rd Place – Arianna Hiciano, Nicole Tocco
Masters Division (7th & 8th Grades)
1st Place – Meghan Friedel, Veronica Lee (2x), Claire de Saint Phalle, Alexander Lee, Emily May
2nd Place – Hailey Rokswold, Emilie Panzanaro, Jacqueline Dorgan, Chiara Calov, Julianna Rivera, Tommy Lorio, Josie Moran
3rd Place – Thomas Minafra, Angela Torricella, Colin Zimmerman, Alessio Hernandez
4th Grade Trip – Philadelphia!
4th Grade Students
On the Philadelphia trip I learned a lot, but the historical site that I learned the most at was the Liberty Bell. One
thing I learned is that the bell was built after the Revolutionary War because the colonists wanted to celebrate their
victory from Britain, when they won the war. I also learned that when they tried to test the bell it cracked to it really
wasn’t well made. Another interesting fact I learned on the 2014 Philadelphia trip the Liberty Bell was made in the year
1753. To add onto the list of interesting things I learned is the bell was rung when George Washington was becoming
president. The Liberty Bell was last rung at George Washington’s death or funeral. It is still in the center of
Philadelphia. So far this was the best field trip I’ve gone on, and may be the best one I’ll go on. I learned a lot that
day, and everything I learned that day was interesting. I hope children soon entering the 4 th grade will get to learn and
enjoy as much as I did. I’ll never forget that day
Grace Gallagher
My favorite place that my class went to on our trip to Philadelphia was Elfreth Alley. Elfreth Alley is the oldest street
in the entire USA, and people still live on it! Elfreth Alley was a very narrow street, cobblestoned with large round
rocks. Some of the houses had small plaques on the outside of them. The plaques were used in the 18 th century as
identification for the house’s fire insurance, so if it caught on fire, the insurance company would put out the fire. If you
didn’t have fire insurance, you would have to put the fire out yourself ! The houses were yellow or red, rectangular,
and very close to each other. Some of the houses also had mirrors called Busy Bodies. The purpose of a Busy Body
was that if you were upstairs in the house, and you didn’t want to rush downstairs to see who was at your door, you’d
look at the mirror. Busy Bodies probably came in handy if you knew the person at your door was an unwanted guest!
At the end of Elfreth Alley there is a red water spout where people who lived there got their water. I enjoyed Elfreth
Alley because I think it’s remarkable that people live in the same houses as people did about 300 years ago. Elfreth
Alley was a very interesting part of fourth grade’s trip to Philadelphia.
Olivia Pasquerella
When we were on our class trip in Philadelphia my favorite place was the Christ Church. There used to stained
glass windows. Now in Christ Church there are normal windows. The windows were odd because now you can see out
if you’re inside, but if you’re outside you can’t see inside. Benjamin Franklin was actually buried at Christ Church
graveyard. Inside the church I saw a baptismal font that is 600 years old and people still get baptized in it. Benjamin
Franklin’s daughter, Sara, was baptized in the font. If you go on the trip it is very fun and historical.
Jade Marie Kielb
My favorite part of the trip was when we went to the Pennsylvania State House (also called Independence Hall).
Independence Hall was the place where representatives of the 13 colonies met to discuss ways to get freedom from the
British. Some popular representatives that met there were Ben Franklin (PA), George Washington (VA), and Thomas
Jefferson (VA). The representatives made the Declaration of Independence. One draft of it is help in the Great
Essentials Exhibit next to it. Years later they met back there at Independence Hall to make a government. They then
made the first 10 Amendments (Bill of Rights). This government is still used in the USA. The chairs and desks that
they used when they were working are still there today in Independence Hall.
Ryan Humer
Benjamin Franklin’s Museum was one of the most interesting places we went during our Philadelphia trip. In the
museum we saw the old glasses he used. Benjamin loved music and had a music room with favorite instruments. He
was the oldest man helping with the Constitution. Also Benjamin owned a printing shop that was where the
Constitution was printed for everybody to see. Benjamin was big help for he had brought the French her to help us win.
When he died he was buried at Christ Church. If you go on this trip, Benjamin Franklin’s Museum should be the first
place you hit!
Grace Killeen
My favorite part of the Philadelphia trip was the Betsy Ross house. Her house was my favorite because they still
have her upholstery shop where she made the first flag. They still have furniture from her house like her kitchen,
bedroom and her living room. There were steep stairs that were hard to go up and down. We saw an American flag
made by her but it wasn’t the first American flag made. In her bedroom there was a nightgown on her bed. Her
husband died before Betsy made the flag. In her living room there was a needle and thread that she used to make the
flag. The flag was supposed to have six-pointed starts but she used five-pointed stars because it was easier. That was
my favorite part and I hope it will be yours.
Maeve Powers
Home & School Association
The Home and School Board would like to extend a tremendous thanks to all those who
participated in our annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser. Hoedown on the Hudson raised over
$34,000 this year, with funds being ear marked for new whiteboards and window blinds in all of
the classrooms and continued updates to our school security system. Looking forward to
Ladies Night Out 2015, coming next May!
CYO Track
Join us in congratulating Angela and Anthony Torricella, who represented SAS at the CYO Upstate Track championships
on Saturday, May 17th. Angela was the 200 meter champion in the 7th & 8th grade girls division and Anthony took 3rd
place in the 3rd & 4th grade boys division! Great job Angela & Anthony!
7th Grade Boys Math Olympiad
Mrs. Kwan
Congratulations to Luke Ferrari, Brian Golinski, Alexander Lee, and Kevin Romero! On May 3, 2014, these four seventh
grade boys competed in 25th ANNUAL FATHERS’ COUNCIL SEVENTH GRADE BOYS MATH OLYMPIAD. Fifteen schools
participated in this event. There were two rounds in the competition, an individual round and a team round. Alexander
Lee took 3rd place in the Individual Round. In the Team Round, St. Augustine took 4th place! Congratulations, boys!
Kindergarten Mother’s Day Tea
Mrs. Bushell & Miss Manwaring
On May 9th, the Kindergarten children dressed up in their finest clothes and practiced using their best manners as they
let their moms sit back, relax and enjoy being served breakfast and tea. What a great way for these young students to
celebrate all their mothers do for them on Mother’s Day and every day!
Forensics
Miss Marques & Mrs. Schultz
