Catholic Schools Week was recognized across the nation this week. Among the schools to fully embrace the week was Dunkirk’s Northern Chautauqua Catholic School (NCCS) — the only school of its kind in the county.

Karen Nalepa, a kindergarten teacher at NCCS, defined Catholic Schools Week as the equivalent of Spirit Week at public schools. “Our kids look forward to it. They know that there is going to be something special every day that they get to participate in,” Nalepa said.

Nalepa has been teaching at NCCS since 2018. In the years she has been at the school, Catholic Schools Week has been an annual tradition that evolves each year to keep students engaged in different ways.

“The kids love it. They all look forward to it,” Nalepa said.

Submitted Photos Commander George Burns III, a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, spoke to students at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School on Wednesday about how his education prepared him to perform his duties all across the world.

Festivities began Saturday with a spaghetti dinner and bake sale in the gymnasium. Sunday, students and their families were invited to weekend mass. Students were encouraged to wear their school uniforms to celebrate the parish. Throughout the week, celebrations continued with specific themes each day.

“We strive to highlight how we’re different from public schools and how we are unique among other Catholic schools,” said NCCS Principal Paul Pinto. With impeccable timing, Pinto took over as the full-time School Principal during Catholic Schools Week.

Monday, the theme was “Celebrate Our Community” as donations were collected throughout the school. Stuffed animals were collected for the Boys and Girls Club, socks were collected for local seniors, and pet-related donations were collected to benefit Dunkirk’s Lakeshore Humane Society.

Tuesday, the theme of “Celebrate Our Students” was on full display at a school-wide talent show to conclude the school day.

Wednesday, NCCS welcomed a veteran, Commander George Burns III of the United States Coast Guard, as students participated in events to “Celebrate Our Nation”. Commander Burns spoke to the students about how his education prepared him to perform his many duties on ships that took him to ports all across the world.

Shown are decorations by the students of Northern Chautauqua Catholic School in Dunkirk displayed in the halls as they celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

Thursday, to celebrate the school’s “Faith and Vocations”, students were invited to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church for a special mass given by Bishop Mike Fisher. Students participated in the service in various ways.

Friday, the school set the final theme as “Celebrate Our Faculty and Families” as relatives were invited to join the students for a picnic lunch. Nalepa said the family picnic lunch was arguably the event the students were most excited for throughout the week.

“That’s one of the days everybody looks forward to. That’s a pretty cool day,” Nalepa said.

A big reason why is the generational significance for NCCS to some of its most loyal families. Nalepa noted that there are families that have been associated with NCCS for over a century, with one family’s legacy at the school dating back to 1888.

Noting that as a small Catholic school, NCCS does not get the same level of attention as public schools in the area receive, Catholic Schools Week is their time to shine.

“I think it makes the kids very proud,” Nalepa said. “… I think that they like that there is a week that really is all about them.”