Though Oak Knoll officially began its 100th academic year on Tuesday, September 4, 2024, when students returned to school from the summer, the community joyfully celebrated this milestone on Tuesday, September 10, with an all-school Mass of Thanksgiving at the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The Mass was officiated by His Eminence, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, Archbishop of Newark, and featured beautiful music by an inter-divisional choir and readings from Oak Knoll students. Following the Mass, students, faculty, staff, and special guests returned to campus for an afternoon of food, fun, and games.

Reminiscing about the day’s festivities, Head of School Jennifer G. Landis said, “It was my hope that we would not see the fall of 2024 as a starting line but rather a threshold from one century to the next that we would cross with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. I think we did just that. It was an extraordinary launch of the year.”

On campus after the Mass, students participated in friendship bracelet-making, an obstacle course, a photo booth, face painting, a chalk wall, a DJ dance party, hula hoops, and other fun turf field activities. Joining the Oak Knoll community for this momentous celebration were three former Oak Knoll Heads of School, Sisters from the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and members of our Holy Child family from other Holy Child Network Schools.

“It felt wonderful,” commented Oak Knoll’s former Head of School, Timothy J. Saburn. “My wife and I felt very much at home, and it was like seeing old friends. Part of the unique nature of Oak Knoll is that you become part of that community, and it stays with you no matter where you are or when you stop by. It’s got a very significant feel. It’s a Holy Child feel, and the campus has a very significant sense of place.“

Also joining the festivities was former Board Member and Head of School Sister Cynthia H. Vives, SHCJ, who devoted almost 20 of her ministerial years to Oak Knoll. “It was a beautiful celebration,” said Sr. Cynthia. “What is striking to me is no matter what I attend at Oak Knoll, the spirit of the Holy Child is so visible and present. For all the years that we haven’t had members of the Society on campus, the spirit of the Society is still so alive, well, and visible. That spirit is palpable.”

Oak Knoll’s first official Head of School and Board Member, Sister Jean Marie O’Meara, SHCJ, was thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion with an inaugural Mass in Newark. “Seeing the Basilica, that huge cathedral, filled with Holy Child people — children, friends, faculty, staff, former trustees was amazing,” she said.

She was also struck by the presence of the Holy Child physically represented around campus. “To see the Holy Child Goals and the names of the other Holy Child schools throughout the country on banners in the dining hall made me think how Cornelia would love to have seen how her life of so many years ago has spread. I’m just so grateful to the Oak Knoll community for carrying on the spirit of Cornelia Connelly and the Holy Child mission.”

The Mass of Thanksgiving and celebratory events on campus were not merely a capstone commemorating Oak Knoll’s first century as a school but more so a threshold over which the school travels into its bright and purposeful future. With a bold strategic plan and opportunities to celebrate the school’s history and the Holy Child mission through upcoming events and curricular integration throughout the coming centennial year, Oak Knoll is poised to “meet the wants of the age” and beyond.

Visit our 100th Anniversary webpage to watch a video recording of the Mass of Thanksgiving and learn more about upcoming events, including Founders’ Day and our exciting Spring Centennial Gala.