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2017 - 2018
School Year
| Oct. 6 |
Fall Fest |
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Nov.
20 - 24
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Thanks-giving Break |
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Dec.
25
- Jan. 5
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Christma
s
Break
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| Jan. 15 |
MLK Holiday |
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Feb. 19
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Presidents
Day
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| March 10 |
Auction Gala |
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March 29 - April 6
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Easter Break |
| May 28 |
Memorial Day |
| June 15 |
Last Day of School |
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| Cassidy W. |
5B |
| Jaynie B. |
2A |
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September 13, 2017
Dear St. Francis of Assisi Parents and Guardians,
Building an effective partnership between parents and teachers is critical, so I was both grateful and pleased to see the great turnout at last week's Back to School Nights. I appreciate our teachers' efforts to create a safe, nurturing, and enriching classroom that will be your child's home away from home for the school year. I am also thankful for parents who took time out of their busy day to see the world where their child learns and grows and meet the teachers who will direct their learning and shape their character.
Throughout the first days of school, I had the pleasure of observing teachers and students in action, in the classroom and on the playground. I also enjoyed watching parents interact with their children. Relationships define our community. Your involvement with your child, their peers, and other parents will help your student thrive. In addition to daily and weekly communication between school, classroom, and home, we have several school activities that bring parents and families together as a community to develop relationships that will last a lifetime. Events coming up in the next several weeks include: the General Parent Meeting (9/14), Parochial Athletic League football and volleyball games (beginning the week of 9/19), Fall Fest (10/6), Blessing of the Animals (10/4), and Tricks, Treats, and Tacos (10/25). I encourage you to attend school events. They are a great way for your family to connect with the school community, build bonds with the people who make up the "village" where your child is raised, and create great memories.
There are many adjustments for both parents and students as you get settled in to the rhythms and routines of school. A very important part of our school day is getting students to class on time and safely, and picking them up at the end of the day. Please follow drop off and pick up procedures. They are designed to promote efficiency and ensure safety. Your patience and cooperation are needed for a safe and smooth transition to and from school.
Drop off and pick up reminders
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K - 8 Extended Care drop off is from 7:00 am - 7:30 am
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PreK Extended Care drop off is from 7:00 am - 8:05 am
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K - 8 school day drop off is from 7:35 am - 8:00 am
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PreK school day drop off is from 8:10 am - 8:30 am
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PreK pick up is from 11:30 am - 11:50 am / 2:30 pm - 2:50 pm
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K - 8 pick up is from 12:00 pm - 12:20 pm / 2:50 pm - 3:10 pm
Other reminders
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Drive slowly
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Do not use your cell phone while driving in the parking lot
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Use the crosswalk
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During morning drop off, exit the car from the passenger side
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During afternoon pick up, K - 8 parents do not enter the parking lot until directed
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Do not park in the middle aisle reserved for staff
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Do not park in the red zone unless directed to do so
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Do not make a u-turn at the school entrance during drop off and pick up
Safety is a top priority at St. Francis School. Our procedures allow for everyone to arrive and depart as quickly and safely as possible. Over 550 students and 250 cars enter and exit the school parking lot between 7:35 am - 8:30 am and 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm. The key to a safe and efficient program is COOPERATION and PATIENCE. Procedures work best when everyone follows them. Thank you for your support!
Tom Waszak
Principal
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Dear Parents,
For many of you, last week was the opening of a new academic year. For others, the school routine has already been established. Whatever, the case, welcome to a year full of anticipated growth and spiritual development for your children and our students.
As a parent myself, and with fond memories of being a Catholic school teacher, introducing children and young people to the mission and legacy of Jesus Christ within an academic environment serves no greater purpose. Our world needs individuals committed to faith, integrity and social justice as well as those having leadership skills in making a significant difference in our fast-paced (and growing more so) world.
The recent weather conditions in South Texas and southern Louisiana that created Hurricane Harvey and the fires that have plagued our Western states cannot be prevented. However, the balance of the many people offering their support with resources and prayer give testimony that God is living in the lives of people. The turbulence in the world through war and hunger is devastating. Yet, we see images of people committed to peacemaking and service to others. This is what we wish our students to feel and develop as they grow. Within our schools, they are never too young for carrying out the phrase, "Go Make a Difference."
We are most grateful to you as parents for entrusting your children to us. We take this task most seriously as we begin this school year, and our dearest wish is for you to experience their lives as they journey through the next ten months May the year be blessed for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Sally Todd, Interim Superintendent
DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DEPARTMENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
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General Parent Meeting
September 14 - 7:00 pm |
Please join us in the Seamus Glynn Center at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 14 for the first General Parent Meeting of the 2017 - 2018 school year.
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Uniform Exchange
Thursday, September 14 |
Visit the Uniform Exchange in the Seamus Glynn Center on Thursday, September 14 between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm to stock up on items that your children need this fall!
