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January 16
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MLK Holiday |
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February 20
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President's Day |
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April 13 - 21
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Easter Break |
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May 29
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Memorial Day |
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June 16
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Last Day of School |
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January 11, 2017
Dear St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Families,
At this time of year, 8th grade students applying to Catholic high schools are completing their applications. The application includes teacher recommendations, transcripts, standardized test scores, an entrance exam, and a personal interview. The annual ritual is followed by a period of anxiousness, waiting for a letter of acceptance. It is good preparation for what's to come when students apply to college. Whether it is high school or college, each school is looking for insights about the applicant's interests, abilities, and how they fit the school's profile. The process also sheds light on the impact of a St. Francis education on our students. St. Francis School is an integral part of their journey.
Completing the high school application is a revealing process. The application involves both quantified measures of aptitude as well as qualitative attributes that reflect interests, attitudes, and work habits. St. Francis students are blessed with many opportunities in and outside the classroom that help prepare them for high school. Our academic and extracurricular programs challenge students to grow and reach their potential. We strive to transform the mind and heart. Rooted in gospel values, our students are taught to love and display empathy and compassion, and to put these traits into action. Another key part of our mission is to prepare students to be leaders.
Those opportunities are impacted by the adults and peers who influence their development and by the school's Catholic identity. When you look at the big picture over a span of time, you will be amazed at your child's accomplishments and milestones, and you will be thankful for all who shaped them along the way.
The high school application process motivates our students to think about their future. It is never too early to spend time with your children exploring their interests. Find things they're excited about, things that bring joy. Help them on their search to find their purpose in life. This is not easy and there is no timeline, but it can be a rewarding experience. Listen more than talk and ask questions. Support them and allow their abilities and interests to evolve with time.
Watching my children grow up, it is abundantly clear that the sacrifices made to provide a strong Catholic school foundation were worth it. Their Catholic school education laid a strong foundation for academic, personal, and spiritual growth. Our job as parents is to teach our kids to be prepared for life and to contribute positively to the world. A Catholic education cannot guarantee either, but it does increase the odds for both!
Come celebrate your child's Catholic education at our Open House on Sunday, January 29, between 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. It is an honor and a privilege to partner with you on your child's journey! Thank you for all you do to make St. Francis an amazing school community.
Tom Waszak
Principal
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We would like to take a few minutes to thank our Principal Mr. Waszak, the entire St. Francis staff, students and parents for all their prayers, best wishes and encouragement in helping our daughter Laurie Avina endure her kidney failure situation while awaiting a kidney transplant.
As Laurie's parents, it is most gratifying to witness an assembly of such considerate St. Francis friends and well-wishers, all equally catering to Laurie's needs, whether guiding her to special school parking spaces, holding her two children Kailee and Troy when her dialysis was delayed, the third grade classes providing yummy snacks or those wonderful and yummy home delivered meals by the parents, the St. Francis family have truly touched our hearts.
We are honored to have been blessed with two courageous siblings, Laurie Avina the kidney recipient, and her donor brother Justin Murrietta, who GOD chose as his assistant to demonstrate HIS healing power in answer to the many prayers and our devoted faith in HIM. Laurie & Justin are beyond doubt blessed as the chosen two for HIS almighty miracle.
In closing, this quote is becoming of all:
"Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature.
What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage."
- St. Francis of Assisi
Thank you all-
Armando and Rose Marie Murrietta and Family
Yorba Linda, CA
Parents of Laurie & Justin
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| 2017 / 2018 Sibling and Preschool Intent Forms |
Sibling Interest Forms for Preschool - 8th Grade and Letters of Intent to Return for Preschool / Pre-K were sent home in last week's Thursday Folders. Letters were sent with either your oldest child or your current Preschool / Pre-K student. Please be sure to check your child's backpack as feedback is due no later than
Thursday, January 12, 2017.
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Open House!
January 29, 2017 |
Please mark your calendar for this year's Open House, taking place Sunday, January 29, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
You won't want to miss this special day as we celebrate our school and showcase what makes St. Francis such an amazing "home" for our visiting families.
Become a Part of "Team Tour" for Open House!
We are in need of some fun, friendly parents to serve as part of "Team Tour" during Open House. These parents play a very critical role by serving as tour guide ambassadors to visiting families, welcoming them in and answering questions. You are essentially the face of St. Francis and may be just the person that assists and guides them in making that important school decision!
No experience is necessary: Tour Guide training will be available on Monday, January 23 at 8:05 am, 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Consider signing up to do a tour or two. It's really fun! For more information or to join "Team Tour" please visit our Open House 2017 Signup
http://signup.com/go/SHdLtY
. Or contact Tammy Clarida in the admissions office.
Promotion Weekend - January 22 and 23!
