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EAGLE UPDATE
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Christmas Blessings from SMCHS
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Merry Christmas! Once again we pause in our busy lives to celebrate the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. While the commercial world would like us to see this season as a time of buying and giving, as Christians we know that it is so much more than that. We know that God the Father so loved His world that He sent His only Son into it, not as a majestic king but as a small baby.
With the birth of that child two thousand plus years ago, the world changed forever for true love entered our mortal realm for the first time and lives on today through our Catholic Christian traditions and beliefs. What a gift we were given and we must pass that gift on through our daily interactions with each other.
As we frequently share with everyone, our school charism, Caritas Christi, the Love of Christ sums up how we are to live our lives. Santa Margarita Catholic High School has been blessed for over thirty years by our Lord with that love. Our task is to live that love and to spread it from east to west and north to south; to all we encounter. When we do that we are truly living the message of and spreading the Good News of Christmas.
On behalf of the entire SMCHS faculty, staff and administration, please accept our best wishes to you and your family for a Christmas of joy, love and wonder and a Blessed New Year filled with peace, happiness and good cheer. May Christ's peace be with you and upon you!
Caritas Christi,
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Click on the link below to
enjoy images from our recent Christmas production
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Advent Series, Part 4:
God-Bearer
The Advent season and the general holiday season have in common the urge to prepare. Many of us have been planning our menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas day; thoughtfully buying gifts for those we love; and readying our homes for children coming home from college or family coming in from out of town. For the last two weeks in Mass we have also heard the exhortation to "prepare the way" and "make straight our paths" for Jesus' coming (Mk 1: 2-3; Jn 1: 23).
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TIME IS RUNNING OUT - SUPPORT THE EAGLE FUND!
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Time is running out! Make your gift to the Eagle Fund and support the students of SMCHS.
As the end of 2017 quickly approaches, we ask you to consider a gift to the students of SM through the Eagle Fund. All donations are greatly appreciated and help us reach our goal. There are many ways to give - online by clicking
here or returning the envelope that was enclosed in the letter that was recently mailed to you. All Gifts are appreciated and tax deductible. Please note that all gifts must be received by Dec. 31 for your 2017 charitable giving.
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PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
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Scholarship applications are now available for the 2018-2019 school year and senior applications for college tuition assistance. Many of the scholarships require the FACTS application. Scholarship applications are due Feb. 9, 2018. If you have already completed a FACTS application for tuition assistance for the 2018-2019 school year, you do NOT need to complete a second FACTS application. Please click
here for scholarship information. For questions regarding the scholarship application process, please contact the Advancement Office at (949) 766-6080.
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ATTENDANCE & DEANS' OFFICE
IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND UPDATES FOR 2018
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Parent Notes
Beginning January 8, 2018, the Attendance Office will no longer accept parent notes for early dismissals, late arrivals or absences for students.
Parents must call the Attendance Office to report a student absent or request an early dismissal.
Official school notifications from a doctor's office will still be accepted for late arrivals.
Please contact the Attendance Office at (949) 766-6020 with any questions.
Student Off-Campus Permits
Students should secure an off-campus permit before school starts and should show the permit to their teacher for the period they are leaving. If circumstances dictate an unscheduled off campus situation after the start of the school day, a parent/legal guardian can call in the request to the Attendance Office. To avoid classroom interruption , the Attendance Office will not deliver the permit, or call/email the classroom to dismiss the student. It is the student's responsibility to retrieve their off-campus pass during passing period or lunch before entering the classroom.
Please contact the Attendance Office at (949) 766-6020 or refer to the Parent/Student Handbook if you have any questions. Thank you!
Student Illness During the Day
Students who become ill during the school day and want to go home must be evaluated by the school nurse. Please direct your student to the Nurse's Office who will then contact the parent/guardian that the student is to be released. Please do not call the Attendance Office to dismiss your student from school if they fall ill during the school day. If you have any questions, call the Nurse's Office at (949) 766-6029.
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PUPS & HOT CHOCOLATE PROVIDE COMFORT
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Finals can sometimes be a stressful time for students. The library provided a nice respite during exam week thanks to hot chocolate and adorable pups.
Click here
to enjoy the smiles that resulted from this puppy love.
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EAGLE GRANDPARENTS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
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The Grandparents Club enjoyed a successful Christmas party recently at the home of Rich and Nancy Julien. The turnout was wonderful with 50 of our members attending. Guests were entertained by the Santa Margarita Christmas Carolers that were accompanied by the talented
Mr. Chris Winn on the piano. Our school president, Mr. Sulick, dropped by with some encouraging words about how well the school is doing and gave out some prizes for answering school trivia! It was a great evening!