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On-site Volunteer Fingerprinting
September 20 |
Volunteer Fingerprinting
SFA Innovation Center / Library
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
As a service to our parent/guardian volunteers, we are offering fingerprinting services here at St. Francis on September 20 between the hours of 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. The cost of the service is
$57.00 paid by cash or credit card at time of fingerprinting as well as a photo ID such as a State issued driver's license. Fee is paid directly to Certix.
Please stop by the school office no later than
Monday, September 15 to pick up an "
Applicant Information Form" (this form will also be available on our school website under the "Parent" tab which will lead you to the "Volunteer" tab). This form needs to be submitted to the office no later than
Monday, September 18 by 4:00 pm in order for you to be entered in the database for the onsite fingerprinting.
Volunteer Requirements
All diocesan volunteers and employees, school and parish, age 18 and above, working in any capacity with minors, children under the age of 18, must obtain criminal background screening (fingerprinting), safe environment training (which includes acknowledgement of the the diocesan Policy Against Sexual Misconduct Code of Conduct). For the safety of our students, you may not volunteer until you have completed these important requirements.
Fingerprinting can take one to two weeks to clear and be entered in the school database. Parents/guardians will be directed to an alternative fingerprint location if they do not utilize SFA fingerprint services on
September 20.
Safe Environment Training - can be completed by logging on to
www.shieldthevulnerable.org. Be sure to keep the password you create as you will need it to renew every three years. At the completion of online training, you will need to print the certificate of completion at the end and turn it in to the office.
If you are interested in chaperoning activities as an authorized driver, please see the additional requirements available in the school office.
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After School Enrichment Classes for 2017-2018
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After School Enrichment courses at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School will be offered
four times a year in 6 or 8 week sessions.
Session One will run 8 weeks beginning the week of
September 18 and conclude the week of
November 10.
Hard copies of flyers for each class will be sent home tomorrow in each child's Thursday Folder. Additional copies can be obtained in the front office or
online.
We kindly ask that all forms or registration emails be completed this week to allow our instructors ample time to plan and prep materials.
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Monday
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Art
Chess
Show Choir**
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Tuesday
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Guitar / Ukulele
Origami
Shooting Stars Basketball
Spanish (Grades K-1)* - CLASS FULL
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Wednesday
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Mad Science
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Thursday
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Lego
Logic Club**
Spanish (Grades 2-4)* - CLASS FULL
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Friday
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Guitar / Ukulele
Soccer Shots
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Spanish classes capped at 15 students for K-1 and 20 students for 2-4. - CLASSES FULL FOR SESSION 1
**Show Choir and Logic Club are ongoing throughout the school year.
Please visit the
Enrichment page of our school website for more details on each class.
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Employment Opportunities for 2017-2018
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Extended Care Aide
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is seeking Extended Day Care Aides, for both our morning and afternoon programs.
This is a part-time position.
Monday through Friday
7:00 am - 8:00 am and 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
Hours will vary - (Minimum Days 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
Please submit references and resume to:
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Monday September 18 - Color red day. Have students wear red.
September 20 at 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Onsite Volunteer fingerprinting in the Innovation Center.
Click
here to sign up to volunteer for
9:00 am - 10:00 am Pre-K Recess and Snack.
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Fall Fundraiser
Mrs. Field's Cookie Dough and Yankee Candle
September 8 - 21 |
Fall Fundraiser Announcements
Last week students were introduced to our latest Fall Fundraiser, Mrs. Fields Cookie Dough and Yankee Candle Sales. At the kick-off assembly several exciting prizes were highlighted. Below are a few reminders about those prizes.
Extra Prize Give Away Days!
Reminder to bring in your Blue Tickets for every 5 items sold on Thursday, September 14, Tuesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 21 during recess to receive a prize!
Additional Prizes!
For the families that sell a minimum of $225 worth of items each child in the family will join in an Ice Cream Party!
The Class that raises the most money will have a Pizza Party!
The Child that raises the most money will receive $100.
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Fall Fest!
Friday, October 6 |
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Courtyard
Friday, October 6 from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
This Fall, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School will once again host a Brew Fest style event to raise spirits (literally and figuratively) and funds for our school. "Fall Fest" will bring our community together for a fabulous evening of the best brews, delicious hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, raffle prizes, and fun that will directly benefit our school!
Your ticket buys you:
- A sample pour from each of our 3 sponsoring breweries as well as 2 wine tastings. Once you have found a sample you like, you can purchase a full glass!
- A tapas style appetizer from each of our 3 restaurant sponsors.
- A night of music and fun with the SFA community.
Ticket Prices:
- $35 each or $40 with commemorative glass*
*ticket prices increase by $5 at the door
Order forms can be downloaded below. Hard copies will be sent home with students in "Thursday Folders" on 9/8 and can also be picked up at the front office.
