News

News From the LFA and its member

schools:

Thanks to Dan DiPleco, our newsletter editor, the LFA publishes a periodical Newsletter.  Click the links below for the most recent and archived newsletters.

Recent News:

April 2018:

Bishop McGann-Mercy HS Closing in June.  RIVERHEAD, NY — Teachers, parents and students were devastated on March 12th when they learned that Bishop McGann- Mercy High School, in Riverhead, will be closing its doors this June.  The Diocese will offer students the opportunity to enroll at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip. The LFA Board of Directors, our membership and retirees want to express our symphony to all who have suffered this great loss. We also want to remind you that we are committed to ensuring that the teacher’s collective bargaining agreement is honored to the final day of the contract. As more Catholic High Schools continue to close, the emotional effect on students, families and dedicated teachers is becoming all too familiar. Catholic school teachers sacrifice a great deal and make significantly less in compensation and benefits than their public school counterparts.  Nevertheless, this is the path they have chosen and it is an honorable one. Sadly, for some of the older faculty, a school closing often leads to the end of a career.  Educational institutions, citing financial considerations, do not typically hire teachers with many years of experience.  Instead of finding employment in the career that they’ve dedicated their lives to, many end up having to make an unwanted career change by taking low wage, part- time jobs.  The message in clear; older teachers cost too much! Put bluntly, this is age discrimination and it is rarely discussed, let alone addressed. It is the risk teachers take, but it is a steep price to pay when you consider the impact teachers have on us. Feedback from “march for our Lives” Article.  We received the following email from a retiree concerning the “March for our lives” rally- notice: The reader wrote: “info about the LFA and schools in the newsletters is always nice to get. However, the sheet describing the time and place of the March for our lives should not have been sent. Not everyone wants to be politically correct, and certainly not everyone is anti gun and anti Second Amendment. If you want to support a bunch of (some would say misguided) students - fine. But please don’t use my union newsletter to encourage others to.” This is how I responded.  “I am the person responsible for including information about the rally. (Name withheld), you may be surprised to know that I am a supporter of both the First and the Second Amendment. I am just tired of the number of deaths in these mass shootings. I am very happy that so many of the young people are letting us know where they stand! Thank you for the email.” Please feel free to express your ideas and opinions in our newsletter. My email address is ddvt2001@gmail.com. Thanks, Dan. The Office of Alumnae Relations wanted to share the following statement that was created and distributed by the Principals of Brooklyn and Queens.  “As the Principals of the Catholic High Schools of Brooklyn and Queens we have kept the administration, faculty, staff, students and parents from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in our prayers since the thoughtless tragedy on February 14, 2018. We stand in support of the Parkland, Florida survivors as they draw strength in knowing that their efforts to effect necessary change are heard. We call on our elected leaders to do everything necessary to help us protect students against senseless acts such as the one in Florida and too many others across our country. The mission of Catholic education within the Diocese of Brooklyn is to form children in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ as celebrated in the Catholic Church, while providing a comprehensive academic education that will help them reach their full human potential and contribute to the common good of our nation and the world. The alumni of our schools are leaders in every stratum of society, and our current students are the leaders and policy makers of tomorrow. We must stand as examples to them of the morality, justice and peace which we expect them to go forth and spread in the world. As Principals, we are responsible for carrying out the mission of our schools, the education of our students and the safety and security of the adolescents in our care. As educators we are facing a world where we are increasingly called upon to become the last line of defense against unspeakable horrors. Collectively, we as Catholic educators…as Americans…know that these attacks must stop and the time for action on all levels is long overdue. We unite in one voice to call upon our elected officials to effect nothing less than meaningful, proactive change. In the words of Mahatma Ghandi we must “be the change we wish to see in the world”. That change starts today.” Retiree Mary Nestor has passed away.  Our condolences to the Nestor family and friends from the members of the Lay Faculty Association. The President’s April 2018 Message…………. • As you may know, our former President and Business Manager, Harry Kranepool passed away on March 21, 2018. The family did not inform us of any funeral arrangements. Please check out our website for a brief glimpse of Harry’s lifelong accomplishments.  May he rest in eternal peace! • Negotiations at Bishop Kearney tentatively scheduled for April 23rd, were postponed to a later date by the School. Negotiations at Archbishop Molloy are progressing well. • The Union is working diligently with the lawyers to iron out issues concerning our brothers and sisters rights as Bishop McGann – Mercy as they prepare to close their doors in June 2018. • I would like to thank those who took time from their busy schedules to pay respect to my mom, Mary Quattrocchi. The outpour of support for my family and me, and the kind words of sympathy were very much appreciated. Ciro Quattrocchi

March 2018:

Oscar Alfonso former language teacher from Bishop Laughlin High School has passed away.  Our condolences to his family and friends from the members of the Lay Faculty Association, Congratulations to the Nazareth High School Boys Varsity team for winning the ‘A’ Division Championship with their 58-48 victory! Go Kingsmen! St Johns the Baptist High School Varsity Hockey clinched a playoff spot tonight beating West Islip 5-0. Rob Vereline scored 3 goals and James Zulli scored his first goal. Senior night was a huge success tonight for the SJB Hockey Team. Xaverian High School Alumni Soccer Game is scheduled for May 20th at Aviator, Field #1, at 12:30pm! Join your fellow teammates, Clippers, and past coaches for a day on the field! You and your families are invited to join us for a tournament with a reception to follow. The game will begin at 12:30pm sharp. Bleacher seating is available, but feel free to bring a chair if you would like to sit on the field.  For more information, please contact Molly Shortall, Assistant Director of Advancement, at mshortall@xaverian.org or by calling 718-836- 7100 ext. 106     John Connolly articulates 23 Key Benefits of Catholic Schools.  This article in list form does a great job reminding the members that are working in Catholic schools what some of the benefits are for the students and families. Click here for the list as it’s printed in the monthly newsletter.  The President’s March 2018 Message…………. Bargaining Teams at Bishop Kearney and Archbishop Molloy High Schools are ready to meet. Negotiations at theses two schools are schedule to commence this month. LFA all the way! On Behalf of the Executive Board I would like to wish you and your families a very Happy Easter and a Happy Passover to our Jewish brothers and sisters! Ciro Quattrocchi