"I give you a new commandment, love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34

 Today is my last day as principal of St. Therese School with our students. Contractually, I am principal until June 30, 2026. Although I will not be working as principal of St. Therese School after June 30, I will be working to get us through the reaccreditation process, which will happen on November 4. The schools in the Diocese of Paterson get reaccredited every five years by Cognia, and there is a lot of compliance documentation they will be asking for. I will be working to provide them with that. All documentation has to be given to them by October 4, and then I meet with the Cognia representatives on November 4.

It is hard to believe that 10 years went by this quick. I never thought I would be working until the age of 70, but St. Therese has been such a great place to work that it became hard to leave. A former colleague of mine once told me, If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life." I loved working at St. Therese so I guess I can't consider it work.

I thank Fr. Marc Mancini, the former pastor of St. Therese School, who hired me back in 2016. At the time I was principal of Vernon High School. I had 33 years in public education when I saw the advertisement for St. Therese School. I interviewed and was offered the job the following week. Some of my colleagues tried talking me out of taking the job and staying at Vernon, but my mind was made up. I was excited to begin working in a Catholic school. I went to Catholic school from first grade to eighth grade. The only reason I didn't continue with Catholic school in high school was because it was too expensive for my parents. I was the oldest of eight children and my parents were still paying tuition for my seven siblings behind me. We all went to St. Luke's Grammar School and what I learned in that school stays with me to this day. I loved Catholic School.

I don't believe in coincidence. God has a plan for all of us and He had a plan for me to come to St. Therese. I have been blessed in so many ways working at St. Therese School. We have a faculty and staff that continues to go above and beyond of what is asked of them. My administrative assistant, Ms. Verba-Hopkins is the engine of the school. Without her this school doesn't run. 

We have parents who make so many sacrifices so that their children can attend St. Therese School. Parents volunteer for lunch, Bingo, Tricky Tray, Designer Bag Bingo and more, just so their kids can attend St. Therese School. Students thrive at St. Therese School and at the next level. In the past few years 4 former St. Therese students have gone on to be valedictorians and salutatorians at their respective high schools. That is a credit to all who are involved in our students' education. That's the teachers, the parents and the students. I believe every kid that attends this school will be successful when they leave. The public needs to know how good this school is. SPREAD THE WORD! The investment is worth every penny.

To Fr. Rick, Fr. Marc, Fr. Dulibber, Fr. Vic, Deacon Joe, Deacon Greg and all of the clergy who have served here during my ten year tenure, thank you for the spiritual guidance you have given to our students, faculty and me. During my tenure as principal the students aren't the only ones who learned more about their Catholic faith. I also learned quite a bit and it has made more conscious of my Catholic faith and what it means to be Catholic. I have learned to love the mass, the sacraments and everything about our Catholic faith. I rarely prayed the Rosary when I came to St. Therese and now it is part of my daily prayer. It is what our Blessed Mother asked all of us to do when she appeared to 3 children at Fatima. Pray the Rosary every day.

Not sure how to end my message to everyone. All I can say is that I am so grateful that God led me to St. Therese School. I will never forget this place. I will try and live up to the message of St. Therese. "Just do ordinary little things with great love." Know that even in the small ordinary things that I did at St. Therese, I did it with great love for the St. Therese School Community. I leave you with this Irish Blessing:

"May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Tim Dunnigan

Principal STS

"Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and He will come to him." John 14:23

Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 have ben taken exams all week. The 8th grade finished today and grades 6 and 7 should be finished by Tuesday, June 9.

For many years our school has participated in the national FBI Safe Online Surfing Award sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. St. Therese has won the stingray category for May 2026. Students who participated were presented with a certificate. The award for our school will come from our local FBI field office. Congratulations St. Therese School. We are so proud of you. Thank you Mrs. Hall for continually following up. Your perseverance paid off.

Our 8th graders will be going their annual Retreat at the church on Tuesday, June 9 as they prepare for graduation on Thursday, June 11. The Graduation/Baccalaureate Mass/Awards will take place at 5:00 PM in the the church followed by a reception in the gym.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jaqueline Rozanski! The eighth graders chose to dedicate the 2026 yearbook to her. Mrs. Rozanski, thank you for making the eighth graders year so special.