In preparation for Open House, all three parishes will be promoting St. Francis and encouraging families to visit our Open House event by sharing more about our school at all masses the weekend of January 21 and 22.
If you are one of our tri-parish families, you should have received an email from your parish liaison identifying some fun ways to get involved. Please consider signing up to serve as an ambassador for our school in some capacity during this weekend.
If you happen to attend another Catholic Church, but would like to help at one of the three parishes, please contact Tammy Clarida in the school office for more information.
All St. Francis students should be dressed in full "Mass Uniform" when participating and/or attending mass during Promotional Weekend. All students dressed as ambassadors of St. Francis, in school uniform, will earn a "Relaxed Dress" privilege for Monday, January 23.
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SFAYL Alumni Reunion at Open House
January 29, 2017 |
Please join us for our 2nd annual Alumni Reunion. Visit with past teachers, reconnect with old friends, and see how campus has changed since you have been here.
We will once again be providing reunion t-shirts and taking a group photo at
11:00 am, this time with Giovanni the Wolf. RSVP via Evite
here.
New this year, use the hashtag
#SFAYLAlumni on Instagram pics to be included in a slide show at the reunion. Dust off those old yearbooks and snap a shot, or take a selfie today with an old St. Francis friend. Tag
@StFrancisYL so we can share your walk down memory lane.
We look forward to seeing you on
January 29!
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CORRECTION! Last week there was a typo in our announcement regarding the Service Hours requirement for St. Francis families.
The correct commitment for each St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School family is 20 hours per school year or a buy out fee of $250.
The service period runs from
April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017, so there are only 3 months left! Please remember to log your service hours in Sycamore so that your family receives credit.
Any unfulfilled service hours will be billed to your FACTS account on
April 30, 2017 at the rate of
$12.50 per hour.
Any questions, please contact he business office at sseariac@sfayl.org.
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Family Lenten Event - Take Up Your Cross
March 2, 2017 |
| Seussical Jr. Coming to SFAYL this Spring! |
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School will be presenting it's first musical production, Seussical Jr., this Spring. We will be hosting a parent night on Wednesday, February 1 at 6:30 pm. Auditions and rehearsals will begin Tuesday, February 28. The production will be managed by Stagelight Family Productions.
We are excited to branch out and offer a new way for our students to be exposed to performing arts. No theater experience is necessary to participate. Thank you for your support as we launch this new activity. For more information, please download the file below.
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This Friday is half-day dismissal 11:30 am -11:50 am.
There is NO SCHOOL on
Monday, January 16.
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On rainy / windy days please check the Athletics page of our website for updates on game and practice schedules.
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DC Dining - January 11
New Season Pass |
DUE TO THE MLK HOLIDAY on Monday January 16, orders for January 18 are due
8:00 am on Friday, January 13
in order to accurately tally the number of meals needed.
Thank you for your support!
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Missionary Childhood Association Boxes
Due Friday, January 13
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All money and boxes for the Missionary Childhood Association must be returned by Friday, January 13. The Kindergarten team will be counting all donations first thing Monday morning and sending the proceeds to the Childhood Association.
Thank you for your help with this fundraiser!
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Donors and Sponsors
Moonlight Masquerade Auction Gala
February 25, 2017 |
Thank you to the St. Francis families who have contributed to the 2017 Auction Gala
as Donors and Sponsors!
| Donors: |
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| Beltran Family |
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BluffVacations.com
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Secured by Monnig Family
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| Cary Family |
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| Clewett Family |
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| Durham Family |
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Emily Job
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| Foye Family |
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| Garrido Family |
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| Kadlec Family |
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| Leo Family |
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| Magic Castle |
Secured by Barry Family |
| Manzella Family |
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| Morgan Family |
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| Nguyen Family |
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| Pena Family |
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| Rodriguez Family |
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| Rubalcava Family |
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| Sciabica Family |
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| Sherrill Family |
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Umholtz Family
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Wizard Sports
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Secured by Doan Family
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| Sponsors: |
Hamra Family
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| Gail Ann Krishnan D.D.S., M.S. Family Dentistry |
| Manzella Family |
| Arroyo Family |
| B & B Plumbing |
| Father Seamus Glynn |
| Tornatela Family |
| Specialty Restaurants |
Dr. John P. Alley D.D.S. and
Dr. David T. Alley D.D.S.
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| Mater Dei High School |
| Emily Job |
We are in still in need of high quality auction items for the 2017 Auction Gala.
As an incentive, all families who make a donation to the Auction Gala will earn their child(ren) participation in an ice cream social to take place the week of March 6th.
Please contact Meichele Cary at
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Nacho Sales for Augie's Quest!