Congratulations to the members of the Forensics team for their wonderful performance at the March meet held here at
St. Augustine School. With over thirty students participating, our Nick Costello received a Finalist Trophy in Reading.
Catherine Cavanagh, Angela Torricella, Veronica Lee, Erin Schaindlin and Effie Sophia Farmakopolous all received
ribbons for poetry.
We thank Sister Mary Elizabeth for hosting this special event, Angela and Catherine for baking delicious treats for all of
our guests and a special thank you to Mrs. Torricella and Mrs. Fessman for their generous participation as judges.
Broadway on the Hudson!
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grades
In case you missed the Spring Concert, the younger members of our school sang, danced and taught the audience
some pretty important lessons. From God’s love for us to learning how to square dance and love our country, the
consensus was they charmed us all. The many hours of preparation paid off in a rousing show concluding with the
sweetest lesson of all – happiness is anyone and anything at all that’s loved by you!
Alumni Update
Sister Mary Elizabeth
Graduation season is upon us. Soon our 8th graders will enter high school and the SAS Class of 2010 will begin college
in the fall. I have received word from many of these graduates as to their college of choice and I’d like to share that
list with you.
To date, the Class of 2010 has been accepted into the following colleges: Providence College, Leslie University,
University of Delaware, Princeton, Syracuse, Marist College, University of Albany, University of Notre Dame, Manhattan
College, Boston College, Catholic University, University of South Carolina, Villanova University, Penn State, College of
Holy Cross, Ithaca College, Scranton University, Pace University, DeSales University, Macaulay Honors College,
Lafayette College, Georgetown University, Loyola University, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, Westchester Community
College, Northeastern University and Fordham University.
Spelling Bee
Mrs. Daddazio
On Friday, June 6, the excitement in the gymnasium was contagious as the student spellers assembled on the stage.
Representing the fifth grade were Olivia Guihan, Gina Donadio, Katie McNiff, and Mark Milano. Spelling for Grade 6 were
Lucy Carpenter, Gabrielle Calderon, Catherine Sutterlin, and Caroline Stricker. Grade 7 representatives were Samuel
Corena, Aidan Cain, Molly McKenzie, and Jacqueline Dorgan. In Grade 8, spellers were Jeacy Espinoza, Chris
Tomaskovic, Chiara Calov, and Natalie Dauer. Multiple rounds were held before eliminations started to occur. Imagine
spelling words like kerchief, judgmental, inextinguishable, antecedent, kindergarten, rescindable, and forgetfulness?
In the end, Catherine Sutterlin was still standing, winning the first place medal, with Gabrielle Calderon coming in
second, Chiara Calov in third, and Jeacy Espinoza in fourth. Medals were awarded to the top four spellers with plaques
presented to all other participants. Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to prepare for this exciting event.
Two by Two Petting Zoo Visit
On Friday, May 30th St. Augustine School received a visit from the Two by Two Petting Zoo. Grade Pre K 3 - 3rd were
able to each spend a half hour with the animals, petting them and learning about them from their caretakers. Not only
was this so much fun, for both the students and the teachers ("When do you ever have a chance to hold a 6 month old
kangaroo?", asked Mrs. Keegan with a big grin on her face!), but the caretakers of these animals taught the children
about humane treatment of all animals, reminding us that animals have feelings just like we do. The children were able
to interact with not only the kangaroo joey, but free roaming goats & sheep (including one adorable pigmy goat), a
very large tortoise, an equally large rabbit, a duck duo, a guinea pig, 2 lemurs and a bevy of reptiles. What a
memorable day! Thank you to the Home & School Association for inviting the Two by Two Zoo to St. Augustine School!
Thank You & Farewell from the Class of 2014
Quotes to Remember and the People Who Exemplify Them
“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.”
-Ralph Marston
Thank you, Father McSweeney, Monsignor Franco & Sister Mary Elizabeth, for the excellence you strive to
achieve at St Augustine School. Thank you for your excellent dreams for our school, your excellent hopes for
each student and all the hours of tireless work you have given to provide us with this experience. We are blessed
to have you in our lives as an example of “Excellence as an Attitude.”
“Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.”
- B.F. Skinner
Thank you, Mrs. Daddazio & Mrs. Kwan, for your perseverance in teaching the importance of doing better today
than yesterday. Thank you for your diligent effort to give an education that will survive the life of every student
and for holding to the ideal that each person should rise to their best potential.
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
- Sidney J. Harris
Thank you, Ms. Marques, Mrs. Schultz, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Kennon, Ms. Paganelli, Mr. Cascapera & Mrs.
Weber, for urging the Class of 2014 to look beyond themselves and see what is attainable in their future.
“A person who does things that count, doesn’t usually stop to count them.”
-unknown
Thank you, Sister Mary Hertrich, Father Slavik, Father Arthur, Leone, Mrs. Maniscalco, Mrs. O’Leary, Mario,
Bruno & Mrs. Lividini, for being the guardian angels at St. Augustine School. Because of you the students of the
Class of 2014 have been watched over, prayed for, fed, cleaned up after and cared for. How incredibly fortunate
we are to have you in our lives! Thank you for doing so much that really matters, without ever stopping to ask
credit for all that you give us.
“In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day’s work.
It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years.”
-Jacques Barzun
Thank you, to all the teachers at St. Augustine. You have helped to guide and shape the minds of the Class of
2014. Thank you for the days, weeks, months & years of striving to provide an exceptional education. You
make a difference.
“Don’t be dismayed by good-byes.
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”
-Richard Bach
Thank you, to all our friends at St. Augustine School. It’s sad to say good-bye. Please remember the good
times, our smiles, any kindness we may have given and the friendships we shared. Thank you for all you’ve done
to make us better people, for how you made our days happier and for the love you gave us. We are blessed
because of you. It is certain that we will meet again. We look forward to that.
From the Heart
Mrs. Daddazio
With graduation just a week away, the Class of 2014 took a few moments to reflect on their days at St.
Augustine School and to express their gratitude to the faculty and staff who have played important roles in
their success. I share with you some of their thoughts:

