Eighth Grade Trip to the UN: A Parent’s Perspective

KENDALL PARK, NJ - On Thursday, December 1, the Eighth Grade class at Saint Augustine of Canterbury School had the opportunity to visit the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. What follows is an account of this extraordinary experience written by one of the school parents who volunteered to serve as a chaperone for the field trip:

“I was delighted to accompany the eighth grade students on their field trip to the UN December 1. I think they all had a good time and learned some new things. I know I did! Special thanks to Mr. M. and Sister Mary Louise for making the trip possible for our children as well as the other parent-chaperones and the wonderful St. A’s parishioner, Joan, who serves as the secretary to the UN Secretary General and was able to facilitate a private meet-and-greet opportunity with him. I think the trip will be a long-lasting memory.

What an honor and privilege it was for the students and administrators to actually meet and have a photo taken with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon! The secretary general appeared to be very relaxed and unhurried during his time with them. He spoke to students about "the three pillars” of the UN – in the distinct areas of Human Rights, Peace and Security, and Development – and observed that the Church’s mission often runs parallel to the mission of the UN. The secretary general mentioned that he’d met Pope Francis a number of times and he praised our Holy Father’s recent encyclical, ’Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home,’ written for all on the care of God’s creation. And before he left the room, the UN dignitary took the time and shook every person's hand, which was most impressive.

The group enjoyed a 15-minute break and stop at the gift shop (always a hit!) before touring the UN building in the afternoon. In addition to entering some of the large conference rooms where international meetings take place, they saw the statue of St. Agnes recovered from a cathedral in Nagasaki, Japan, following the atomic bombing there and the beautiful “Golden Rule” mosaic -- a gift to the UN from the United States, which is based on a work by American artist Norman Rockwell. My group’s tour guide, a Jordan native, was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information. The kids were engaged and asked him some good questions, too.

Before you knew it, it was time to head home. Some of us wished we had a little more time to explore. What a wonderful experience for all!

With gratitude and thanksgiving,
Erin Friedlander”

Photo One:

United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-moon (center) with the St. Augustine of Canterbury School Eighth Grade Class, Principal Sister Mary Louise Shulas, MPF (to Secretary Ban’s left), and Vice Principal Edward Modzelewski (2^nd row, left). --United Nations staff photo

Photo 2:

(Left to right) St. Augustine of Canterbury School Principal Sister Mary Louise Shulas, MPF; Vice Principal Edward Modzelewski; Joan Felli, Secretary to the Secretary General and St. Augustine of Canterbury parishioner.
–United Nations staff photo.