St. John Vianney offers students, parents strong sense of family, community

For Angela Fede, St. John Vianney School, Colonia, holds significance in more ways than one.

Not only is she a world language teacher at the school, but she is also the parent of a kindergartener and a child in the preschool program.

“As a teacher, I’m incredibly proud of our students and grateful to work alongside such a supportive and caring staff. The administration does a wonderful job supporting both faculty and students – it is a special place to be,” she said, adding that her own children are also succeeding there. “My children are thriving academically and love their teachers.”

Fede shared that members of the SJV community live out their mission of faith, knowledge and service each day. Students begin the day gathering in the cafeteria for prayer and reflection, including prayer for any special intentions.

“We pray together for any special intentions offered by our students and staff, creating a beautiful and unifying start to the day that reflects our values and brings us closer as a school family,” said Fede.

Faith is woven into the fabric of the student experience, not only through morning prayer, but prayer in the classrooms, monthly Masses and through how students are taught to treat and support each other.

This year, students in the Colonia school have the opportunity to be part of a new initiative – a monthly, student-led newsletter that is featured on the school’s website. Faculty and students collaborate to share news and reflections, promote upcoming events and show case student writing.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their writing skills while actively contributing to the school community,” said Fede. “The newsletter has quickly become something everyone looks forward to each month.”

Another defining feature of the student experience is centered on service to others. The school participants in annual service projects like the Have-A-Heart Food Drive, and earlier this year, their Catholic Schools Week celebration was tied to this mission of serving others.

“One of the most moving moments was when the entire student body gathered in the cafeteria to pack over 300 bagged lunches for those in need in our local community,” she said. “Watching our eighth graders guide and encourage our kindergarteners as they worked together was truly a heartwarming reminder of what makes SJV so special.”

For students, there are many reasons to be excited to come back to St. John Vianney each day.

“I’m always excited to come and learn new stuff,” said Mia P., a fourth grader.

One of her fourth-grade peers, Bryson M., shared what he loves about school: “I like gym and coming to school to hang out with my friends.”

On a similar note, kindergartener Nicolas F. said. “I love playing with my friends at recess.”

Fede said that the students’ reflections mirror “the joy and connection that fill the halls of St. John Vianney School each day.”

“SJV is more than just a school – it’s a family rooted in faith, committed to excellence, and united in service,” she said. “We are proud of our students, our faculty, and our shared mission, and we look forward to the continued growth of this extraordinary community.”

The school’s principal, Nancy Tannucilli, echoed Fede’s sentiments about the sense of family at their school.

“Our community fulfills a commitment to caring for one another and working together to make it the wonderful place that it is,” she said. “As we continue to educate our students’ minds, we nourish their hearts as well.”

Fifth and sixth grade language arts teacher and moderator of the National Honor Society Amanda Cleveland-Miller has been part of the faculty since 2008, when her youngest child graduated from the school. She noted that students come from many parts of New Jersey – as far south as Monmouth County and as far north as Somerset County – and even from as far as Staten Island, and that the school is like a second home.

“This feeling of being home with family is what makes St. John Vianney School so very special,” she said. “The students, faculty, and administration, together, have faced great sadness – COVID, the passing of a student, the passing of beloved teacher, facing the loss of a parent, loss of homes due to storms or fire – and moments of great joy – First Penances, First Communions, Confirmations, the Baptisms of classmates, the ‘cancer free’ pronouncement of a student … At Saint John Vianney, while we are many, we are one.”

Cleveland-Miller, who also leads the school’s track team boasting more than 115 student athletes, also noted the school’s strong music and arts offerings for students of all ages, as well as a vibrant student council program.

When parent Gina Rysinski first found St. John Vianney for her son, she knew it was the right choice.

“Our son was where he was meant to be,” she said. “That was 2014, and although choosing a Catholic Education has been a sacrifice, the benefits for our children academically, spiritually, and socially have been invaluable.”

Her son graduated last year and chose to continue his Catholic education at Union Catholic High School. Rysinski’s daughter still attends the school and is now in the fifth grade. She shared that, as parents, they have also been able to become part of the school’s family, and to be involved in their children’s educational journeys.

“St. John Vianney offers a rigorous, faith-based education. The students are academically challenged, while at the same time strengthening their spirituality,” she said. “I can attest first-hand to the incredible education my children have received.”

To learn more about St. John Vianney School, visit https://school.sjvianney.com