Just a reminder to parents that our school is going through reaccreditation next year. I have gotten a head start on it by sending surveys out. If you haven't filled the survey out, please do so. You have until June 11. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Also be advised that Friday, June 12 is a noon dismissal. There will be Aftercare. Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16 are noon dismissals and there will be no Aftercare on those days.

Today was my last First Friday mass with our faculty, students and parents. For over 10 years I have attended over 100 masses with our faculty, students and parents. It was always my favorite thing to do as building principal. I apologize for the tears as I informed the faculty, students and parents this morning at mass that this would be my last First Friday mass with them as their principal. I thought I would be able to hold it together, but it just didn't work. My emotions overcame me. I got some requests from some parents to post my remarks from my final First Friday mass so below is a copy and paste from this morning's farewell.

Good morning, Father, faculty and staff, parents, and students. Today I celebrate my last First Friday mass with you as your principal.  I stand here in gratitude and faith. After ten blessed years at this school, the time has come for me to say farewell as I enter retirement.

When I first walked through these doors ten years ago and toured the building with Fr. Marc, he asked me what I thought. I told him, it reminded me of where I went to school. Whoever built catholic schools, must have used the same architect because they all had a gym with stage, and they all looked the same.

 I told Fr. Marc my wish as principal was to serve God and the St. Therese School Community as best I could. What I didn’t realize then was how profoundly this community would serve me in return. Over these years, this school has become far more than a workplace — it has become a second home. In my 44 years in education, I have never felt more at home then I do at St. Therese.

To our students: I want to thank you for your laughter, your honesty, your energy, and your faith. You remind me every day why Catholic education matters. I have watched many of you grow from shy preschoolers and kindergarteners into confident young people ready for high school and beyond. I will carry your smiles, your songs, your classroom visits, your questions, your concerts, and your stories, with me always. Know that each one of you are deeply loved by God and that each of you has been given gifts meant to make this world kinder, brighter, and better.

To our faculty, staff, nurses, Bernie, Candy and Ms. Verba -Hopkins: thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. I could never have done this job without all of you.

All of you have demonstrated that Catholic education is not simply a profession; it is a vocation. As principal these past 10 years, I have witnessed countless acts of quiet generosity and humility — teachers staying late to help a struggling student, staff members comforting families during difficult times, and colleagues supporting one another through challenges with grace and humor. It has been an honor to serve beside people whose faith shines not only in words, but in action. You are an example of what St. Francis meant when he said, “Go and spread the gospel and if you have to use words.”

To our parents and families: thank you for entrusting us with your children. The partnership between home, school, and church is sacred. Your support, encouragement, volunteer hours, prayers, and belief in our mission have strengthened this community more than you will ever know.

And to Fr. Rick, Fr. Marc, Fr. Dulibber, Fr. Vic, Deacon Joe, Deacon Greg, Deacon Bruce, Sr. Mary Davies and our late and beloved Sr. Theresa: thank you for continually reminding us that Christ remains at the center of all we do. Through every Mass, every prayer service, every moment of guidance, you have helped nurture the spiritual foundation that makes this school so special.

As I retire, people often ask what I will miss most. The answer is simple: I will miss the people. I will miss the sound of children arriving in the morning, the joy of school Masses, the St. Therese walk-a-thons, the May Crownings, the Rosaries, the receiving of the  sacraments, the excitement of Christmas, Breakfast with Santa, concerts and graduations, all of the everyday moments that together become a beautiful life of  a Catholic school.

While I may be leaving my position, I will not be a stranger. What is the most favorite thing that I said I like to do with our St. Therese students? I always told you my favorite thing to do with our students was to celebrate First Friday Mass. So, you may see me at your First Friday masses, but not as your principal. St. Therese School will always remain in my heart. My retirement is not an ending so much as a new chapter — one that gives me the opportunity to reflect with gratitude on all God has done for me through this community.

