"We moved to New Jersey almost 8 years ago from Toronto. We left all our friends and family for a work relocation when our oldest son was just two and a half. We settled in Florham Park and quickly enrolled him in a local preschool, but we were soon looking for a PreK program that would transition directly into Kindergarten, to ease his transition and reduce the need to move from school to school. Being products of Catholic elementary schools ourselves, we started looking at Catholic schools in the area. Touring SVMS and meeting some of the PreK teachers just felt right. It was like a warm embrace from a community that was taking us in and helping us to feel like we were now being welcomed home. We made our decision to enroll our son in PreK4 immediately following the tour and never looked back.

From our oldest son's first day of PreK4, we were at home. We were welcomed with warm, supportive hearts and minds. This was so needed and appreciated at a time when there was much uncertainty for us: being in a new country, a new town, and being away from friends and family.  I remember so many instances of needing advice and resources in this new place. From babysitting to hairdressers to physicians ... you name it, the people of SVMS became our lifeline as parents. And within the school, so many important people have had a great influence on our children and on us: Sister Noreen, Father George ... or Sister Anne (retired religion teacher and crossing guard extraordinaire), who would take the hand of my youngest at drop-off with a wink. The people and the everyday moments have made all the difference.

Being part of the SVMS community has also allowed us as parents to become involved in the school and to give back to a community we appreciate so much. From being a class parent, to organizing ladies' night, to wrapping gifts and helping the kids shop at the annual Christmas shop to serving a term as HSA co-president ... these experiences have allowed us to give back; feel connected to teachers and administrators and other parents; have a voice for our children; witness improvements and positive change in the school; and truly find a sense of fulfillment in being able to help this great community that has given so much to our family. 

SVMS has been an important place in our journey as a family and continues to be as our family moves through another monumental change. We will soon transition to Charlotte, North Carolina, and in this arduous and stressful process, we continue to be surrounded by so much love and support. They say it takes a village and SVMS certainly is that village of
wonderful students, teachers, and friends who are a source of unwavering kindness and strength. This upcoming change is certainly bittersweet, as we know our boys will be well-prepared academically, emotionally, and spiritually to start at a new school and in a new state. But we also have heavy hearts to leave a place that has become our home. We have enjoyed our wonderful seven years at SVMS. The community has brought us tremendous joy, love, and support. It has given us friends that are truly family.

- The Ashukian Family
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