A New School Year: Celebrating Our Catholic School Family

As a new school year begins, students across Catholic elementary schools on Long Island are returning to classrooms filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and deepen their faith. September is a time of new beginnings, welcoming new students and educators, reconnecting with friends, and setting the foundation for a year rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service.

We are proud to celebrate the students, families, educators, and school communities who make our Catholic school family so special and look forward to highlighting the many joyful moments and accomplishments ahead.

Our Lady Queen of Apostles Regional School in Center Moriches welcomed students back for the first day of a truly special school year. This year marks the school’s 100th anniversary of providing generations of students with an education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service. The halls were once again filled with excitement as students reunited with friends, met their teachers, and prepared for a year of learning and growth.

St. Dominic Elementary School in Oyster Bay enjoyed a day filled with faith, learning, and patriotism. The celebration began with a beautiful liturgy, followed by engaging classroom activities and themed lessons that helped students deepen their appreciation for our nation’s history and values. A memorable group photo outside the church brought the school community together, highlighting the spirit of unity and gratitude that makes days like these so meaningful.

St. John Paul II Regional School in Riverhead welcomed grandparents for a special Grandparents Day Prayer Service and Breakfast. The morning was filled with love, laughter, faith, and family as students celebrated the wisdom, traditions, stories, and unconditional love their grandparents share. What a beautiful way to honor these special members of the SJPII community!

St. Mary’s Elementary School in Manhasset welcomed its kindergarten through eighth-grade students back for the first day of school! The halls were once again filled with smiles, laughter, anticipation, and plenty of first-day energy. Here’s to a wonderful year of faith, friendship, learning, growth, and lasting memories!

Monsignor Steven Camp of St. Patrick’s School in Huntington proudly introduced the school's Class of 2028! Guided by their school’s mission and faith in God’s providential love, these students will continue to learn, grow, and use their gifts and talents to serve others while embracing the school’s values: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.

Seventh and eighth grade students at St. William the Abbot School in Seaford came together for a special “Techless Tuesday” activity inspired by this year’s school theme, “Building on the Blessing.” The seventh graders reflected on their personal intentions and goals for the year, while the eighth graders wrote heartfelt prayers to encourage and support them along the way. What a meaningful way to begin the school year!

Today's children are Tomorrow's Hope!