In many of Jesus’s Gospels, He reminds us to trust in God’s plan and to walk forward in faith. That is exactly what I plan to do. And I encourage all of you — students especially — to continue living your faith courageously, treating one another with compassion, and remembering that greatness is found in service. As St. Therese said so often, just do ordinary little things, but do them with great love for God.

I am not exactly sure when my last day will be, but when you come back in September, you will have a new principal. I ask you to pray for that person so St. Therese School will continue to flourish under their leadership.

In closing, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, the prayers, and the love. I leave here deeply grateful and incredibly proud of all the St. Therese Community represents.

May God continue to bless St. Therese School.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

Top of Form

 

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"I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord." John 15:16

This week our students participated in St. Therese's Annual Field Day. Students participated in a multitude of activities designed  and monitored by our eighth grade class. Mrs. Baricevic oversaw and organized the day. Everyone who participated had a great day. During the afternoon, the eighth graders defeated the teachers in an overtime volleyball match. It was a very exciting match! The eighth graders went on to play against the parents. The grand finale was the annual pie eating contest which was won by Noah Ortiz. Field Day 2026 was a great day!

On Thursday, our fourth graders went on an ecological journey boat ride on Lake Hopatcong and the weather was very cooperative.

Tonight is our End of the Year Bash hosted by the HSA. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of the HSA and parent volunteers who participated in all of the fundraising activities this year. Your sacrifice for our school does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated. THANK YOU HSA AND PARENT VOLUNTEERS.

Please keep Greg Marchesi, husband of Jen Marchesi, our seventh grade Homeroom, Social Studies and Religion teacher. Greg is the Director of Religious Education at St. Therese and he is being ordained a Deacon on Saturday and he will be celebrating his first mass as a Deacon on Sunday at 12:00 PM mass. May the Holy Spirit kindle Greg with fire of His love. Amen.

Also keep our eighth graders in you prayers as they prepare to take their final exams next week. 

Next Friday will be our final First Friday Mass of the year as a school, but students are encouraged to attend First Fridays during July and August if they can. There are twelve promises attached to attending First Friday mass nine consecutive months. The twelve promises made to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque by Jesus were:

1. I will grant them all the graces necessary for their state of life (single, married, widowed, consecrated religious, diocesan priest, etc.).

2. I will grant peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.

5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which an Image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, never to be erased.

12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge during that last hour (of their life).

Everyone have a wonderful weekend!

Tim Dunnigan

Principal STS

"The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you."

Mrs. Pachella, thank you for putting on am amazing "Spring Concert." The song selections you picked were so appropriate and match the virtues that we try to instill in our students here at St. Therese School. Our students were also amazing singing from their hearts. Well done, Mrs. Pachella and students of St. Therese School. More evidence that St. Therese School has lots of talent!

On Wednesday, I attended my final principal's meeting at the diocese. An AI program called Wisdom Circuit was introduced as a learning tool for schools that could be monitored by teachers. The diocese will make a decision whether it would be good for our schools to use. By using it it can prevent students from using AI to find answers without having to do the work, but it only works on the school device. Students could go to another device and use an AI tool that does not have filters and monitors, The program claims to elevate thinking rather than replacing it. 

Cognia Re-accreditation will take place during 26-27 school year. All schools in the diocese go through re-accreditation every five years. I am beginning the process and will continue as long as I am employed at St. Therese. Hopefully I can work through the summer to get a lot of it taken care of.

On Thursday, our eighth grade took their field trip to Great Adventure. The weather wasn't great, but it didn't stop our students from having a great time. Next stop is Field Day, then graduation.

If you get the Beacon, you will see that our Second Grade May Crowning on May 14 is pictured in the Beacon. Thank you Ms. Taylor, Mrs. Keil, Mrs. Baricevic and Ms. Verba-Hopkins.

Next Wednesday, May 27 is our Filed Day. There will be plenty of competition, volleyball and the grand finale will be the eighth grade pie eating contest. Going to be a lot of fun. 

Finally, today is a Tag Day to honor our fallen heroes of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives during wartime to preserve the freedoms that we take for granted everyday. As we proceed into the Memorial Day Weekend let us all pray for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

God bless America!