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ROBOTICS TEAM IN NEED OF MENTORS
AND SPONSORS FOR THE 2018 SEASON!
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The robotics team is about to undertake a grueling build season starting Saturday, Jan 6. Every year a new game is introduced. Teams have 6 and a half weeks to analyze the game, design a robot to play it, fabricate each part, assemble it, and then program and test it.
Our team is in need of mentors to help guide students through the process. We work with wood for most of our prototyping and field elements, and aluminum for the robot itself. If you have the following skills, please contact
Mr. Lawrence:
* Marketing/social media/Branding
* Videography
* General tool/construction knowledge
* Programming
* Electrical work
* CAD (Solidworks)
* Mill/Lathe/3D printing/ CNC router experience
* Other tools commonly used: table saw, miter saw, jigsaw, drill press, hand drills and many more.
Robotics equipment, tournaments, and various supplies are very expensive. Every year we are looking for sponsors to help support the "real world experience" our students are receiving. If you know of a company looking to donate to a STEM program, please contact
Mr. Jason Lawrence.
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Winter Formal
Tickets to Winter Formal 2018 are on sale now! The annual winter dance will take place at the Richard Nixon Library and Museum on
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 from 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm. More information, including ticket sales, can be found
here.
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Senior Cap and Gown Paperwork
Attention Seniors! Jostens will be on campus on Friday, Jan. 12 and Monday, Jan. 22 to accept your cap and gown packets as well as answer any questions.
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Coach Fisher of Eagle Football
Nominated for LA Rams Coach of the Year - Submit Your Vote by December 22!
Congratulations to Eagle football head coach Rich Fisher for being one of 22 southern California high school coaches up for the 2017 Los Angeles Rams High School Coach of the Year. The winner of this will be announced on the field on December 31 when the Rams host the San Francisco 49ers. The winning coach will be awarded $2,000 for their respective athletic program, as well as additional Gatorade product.
Click here
to vote for Coach Fisher. Deadline is tomorrow!
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Water Polo Team Captain Noah Hodge '18 Leads by Example and Treasures Friendships Made Along the Way
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Noah Hodge Shares His Journey as Captain of
SM's Water Polo Team
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Noah Hodge '18 sat down recently with OC Catholic to share what its been like being captain of SM's water polo team and recounted the memories of winning CIF last year. As he anticipates a new chapter next year playing for Harvard, he thanks his parents for inspiring him throughout the years.
Click on the link above to enjoy this interview of another impressive Eagle athlete.
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Eagles D1 Ice Hockey Remain Unbeaten
in ADHSHL by Defeating Damien Spartans 8-2 on Saturday, Dec. 16
Nick Mauthe '18 recorded a hat trick while Fred Taylor '18 had the win in net, sealing the deal for the Eagles' win last week! Congratulations!!
More excitement is in store this weekend. On
Saturday, Dec. 23, Santa Margarita Eagles Ice Hockey will be highlighted in The Report Card for
the Anheim Ducks High School Hockey League which is broadcast each month. This is live event and will feature coaches and players outside Anaheim Ice before the Eagles D1 game that day. The Report Card will start promptly at 10 am and the Santa Margarita Eagles segment will be during the first 15-20 minutes.
Players, fans, parents, and others in the school/program are welcome to watch from behind the set during the segment.
Don't Miss the Eagles' Games this Weekend!
Saturday, Dec. 23
at Anaheim Ice
12 pm - Eagles D1 vs Edison Chargers
6 pm - Eagles D3 vs Woodbridge Warriors
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Eagles Dance Team Hosts Showcase on Tuesday, Jan. 9
Attention dance enthusiasts! The Eagles Dance Team will be performing in a showcase at home on the SMCHS campus on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 pm in the Moiso Pavilion. All are welcome to this "free" event!
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Reminder to Register Service Hours
All students should be registered into x2VOL in order to input, correctly, all of their service hours, whether those hours are their grade level service requirement or extracurricular. If you have already registered, you can now go directly to www.x2vol.com, click "log in" and use the same user name (usually, the student's SM email address) and password (usually, the same password the student uses at school) that you originally registered with. If you have not registered, please see Ms. Hanley and she will show you how to not only register, but how to enter your service hours.
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Reminder to Verify and Approve Service Hours
If your daughter/son has submitted service hours on x2Vol, now is a great time to check if those hours have been verified and approved. If the hours have not yet been verified by the activity contact, there is now a way resend the verification link to the contact. Click here to learn how! Feel free to email or call Ms. Hanley or Mrs. Rangel with any questions.
