Principal Announcement
We are thrilled to welcome our next principal, Ms. Maysa Antonio, to BJP. She joins us with significant experience in educational leadership. For the past five years, she has served as an Assistant Principal at Hunter College High School in Manhattan. Before moving to Hunter, she served as Principal of St. Joseph’s High School (now closed) in downtown Brooklyn. That is where she began her formal career in education as a math teacher, progressing to become department chair and then assistant principal.
Ms. Antonio holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Science in Education, Administration, and Supervision from Fordham University. She not only understands the value of a Jesuit, Catholic education from first-hand experience, but also wholly believes in our students, faculty, and mission. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Antonio, who will officially join our team on July 15, 2025.
Graduation
On June 11th, the Class of 2025 graduated from BJP. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. This year's graduates were able to secure an average of nearly $17,000 in financial aid and tuition at the schools they will attend, for a 4-year total aid reward of over $1.3 million. Out of 20 graduates, 19 will attend a Catholic High School in the tri-state area. The 20th student will attend Phillips Academy — Andover. The students are studious, artistic, athletic, and kind. They represent the characteristics of a Jesuit school graduate so beautifully.
At graduation, we listened to several reflections on our students' experience at our school. One graduation requirement of our school is to embody our Grad at Grad principles. Students shared what it means to them to be Open to Growth, Loving, Religious, Intellectually Competent, and Committed to Justice. Their responses included how their peers, teachers, and families further developed these characteristics within them. They were thoughtful, selfless, and appreciative, which shows a wisdom and kindness that we know will make a difference in their new schools.
Tyler, who will attend St. Peter's Prep in the fall, was nominated as our graduation speaker.
"Be kind and patient with others. Everyone has their challenges, insecurities, and struggles. You never know when someone is struggling in class or in their personal lives. Sometimes a simple smile or kind words can make someone's day better. Be the person who makes someone feel welcomed, who stands up for what's right, and who offers a helping hand."
Tyler eloquently explains who our students are. It is through their intelligence, consideration, and belief in a better future that we are positive that they will be trailblazers in their new environments. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Field Trips
On Monday, June 9th, each grade went on a field trip to various locations around the city. Our 5th graders visited the aquarium, 6th graders went to the Met, 7th graders explored "SpyScape," an interactive museum, and our 8th graders visited Madame Tussauds and an arcade. Spending time together as a grade is valuable for our students and staff. Throughout the year, BJP scholars and educators focus on academic success. Our end-of-year field trips give each grade level a chance to relax and bond while engaging in culturally enriching activities. Field trips are one opportunity that students at BJP have to explore their city and learn more about the world around them. We are grateful for the opportunity we provide our students to explore, learn, and play. We value these moments spent outside the building just as much as the ones inside, and are glad they enjoyed these final trips.
Field Day
We closed out the year with an all-school field day at BJP. Our students, faculty, and volunteers took a trip to the Crown Heights Armory for a day of play. We’re grateful to the volunteers at Moelis & Company for helping us make one of our final events of the year successful. Our volunteers acted as coaches, refs, and spectators for our students’ friendly competitions! We’re so grateful that they all took time out of their day to join us for the second year in a row! We had relay races, ring toss, and other traditional field day games that encouraged our students to work together while allowing them to spend time as a community before they get some time off. The administrative team even participated in a costume race representing their student groups. After field day we all returned to school for a barbecue lunch for our final meal together this school year.
BJP Step Team Exhibition
We are grateful to the EDEN Center for the Performing Arts for including our step team in their recital on June 14th. BJP's steppers and their coach, Ms. Prime, spent the days leading up to the recital practicing, and it showed! The team did a phenomenal job and made the audience see the dedication, determination, and courage it takes to be a student at BJP. Click here to watch their full performance.
Upcoming at BJP: Camp Montmartre!
Camp Montmartre is almost here! This year’s camp theme is “Seeking Grace in the Smallest Things.” This theme will be introduced to students when they arrive at Fairfield University. This theme will continue to be our motto for the upcoming school year. Camp will run from July 12 to August 1. Our time at the university is a core part of BJP's pedagogical practices. The days spent at camp provide students with additional learning and time together. It also provides students with an opportunity to get out of the city and have the experience of a "traditional camp." They will have swimming lessons, field days, and evenings together to bond, sing camp songs, and enjoy summer in Connecticut.
We can't wait to share more! Connect with us on social media for updates throughout their time at camp and read more about their experiences in next month's newsletter.