Tim Dunnigan

Principal STS

"Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always until the end of the world." Matthew 28:19a

This past Saturday most of our second graders and one third grader made their First Holy Communion. Three remaining second graders will make their First Holy Communion this coming Saturday, May 16. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you Ms. Taylor for preparing our students so well for this most holy sacrament..

This past Tuesday our seventh eighth grade students attended the Bishop's May Crowning of Our Blessed Mother at the Cathedral in Paterson. Conner Marquinez had the honor of participating in the procession.

On Wednesday grades 1-7 went on a field trip and attended the Sussex County Miners baseball game. Some students were lucky enough to walk away with some foul ball souvenirs.

On Thursday, May 14 our second graders crowned Our Blessed Mother in the church and led the school and parents in the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. They did an amazing job singing "Gentle Woman." 

After the May Crowning was complete students lined up for a picture with the rosary formed by helium balloons created by Mrs. Baricevic. Thank you Mrs. Baricevic!

Next Tuesday, May 19 our students will perform in our Annual Spring Concert. The concert will begin at 6:30 pm.

On Thursday, May 21 our eighth graders will be going on their final field trip as St. Therese students. Students will be going to Great Adventure.

Finally, I must reiterate the importance of parents signing in when coming into the building. Parents, workers, volunteers, or anyone who visits the building MUST sign in. This is all done for the security of the faculty and students in the building. We can never be too careful when it comes to the security of our students. Our number one priority is keeping our students safe. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Have a Blessed Weekend!

Tim Dunnigan

Principal STS

"I am the way and truth and the life, says the Lord. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

This week began with the celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week. I celebrate the faculty, the aides. our nurses, our administrative assistant and our maintenance crew everyday! As principal, I feel very fortunate to have the caliber of faculty and staff that we have at St. Therese School. Our faculty and staff don't just take their role of teacher as a job; they take it as a vocation and ministry. I am so grateful knowing that our students are getting a complete academic and catholic education. It is all due to the dedication of our faculty and staff. They continue to go above and beyond of what is asked them day in and day out. THANK YOU ST. THERESE FACULTY AND STAFF! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND ST. THERESE SCHOOL. THANK YOU MRS. OLIVO FOR MAKING THIS WEEK SO SPECIAL FOR OUR TEACHERS.

This past Wednesday we also celebrated National Nurse's Day. We have been extremely fortunate to have such highly trained and qualified nurses serving our children at St. Therese School. Thank you Mrs. Gomez and Mrs. Cordero. Our faculty, staff and students love you both!

This past Thursday night was the last General HSA Meeting of the year. Topics of discussion were numerous events that will be taking place from now until the close of school. May and June have full agendas. This was possibly my last HSA Meeting. I say possibly because currently they are preparing to interview for my position for reasons of MY retirement. Although, I plan to retire, I would prefer to stay on as principal until January. The reason being is that our school will be going through the reaccreditation process, which is done by a company called COGNIA. It gets done once every five years. I am familiar with the process and I would like to get that completed before the new principal begins. That decision will not be up to me. I have let the superintendent, Mary Baier, John Bacsik, the assistant superintendent and Fr. Rick know of my intentions. That decision will lie with them. I will keep you posted as the process moves forward.

Also, I have some breaking news that I received yesterday. Mary Baier, the Superintendent of the Diocese will be retiring as of October 1, 2026. It has been an honor for me to serve as one of the diocesan principals under Mrs. Baier's leadership and we wish her nothing, but good health and happiness in the years to come. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins a new chapter in her life.

Congratulations to Mrs. Fernanda Olivo and Mrs. Christine Berg. Mrs. Olivo has been selected as the Vice-President of HSA and Mrs. Berg will be taking over as Assistant Treasurer. And a huge thank you goes out to Mrs. Eannetta, President, Mrs. Bewalder, Secretary, Jim DeVico, Treasurer, Kara Higgins, School Liaison and Jaclyn Mulvihill, Family Liaison. Your efforts along with parent volunteers to serve our students and fundraise do not go unnoticed. Thank you for sacrificing so much of your time for St. Therese School.

