St. Cyprian celebrates culture during Catholic Schools Week

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:33AM

To honor Catholic Schools Week, St. Cyprian students brought a little culture to school.

“We want to teach students to celebrate our differences and accept one another,” said Sister Kathleen Klingen.

The students started off by writing reports on their nationalities. St. Cyprian has a diverse population including Italian, Irish, Mexican, German, Chinese, Filipino and Hindu families. The students learned to research their own cultures and their classmates.

“We want students to realize that wherever they go, they should make friends,” said Klingen. “It is important to learn and live with different cultures.”

On Jan. 29, the students conducted a special Mass celebrating their different cultures. Afterwards, there was an open house which showcased the kids’ projects for Catholic Schools Week.

“My family is from Italy, Ireland and Norway,” said sixth-grader Sarafina Virruso. “I loved learning in school how we all come together and how different cultures around the world are one. We also did so many fun activities throughout the week.”

Sixth-grader Jenna Azzarella agreed.

“In religion, we drew a portrait of ourselves for our lockers,” Azzarella said. “Because of this week, I was really able to learn about my Italian, Swedish, German and Irish heritage.”

Azzarella’s mom was impressed with the Catholic Schools Week theme.

“This is so great for the kids,” said Peggy Azzarella. “This school is more like a family than a school. My daughter is friends with everyone and it’s really great. St. Cyprian makes her a better person.”

The students decorated their lockers with flags from the countries that their relatives hail from, and brought in ethnic foods and music from all over the world. Some other students learned about Anne Frank and the Holocaust. They also had to write essays about why they love their school.

“I think that this week is great for students to come together to show what a unique community we are,” said third grade teacher Sarah Ptacek. “We are able to celebrate our community and let the kids teach each other. It is exciting for them to learn about their families and cultures they never knew.”

St. Cyprian has been involved in Catholic Schools Week for 25 years. In previous years, St. Cyprian has done a fairytale theme and a rainforest theme. Klingen said that cultural theme has been one of the most influential on the school and the students.

“When we all come together for church, we are all the same and equal. It is so important for everyone in the community to recognize our differences and accept each other for them,” Klingen said.