January 17 - 20 at Recess |
Help our 4th grade students with their Christian Service Project benefitting Augie's Quest by purchasing nachos during recess
January 17 - 20, 2017. The cost for each serving is
$2.00.
Augie Nieto is the successful fitness industry mogul behind Lifecycle, Life Fitness, and Octane Fitness. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. With guidance from a team of friends, researchers, and medical experts, Augie came to understand the bleak reality that ALS lacked the critical support or widespread research needed to find treatment and cures. Along with his wife, Lynne, they co-founded Augie's Quest to Cure ALS. Through events, partnerships, and fundraising activities around the globe, Augie continues to drive success by funding cutting edge ALS research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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| Angel Bin Shoe Drive - Last Call for Shoes! |
We have just a few short weeks left to collect shoes for the Angel Bin Shoe Drive. The Angel Bin arrives
January 24, 2017! If you are cleaning out your closets for the new year, please bring us your shoes no later than
Friday, January 20!
Funds raised through the Shoe Drive benefit our 8th graders participating in our East Coast Historical Tour this Spring. Thank you for your support!
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 We are still in need of carline volunteers in the morning. We need help on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and most especially Thursdays. Please contact Karen Carlos at karenccarlos@yahoo.com
if you would like to help. Thank you!
Check out a full list of school opportunities available on our SignUp.com page or visit our website for more details about volunteering.
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Open House Volunteers Needed!
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We are in need of volunteers to help with various tasks on January 29, 2017 at our Open House event. Click here to see a full list of volunteer opportunities at Open House.
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| Auction Gala Volunteers Needed! |
We are looking for parent volunteers to help at the Annual Auction Gala on February 25, 2017.
Assignments are open for set-up, activities during the event, and clean-up. For more specific information on positions and hours available please contact Karen Carlos via email at karenccarlos@yahoo.com.
Additionally, we are looking for alumni volunteers to help on the day of the event. If you know a St. Francis graduate that is looking for service hours or just wants to be a part of this fun evening, please have them contact Karen Carlos via email at karenccarlos@yahoo.com.
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Chairpersons Needed!
Carline Crew |
Karen Carlos has been the head of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Carline Crew for nearly 15 years now. With the graduation of her youngest son, Christopher, in June Karen will be retiring her parking lot wave. We will need a new Chairperson to fill her shoes for the 2017-2018 school year (and beyond). Ideally this new Chair would have the opportunity to shadow Karen as she carries out her role for the remainder of the school year. In particular it would be helpful to see how the Carline Chair participates in our Open House event at the end of January each year.
Please contact Karen Carlos at karenccarlos@yahoo.com if you are interested in learning more about becoming the St. Francis Carline Chairperson.
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Chairpersons Needed!
Father Seamus Glynn Tuition Assistance Dances |
The Development Committee is looking for a parent volunteer to Chair our Annual Father Seamus Glynn Tuition Assistance Dances this Spring. Also known as the Father-Daughter Dance and the Mother-Son Dance, these events are typically held in May. All proceeds from the dances go directly to our Tuition Assistance Fund.
Please consider donating your time to benefit a great cause. For more information on how you can help please contact Tawna Khamo at tawna.khamo@gmail.com. Thank you!
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| Upcoming Events at Mater Dei High School |
Admissions Events:
On January 12, 2017 Mater Dei will host our second Information Night. Campus tours will begin at 6:00 pm and our presentation will begin promptly at 7:00 pm in the Meruelo Athletic Center. All our our Department Chairs, Directors, Club Moderators and Coaches will be available for questions and there will be information sessions on Financial Aid, Technology and more. For questions, please call (714) 754-1175.
On January 30, 2017 Mater Dei will host our first event Athletic Information Night. If you plan on being a part of the Mater Dei Athletics program, you will not want to miss this informative evening. The event will start at 7:00 pm in our Meruelo Athletic Center.
Early Qualification Deadline. Submit your completed application by January 13, 2017 to be considered for early admission!
Performing Arts Camps:
The Mater Dei Academy invites you to be a part of the Band! This program is open to any student learning an instrument in grades 5-8 and of all levels of ability. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a number of performances with the great Mater Dei Band! The academy is Monday and
Thursdays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the Mater Dei Band Room. For more information, please contact Associate Director, Taylor Smith at
tsmith@materdei.org.
Save the Date! The Mater Dei Junior High Honor Choir will be performing on
Thursday, March 17, 2017 from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Segerstrom Hall. For more information on the Junior High Choir and for rehearsals visit
materdei.org/performingarts.
Athletic Camps:
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Winter Open House at Santa Margarita
Catholic High School
January 12, 2017 |
Santa Margarita Catholic High School would like to invite St. Francis families to attend the Winter Open House Event on Thursday, January 12 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Please click the link below to download more details.
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