Our Annual Book Fair concluded on Thursday. All of our classes and parents were exposed to a variety books and other items to purchase. Thank you HSA for sponsoring this event for our students.

Just a reminder as per the Parent/Student Handbook p. 31, all parents should sign in when coming into the building and check in with security and/or Ms. Hopkins. Parents will receive a visitors pass if they are coming into the building. At no time should parents take it upon themselves to drop into a classroom to see their child during the school day. This interrupts educational process and is breach of security. These policies are in place for the protection of our faculty, staff and students. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.

Please keep our second graders in your prayers as they prepare to make their First Holy Communion this coming Saturday, May 9 and next Saturday, May 16.

Next Tuesday. May 12, our seventh and eighth graders will be attending the May Crowning at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Paterson. Bishop Sweeney will be the main celebrant and Conner Marquinez will part of the main procession.

On Wednesday, May 13, students in grades 1-7 will be going on a field trip to Skylands Park to watch the Sussex County Miners play baseball.

On Thursday, May 14, our second graders will host the May Crowning of Our Blessed Mother, Mary and will lead us in the Holy Rosary in her honor.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF OUR ST. THERESE MOTHERS AND THEIR MOTHERS AND OUR FATHERS' MOTHERS!

Everyone have a Blessed Weekend!

In Christ,

Tim Dunnigan

Principal STS

"Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord, not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward." Colossians 3:23-24

Today we begin the month of May, and as always the First Friday of the month begins with the school attending mass. This morning's mass was hosted by our eighth grade. Well done Grade 8! It is also the month we pay tribute to our Blessed Mother. Beginning Monday in honor of our Blessed Mother during Morning Assembly, we will begin the Joyful Mysteries, followed the next week by the Luminous Mysteries, then the Sorrowful Mysteries and conclude with the Glorious Mysteries. By the end of the month we will have prayed all four mysteries.

We have a very busy upcoming month. Next Saturday, May 9 most of our second graders will be making their First Holy Communion. The remainder of our second graders will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 16. Please keep them in your prayers.

Our Annual Book Fair sponsored by the Home and School Association will begin Monday, May 4 and run through Thursday, May 8. Thank you parents for for organizing this wonderful event.

Students in grades 2-8 will be taking the final part of the NWEA Standardized tests beginning next week. Students have a two window to complete the test. The window is open from May 4-15.

Next Thursday, May 7 is our last General HSA Meeting of the year. New officers and timeline for my departure due to reasons of retirement will be discussed.

On Tuesday, May 12 our 7th and 8th graders will attend the May Crowning at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Paterson which will be celebrated by Bishop Sweeney. The mass and ceremony will begin at 10:00 am.

On May 13 grades 1-7 will be attending a field trip to Skylands Park to watch the Miners play baseball on Education Day. Take me out the ballgame and buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks!

Our eighth graders will be heading to Great Adventure on May 21 for their field trip. It should be one for the memories.

On Thursday, May 14 our second graders will honor our Blessed Mother by crowning our her and leading us in the Holy Rosary in the church.

Our Annual Spring Concert will take place on Tuesday, May 19. The concert will begin at 6:30 pm.

On Saturday, May 17, the Roxbury High School Interact Club is hosting a Color Run in honor of Erin McGaughran, Henry Hand, Gianna Corbo and John Sibbald. See Parent Square for more information.

Next week beginning May 4- 9 we will be honoring our teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week. I have been blessed to have worked with so many dedicated teachers who go above and beyond of what is asked of them. They truly take their job as a ministry and vocation, and our children are the beneficiaries of their efforts. THANK YOU TEACHERS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO! IT IS YOUR HARD WORK THAT MAKES ST. THERESE SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE TO WORK!

Finally, congratulations goes out to two former St. Therese students. Kaitlyn Kellett, St. Therese Class of 2019, who was honored at the NJ State House for being in the top 1% of her Business class at Rutgers University, and Samantha Landis, St. Therese  Class of 2022 who just completed along with some of her classmates building a house, which will be delivered to Dewey Ave on May 7. Their partnership with Habitat for Humanity will allow a family in need of a home to move in. Great work girls! You make us proud!

Tim Dunnigan

Principal STS