“I can’t thank you enough for all your encouragement and for the faith you have had in me during
my junior high school years.” (Caitlin Burke)

“Because of all you’ve taught me, I’ve become a better student each and every day.” (Lauren
Dellbrugge)

“I thank you for always going out of your way to help me.” (Erin Dare)

“I can never thank this teacher enough for having so much faith in me as a student and as a
person.” (Hannah Fitzsimmons)

“You inspire me to be the best I can be.” (Julianna Rivera)

“Thank you for encouraging me to be myself and to smile, laugh, and come out of my shell a bit
more at school.” (Christian Toro)

“I have always felt comfortable in your class with the style in which you teach.” (Carmela Velardo)

“As your student, I can easily say that you are one of the best teachers I have ever had.” (Jeacy
Espinoza)

“Every day you talk to your students and I can tell how much you care about us.” (Kristin Tobin)

“I cannot think of just one thing I will miss about St. Augustine School. There are many things I will
miss.” (Vinnie Vesce)

“Thank you for believing in my work and for guiding me on my way to high school.” (Olivia Aguilar)

“You are one of the reasons that makes St. Augustine School a great school. (Liam McHale)

“You have brought out in me the love and joy found in learning.” (Chiara Calov)
We wish the graduates of the Class of 2014 all the best as they leave the comfort of their St. Augustine
School family. They have made us proud!