Raffle Prizes:
- $10 or $25 for 3 = One (1) month free tuition for one (1) child*
*maximum value paid is $545
- $25 or $100 for 5 = Reserved parking spot*
*Reserved parking in a market spot next to Mr. Rodriguez for all school events, including drop off, pick up, Open House, Christmas program, etc. The winning family can use the spot 10/9/17 - 3/9/18. Parking spot may be used by winning family only. No limit on ticket purchase; need not attend to purchase or collect prize.
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As part of our fundraising efforts for the Annual 8th Grade East Coast Study Trip, a variety of food vendors offer fun lunch options for only $5.00 each Wednesday. Parent volunteers collect and tally orders at the start of each week, arrange for pick-up or delivery of meals, and handle distribution from the kitchen during lunch period.
Below is an order form for DC Dining for Trimester 1 at St. Francis. You may fill out the entire form at once, or print and order on a weekly basis. If you are ordering weekly, please be sure to turn the form and payment in to the office by Monday of the week you are ordering a meal.
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Francis' Fury Friends - Pet Supply Drive
October 2 - 6, 2017 |
As part of their annual Christian Service Project, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School fifth graders will be collecting pet food, toys, and gently used blankets and towels during
the first week of October to donate to OC Animal Care, Orange County's open admission animal shelter. The organization strives to save the lives of all healthy, treatable, and manageable dogs and cats in the community by hosting monthly adoption events, recruiting volunteer foster caretakers, and partnering with local non-profits and rescue groups. St. Francis students hope to improve the lives of the animals cared for at the shelter and allow more animals a chance to be adopted.
The project coincides with St. Francis' annual Blessing of the Animals event held each year on
October 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, and our school's namesake.
Donations to Francis' Furry Friends can be dropped off at school
October 2 - 6, 2017.
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| Volunteer at St. Martin de Porres Oktoberfest! |
St. Francis of Assisi School needs families for our St. Martin de Porres Oktoberfest booth the weekend of September 22, 23 and 24. St. Francis will be manning the Duck Pond game booth. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school to support one of our founding parishes and acquaint all St. Martin de Porres parishioners with our school community. Your volunteer hours in our St. Francis game booth will be credited to your volunteer hour commitment to our school. 8th graders can also earn service hours by working in this booth!
Please click here to sign-up for a shift.
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| Volunteer at the San Antonio Fiesta! |
| Volunteer Opportunities for 2017 - 2018! |
Fall Fundraisers are approaching quickly and we need your help!
We are looking for parent volunteers to assist with a few of our upcoming Fall events. These events include Kona Ice and the Uniform Exchange.
Please contact Admissions Director, Tammy Clarida with any questions regarding volunteer opportunities.
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| Class Representatives Needed |
As we approach the 20th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School we are expanding the scope and scale of our Alumni Association. Going forward, each graduating class will have a Chairperson. The role does not require an excessive amount of time or work. We would simply like to streamline our communication with our alumni and be sure we are providing beneficial experiences. Having a point person for each class will help us maintain a good understanding of interests and needs.
To learn more about representing your graduating class within the SFAYL Alumni Association, please contact
Mrs. Ann Cooper.
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| Register On Our Alumni Directory |
If you have graduated from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and would like to stay up to date on all our alumni events and activities, please take a moment to register on our Alumni Directory using the link below.
If you have already registered, but your contact information has changed, please take a moment to update us.
http://www.sfayl.org/apps/directory/
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St. Martin de Porres Trunk-or-Treat 2017
October 27 |
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church's Ministry of Moms (MOM) is only a month away from it's 6th Annual Trunk - or - Treat event on Friday, October 27. The group is looking forward to this wonderful event and hopes to see your family there to join in the fun.
As planning is underway the following volunteer opportunities are available:
- Donation of trunks (Cars to be parked in the lot and candy provided by you to be handed out to Trunk-or-Treaters)
- Help with set-up. Anytime between 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm (The event starts at 5:30 pm)
- Help with clean up. 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm (The event ends at 7:30 pm)
- Pumpkin donations for decor
- Balloon donations for decor
- Gift card donations (Costco, Trader Joe's, Party City, Stater Bros., Vons, Ralphs, etc.)
- Candy bag donations
Again, we hope to see you there. The kids have an absolute blast playing with their buddies and making new friends. We are planning on having a costume parade, music, a photo spot and dinner for purchase.
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| Us In The Son Christmas Concert 2017 |
Help bring the spirit of Us In The Son to the holiday season and stay in touch with your friends, volunteers, and counselors this winter by signing up to participate in a special Christmas recital at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church.
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| Mater Dei Admissions Information |
Admissions Applications
Athletic Information Night - September 26
Meruelo Athletic Center - Mater Dei High School
Presentation begins at
7:00 pm
Future Monarch Information Night #1 - October 26
Meruelo Athletic Center
Campus tours begin at
6:00 pm
Presentation begins at
7:00 pm
7th and 8th Grade Visit Day - November 7
Come as an individual attendee or with your school
*Students who come as an individual attendee must have an adult chaperone with them
Family Campus Tours - Year-Round
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