Chez News: October 2024

October 2024

Notre Dame's newest students had the chance to get to know one another personally and spiritually during their special field day and retreat this month. One busy member of the Class of '26 spent time in China; and Open House for the Class of '29 is set for this coming weekend! Finally, calling all ND families and alumnae parents, it's your turn to support the school and help us earn a generous challenge grant from the Heckscher Foundation!

Ninth Graders Bond During

Field Day and Retreat

The Class of '28 spent the afternoon of September 30th in nearby Corporal John A. Seravalli Park engaging in activities like hula hooping, limbo, banner painting, and Simon Says! With the help of their teachers and counselors, ND's ninth graders enjoyed a sunny day of friendship and fun!


The following week, these same students had their Ninth Grade Retreat, led by theology teacher, Mr. Kevin McDonald. It was time away from the classroom to get to know themselves, one another, and God better. Spiritually and socially, the newest members of our community had a warm welcome Chez Nous.






Sienna Estrella '26 Sings in China!

Sienna Estrella ‘26, a devoted and longstanding member of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City spent ten days, from Oct. 4 - Oct. 14, in China. Sienna and 39 members of her choral group met with 3 different youth choirs from 3 different cities:  Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai.  The purpose of the trip was to promote peace between the US and China through music and youth.  The NYC singers participated in several collaborative performances with their Chinese peers and led one combined master class.  When not singing, Sienna enjoyed dim sum for most meals, trying pigeon for the first time (tasted like chicken, she reports), shopping, and visiting amusement parks, circuses, and museums.  The choral groups exchanged book marks, pins, and key chains from NYC for teddy bears from China.  


The high schools they visited were top-rated in China and boasted very large campuses.  Sienna built close relationships with several young Chinese singers and is keeping in touch with one new friend via email and WeChat.  This is Sienna’s seventh year in the Young People’s Chorus, and she has been part of performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Prudential Center.  Sienna has also traveled with the group to New Zealand and South Korea for the World Choir Games. She and her choir mates won 1st place in South Korea.

Parents and Alumnae Parents,

It's Your Turn!

Encouraged by the success of last year's Alumnae Challenge Grant, Notre Dame is pleased to announce that the School was awarded a $100,000 Matching Grant from the Heckscher Foundation for Children, entitled, "Present Parent and Alumnae Parent Challenge Grant."


The Foundation will give Notre Dame $100,000 if, and only if, our present parents and alumnae parents increase their collective giving to our Annual Fund by $100,000 by August 31, 2025.


Notre Dame's Annual Fund is vital because tuition only covers 88% of the school's operating budget. Each year we raise money to fill this gap. Your gifts help grant our students access to our Financial Aid and Scholarship Program, 10 different sports teams, 3 musical performances, 12 Advanced Placement courses, and our Ignatian Retreat Program, among many highlights of an ND education. You are welcome to designate your gift toward a specific program.


We invite you to "Be Chez Nous" by making a gift to our Annual Fund to meet the requirements of the Heckscher Challenge Grant and raise $180,000 by August 31st. Thank you for your participation and support!


Click here to make your gift today!

Coming soon:

The Notre Dame Open House for Prospective Students and Families


This Sunday, October 27th, ND will open its doors to nearly 400 prospective students as they make their high school application decisions in the coming weeks. Our guests will hear from our administrative team and then visit classrooms to mingle with our teachers. Current students will be the tour guides for the day, sharing their insights and experiences with visiting 8th graders and their families. As they can attest, attending Notre Dame is a smart choice!


ANCHORING LIVES for GENERATIONS

Please make Notre Dame School a philanthropic priority and support our Annual Fund today. Our community is ever grateful for your support!
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