Dorchester Central Campus
197 Centre St
Dorchester, MA 02124
Administration
Mr. Robert Penta, Principal
Phone: 617-265-0019 x 7152
Email: robert.penta@popejp2catholicacademy.org
Mrs. Jennifer Molloy, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 617-265-0019
x 7153
Email: jennifer.molloy@popejp2catholicacademy.org
Welcome to the homepage of the Dorchester Central Campus of the Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy! Check our page frequently for lunch menu updates, special announcements, and much, much more!
Publishing Party at Dorchester Central
Grade One at Dorchester Central hosted an end of the year publishing party to celebrate the students’ accomplishments in writing. The students have written numerous pieces of writing throughout the school year and have made significant gains as readers and writers. A main focus guiding our literacy instruction was to teach students how to read like writers and to write like readers. Through the use of mentor texts during read alouds and guided reading instruction, students analyzed the writer’s craft and applied those techniques to their own writing.
The first grade students have written several books and selected representations of some of their best pieces to publish. These student books were typed, illustrated, and spiral bound. Parents were invited to come and join in the celebration of their children’s academic growth. Parents were thrilled and impressed with the event, commenting that these students are more than ready for second grade!
Congratulations, Graduates!
The Academy would like to congratulate all of the Dorchester Central 8th Grade Graduates of the Class of 2010! Thank you for being wonderful students, leaders, and friends! We are so proud of all your accomplishments and know that you will experience much success in the future. Best of luck to you and your families as you enter the next chapter of your life as Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy Alumni! We look forward to hearing about your high school experiences this fall.
Dorchester Central Student Soars to New Snowboarding Heights
Dorchester Central Grade 7 student Gabe McGovern-Nocknuck, pictured above, can snowboard with the best in the world! Currently in Colorado, he has been working hard at honing his snowboarding skills. Gabe has taken part in three competitions and has won three gold medals! The Academy wishes Gabe the best of luck, and hopes to see him someday in the Olympic Games. Great work, Gabe! Pictured at the eft, Gabe practices on the half pipe prior to one of his competitions in Colorado this winter.
Dorchester Central Donates to the Shattuck
Supporting the Homeless Shelter at Shattuck Hospital has been a long time tradition for Saint Mark’s Parish and school. On December 22, the eighth grade students of Dorchester Central along with their teacher Eileen Frain, Principal Bob Penta, Father Finn, Pastor of Saint Mark’s Church and Sister Helen, visited the shelter. Throughout the month of December, many useful items such as hats, gloves, scarves, and toiletries were collected at Saint Mark’s Church and Dorchester Central Campus. These items, along with a $500 check raised by the Central students will be presented to the shelter.
Upcoming Events at Dorchester Central
Preparations are complete for the Dorchester Central Christmas Fair on December 5 from 12:00-6:00 p.m. Attendees will have a chance to win a Wii and iPod Nano and tons of gift certificates for goods and services donated by our local businesses.
Children will have fun trying their luck at the “Toy Walk” and the children’s raffle. They may also get a holiday themed “tattoo.” Face painting, ornament making, and food will add to the fun.
Community and Spiritual News
Our Dorchester Central students are always willing to help out and support others in need. The first graders paid a “trick-or-treat” visit to the residents of a local nursing. Students are collecting non-perishable food items for our Thanksgiving Liturgy. The food will then be donated to local food pantries. Other students are preparing Christmas cards to be sent to Saint Mark’s parishioners who are currently confined to nursing homes and hospitals. Our eighth graders are selling candy canes throughout the month of December. All proceeds will be donated to the Dorchester chapter of “Cradles to Crayons. Finally, the students are looking forward to a weekly Advent service to be celebrated together before school.
Dorchester Central Campus Halloween Celebration
On Friday, October 30, Dorchester Central celebrated Halloween in style. From 5-7, students in grades Pre K-5 enjoyed a Halloween Party. In addition to pizza, soda, and treats of all kinds, the students enjoyed games and entertainment by a DJ.
From 7-9, the middle school students participated in the first “D.C. Dance.” All middle school students, as well as those who attended Central in the past had a great time. The dance was chaperoned by the teachers, principal, and a few parents.