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All Eagles Welcome to Attend
Daily Mass on Campus
Daily Masses
Mass will be offered Mon-Fri at 2:15pm. There will be no masses from Dec 18- Jan 5th for Finals Week and Christmas Vacation.
Request Prayer Intentions for Masses
Eagles praying for Eagles: We are happy to include your prayer intentions at one of our daily masses. You may also request a specific date on which your intention(s) will be offered (subject to availability). If you are interested, please email your intentions to Father Mark Cruz directly, and he will reply back to you with the specific date on which your intention(s) will be offered during mass.
Check the App for Real-Time Updates
Remember to check the SM app for all up-to-the-minute schedule changes.
If you have any questions, please contact
Patrick Visconti
in the Campus Ministry Office.
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Students Don't Forget to Sign Up for Your Retreat!
Attention all grade levels! If you have not already signed up for your grade level's retreat please do so ASAP. Retreats are such a wonderful experience and they will help you in your journey through high school and beyond. School retreats fill up fast and are first come first served. The upcoming school retreat dates are listed below. Please be sure to contact Mr. Tait or Mr. Cabildo in the Campus Ministry Office for more information at
[email protected] or
[email protected]. Permission forms for all school retreats can be found on the schools website by
clicking here.
FRESHMAN RETREAT DATES:
April 9th-10th, 2018
SOPHOMORE RETREAT DATES:
February 21st-23rd, 2018
SENIOR (KAIROS) RETREAT DATES:
K133 - January 23rd-26th, 2018
K134 - March 12th-15th, 2018
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Upcoming Counseling Events for January
Mark Your Calendars!
Notre Dame Reception | 10th-11th Grade Students and Parents
Jan. 11 |5:45 pm -6:45 pm
Borchard Library | Light refreshments will be served
If you are interested in learning more about Notre Dame admissions preparation and summer programs, please join us for a short reception with Tony Roberts of Notre Dame.
You must RSVP to attend. Click
here
to reserve your spot soon, as space is limited.
Testing Results Night | 9th-11th Grade Students and Parents
Jan. 11 |
7 pm-8:30 pm
Moiso Pavilion
Results from the PSAT, PRE-ACT, PSAT 8/9 will be explained and advice will be shared about future testing options and preparation.
College Coffee | All Parents
Jan. 17 | 8:30 am-9:30 am
Moiso Pavilion
Learn about how to start building a college list, touring schools and summer programs.
IB Information Night | 9th - 11th Grade Students and Parents
Jan. 17 | 6:00 pm
San Francisco de Solano Parish Hall
Mr. Calbreath will review the IB Full Diploma Program and IB Certificate Courses. Students will decide their course selection in the spring for their junior year.
Parents and students in grades 9, 10, and 11 are welcome to attend to learn more about the IB Program at Santa Margarita.
For additional information
contact the SMCHS IB Office
at (949) 766-6034
Save the Date:
Practice ACT/SAT Test on
February 24th
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Attention Female Students in Grades 9-11!
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Calling All Future Entrepreneurs in Grades 9-12!
Don't Miss This Scholarship Opportunity!
The University of Delaware's Diamond Challenge offers a unique opportunity for high school students to compete with other students across the world for scholarship money! The deadline to submit your idea is quickly approaching on
Jan. 5, 2018
. Form a small team and pitch the following:
1) Business Concept - Solve a customer problem that will generate revenue and profit.
2) Social Innovation - Solve a social problem and make a positive impact on people or the environment.
For more information, click here.
Also, if you are interested in becoming involved in this entrepreneurial institute as a non-competitor, ambassador, or other role, please learn more about the different programs you can join and attend, including a 3-day institute in
April 2018.
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Attention Juniors - PSAT Scores Available Online Now
Save-the-Date: January 11 at 7 pm
PSAT scores will be available in your CollegeBoard account between the dates of Dec 11-13.
If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one and once you are logged in, you will have access to your scores. At this time we will not have information from National Merit; that will follow in the coming months. The counseling department is happy to go over your results during your junior appointments and if you have already had your appointment we can make arrangements to answer any questions you may have. We will also be hosting a scores back results night on
Thursday, Jan 11 at 7pm where discussion will cover standardized testing, in general, and how your results can be interpreted in making a plan for future standardized testing plans that coincide with your college applications. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your counselor.
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Attention Students - Are you Ready for the March 10 SAT Exam?
SMCHS Offers an Invaluable Prep Course Beginning February 26!
Take advantage of the SMCHS resources available to help you prepare for this challenging exam and sign up now for the SMCHS Winter 24-Hour SAT Prep Course!
This 24-hour course will be taught on the SMCHS campus over eight days (February 26-March 1 & March 5-8) with classes starting right after school.
Click here to review the schedule of dates and read more about the course. (Note: A course will also be held in the spring)
If you have any questions, contact
Gary Fox
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Scholarship Opportunities
Please click on the following links to review detailed information about each scholarship opportunity.
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CALLING ALL SENIOR ARTISTS!
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2018-19 Tuition Assistance
Applications for Tuition Assistance for the 2018-19 school year became available on November 1, 2017. Need-based tuition assistance is available to qualified families who complete an application through FACTS Management. A completed application includes 2017 W2s and/or 1099s as well as completed 2017 tax returns. We will accept the 2016 returns, but any assistance granted will be conditional until the 2017 returns are received.
New Families may begin
the Tuition Assistance process now, but must be accepted by SMCHS before they will hear about any potential assistance.
Returning Families
must reapply for Tuition Assistance each year.
The
priority deadline for applying for Tuition Assistance for the 2018-19 school year
is
February 9, 2018.
Completed applications (including the above-mentioned tax documents) received by this date will be reviewed
first
, and applicants will be notified of their awards
by
March 9, 2018
.
Applications completed after the priority date of
February 9, 2018 will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis as long as funds are still available. However, no late awards granted will be sent out until the student has registered for the 2018-19 school year.
2017-18 Tuition Contracts
Semi-Annual Payments - A reminder for those who selected the semi-annual (two payment) plan that the second semi-annual payment was due in November. If you have an invoice agreement you can log into your account at
www.factsmgt.com using your email as your user name and the password you set up when you created the account, and make the payment online. Or if you prefer you can bring a check to the Business Office.
Past Due Accounts - Please review your Facts Management account to ensure you are current. If you have a past due balance at the end of the semester, your student will not be allowed to return for the second semester until the balance is current.
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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS
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Business Alliance Partnership
Santa Margarita Catholic High School would like to welcome F45 Training RSM as its newest member of the Business Alliance Program. F45 Training is the fastest growing fitness network in the world. F45 Training provides an innovated, challenging and systemized workout in an accessible 45 minute period.
Owned and operated by a Santa Margarita Family, F45 Training RSM has also committed to donate a portion of all SMCHS (families, students, faculty, staff, etc.) membership dollars back to the school!
To find out more about F45 Training RSM, please
click here.
Through strategic partnerships with local businesses, the Business Alliance Program provides critical funding for student programs at SMCHS. If you would like to learn more about how your business participate in the Business Alliance Program, contact
[email protected].
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Recently, our Board members, Karin Kitts and Nona Grayson, hosted the annual Mothers Club Advent Retreat where all were reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Taking time to enjoy the gift of the season, the theme for the retreat was the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In that light and on behalf of our entire board, we are all taking time from our busy schedules - as our children take their final exams and we are preparing for family gatherings - to wish all of the SMCHS staff and their families a joyous Christmas, a restful holiday, and a Happy New Year 2018.
We are thankful for all of the support and assistance you have given to our board as we implement our programs to benefit the SMCHS community. Working with all of you is such a pleasure and we look forward to the second half of the year when we will continue to engage parents, raise funds for scholarships and grants, and work together to continue making SMCHS the best place for educating future leaders!
Merry Christmas!
Priscilla Tedesco and Angie Rowe
Co-Presidents, SMCHS Mothers Club
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Save-the-Date!
Mothers Club Membership & January Coffee on Thursday, Jan. 18
If you haven't joined Mothers Club yet, you can still do so for the second half of the year.
Click here to view our website for upcoming activities and registration.
Our January Coffee is scheduled for
Thursday, Jan. 18 at 9 am in the Moiso Pavilion.
Come hear tips on what your child can do to set themselves up for future career success. Learn about internships, jobs, resumes, applications and more.
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FASHION SHOW MODEL CONTRACTS
Our Annual Mothers Club Senior Fashion Show is scheduled for
Sunday, May 6, 2018
. Senior Model Contracts will be available during both lunches on
Thursday, Jan. 11
.
If your child won't be at school that day, make sure they ask a friend to grab them one. Look for Fashion Show table in lunch area.
We will start collecting signed contracts along with model fees on the morning of Jan. 12 in the Activities Office. Contracts are accepted on first come first served basis.
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Make one of the best New Year's resolutions you can: PRAY MORE!
Moms In Prayer will be back after Christmas break meeting weekly for a powerful hour of prayer covering our students, faculty, staff & school. The ability to pray together and lift our cares and concerns for each other as fellow moms allows us to remember that God is present in all circumstances. Come. Sit. Pray. Trust. Experience the joy of replacing anxiety with peace and hope when you pray scripturally and specifically for your child's needs.
January Meeting Information:
Thursday, January 11th: 9:00-10:00am Chapel of the Sacred Heart
Thursday, January 18th: ** No Moms In Prayer - please attend the Mother's Club Coffee **
Thursday, January 25th: 9:00-10:00am Chapel of the Sacred Heart
Please bring a bible, pen & reading glasses if needed. If you have any questions or need to submit a prayer request, please contact us by emailing
Moms in Prayer.
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Christmas Break and Online Orders
Campus Store will be closed during Christmas Break. Please note that all online orders purchased over the break will not be processed until
Jan. 10.
Attention Ice Hockey Fans! Remember to order your customized jerseys, available online now by
clicking here.
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Boys Track and Field Athlete & Parent Meeting 
There will be a boys track and field athlete meeting on Wednesday January 10th for all prospective athletes to sign up for the team. The following Tuesday will be the parent meeting, with both taking place in the Science Lecture Hall. In order to join the team, you need to be cleared through the athletic clearance page. This can and should be done prior to the first official track practice on January 29th. Contact Coach Zeitler if you have any questions, [email protected].
Wednesday, January 10: Meeting for athletes at 2:20 pm in the Science Lecture Hall
Tuesday, January 16: Meeting for parents at 6:30 pm in the Science Lecture Hall
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Save-the-Date! Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 6 pm
Mr. Jason Thomas | Savos Investments
SMCHS and Eagles Edge Wealth Management instructor Mr. Frank Pisano, invite all students, parents and community members to an economic recap and forecast presentation by Jason Thomas, PhD, CFA, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment officer for Savos Investments. To read more, click here.
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Eagles Edge and Mr. Frank Pisano Invite all Students to Attend
This Informative After School Workshop in January
Mr. Pisano, owner of Meritage Wealth Management in Santa Ana, is an alumni parent that enjoys giving back the Eagle family. All students are welcome to join him after school on select Wednesdays (see schedule below).
Topics include:
* Where should you invest and why?
* Tax-Free, Taxable or Tax-Deferred Accounts
* Diversification
* Stocks
* Bonds
* Real-life investment strategies and simulations
Wednesday Classes in January:
Jan. 10 2:15 PM C108 - Small Lecture Hall
Jan. 24 2:15 PM C108 - Small Lecture Hall
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Enter Diocese of Orange Video Contest and Win Tuition Grants!
Catholic Schools Week | Deadline is January 5, 2017
All high school students attending a Catholic school in the Diocese of Orange are invited to submit a 120-second video
for a chance to win one of several tuition grants, totaling $4,500, to be awarded by The Orange Catholic Foundation as the diocese celebrates Catholic Schools Week.
The focus of your video should be on how your school helps build character in its students. Sure you're there to excel in academics and other specialized programs your school offers such as athletics and the arts, but all the while your teachers are also imparting lessons and providing opportunities that are helping you to develop Christian values - the traits that will propel you into adulthood ready to help shape our world into a kinder, more compassionate place. That's what you need to capture in your video.
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Catholic Night With the Anaheim Ducks is February 9
Get Your Tickets Now!
Join us for Catholic Night at Honda Center on
Friday, Feb. 9 as together we watch the Ducks take on the Edmonton Oilers starting at 7 p.m.
This year, join our Catholic Trinity League schools as they play a special exhibition game immediately following the Ducks game. Your ticket will include access to this special exhibition game as well as the Ducks vs. Oilers game.
The first 500 tickets purchased through this special offer will come with a Limited Edition Anaheim Ducks Catholic Night hat!
Click here
to purchase tickets now.
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Click here to review your student's menu options for next week.
We welcome your feedback! Please
click here to read more about Sapphire At School.
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AIM Sports TV Captures SM Eagles in Action
To enjoy ongoing action on the SMCHS campus,
check here weekly for the latest videos captures by SM's own Paul Higgins.
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Robert Russell Photography
Parents don't forget to view our athletic photographer's website, Robert Russell Photography. Robert is the official photographer of Eagle varsity athletics. Visit his website to order your photos today, they make perfect gifts for family and friends and decor for the house or office!
Click Here
to view varsity game photos; you can access it all year.
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No Eagle Updates Sent During Christmas Break
Please note there will be no Eagle Updates sent on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4.
The weekly updates will resume on
Jan. 11, 2018.
Please note the following new submission deadline beginning in 2018. For content to be included in the weekly Eagle Update on Thursdays, content must be sent by 5 pm on the Monday of that week.
For questions, please contact Maureen McAndrews in the Communications Office by
email
or phone at 949-766-6089.
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Santa Margarita Catholic High School
949-766-6000
Eagle Update Feedback?
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