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Caught Being Good
Tyler B.
1A
Ian P. 1A
Sophia B. 5A
Madisen D. 2B
Important Dates
There will be NO School
Monday, February 20
and
Friday, February 24.
February 20

President's Day
April 13 - 21

Easter Break
May 29

Memorial Day
June 16

Last Day of School
February 15, 2017

Dear St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Families,

In my recent messages, our Catholic Identity has been highlighted as one of our distinguishing characteristics. In addition to providing a rigorous academic program for religious studies and catechesis in the Catholic faith, we offer opportunities to learn about and experience their faith beyond the classroom. Examples include participation in liturgical and communal prayer, retreats, and service projects.  Another opportunity to experience our faith is on a field trip.

Last week, I took a much needed break from my daily duties and joined the 8th grade students on a field trip to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.  Located in the midst of downtown Los Angeles, the Cathedral serves as the religious and cultural center for over five million Catholics spread over 287 parishes and communities throughout Los Angeles.  Led by our favorite docent, we had a custom tour of the art, history, and architecture of the Cathedral and grounds. We finished the tour by celebrating Mass at the Cathedral. Our student altar servers assisted the priest celebrating Mass and brought up the gifts.  It was quite an experience for our students to stand at the massive altar where the Archbishop celebrates Mass as the leader of the largest Diocese in the United States.

The field trip included other highlights.  We took the metrolink train from Fullerton to Union Station in Los Angeles.  The iconic landmark is walking distance from the Cathedral.  The walk provided students with a great view of Los Angeles and its network of freeways. Union Station is also directly across the street from Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles.  The students had time to stroll the brick lined Mexican marketplace in the shadow of buildings prominent in California history. Of course we got hungry, so we ate at one of Southern California's best known restaurants, Philippe's.  We enjoyed the specialty of the house, the "French Dipped Sandwich" served with coleslaw and cold lemonade. The trip ended with a train ride through some of the older cities of Los Angeles as we made our way back to Orange County.  For anyone who has traveled by train, you know how much you can learn by looking out the window.

Our students learned what it is like to travel using commuter trains; they experienced the center of Catholic worship in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country; they visited historical landmarks, and they ate great food. The students were well prepared and the trip was very organized thanks to the work of the 8th grade teachers, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Lodin, and the support of 8th grade parents who helped get students to the train station.  I am also proud to say that our students received compliments from staff and visitors to the Cathedral as well as the restaurant.  Thanks to everyone who helped to make this a great day!

Tom Waszak
Principal
SCHOOL NEWS
2017/2018 Intent to Return
Kindergarten - 7th Grade

Believe it or not, it is time to start preparing for next year!  We need enrollment information from current families for the 2017/2018 school year.  We had a great response to Open House generating dozens of inquiries from prospective families.  We are very pleased with the strong interest from families considering St. Francis as their home away from home. 
 
Forecasting enrollment numbers is critical to both developing an effective budget as well as ensuring we do not overpopulate our classrooms for next year. To be as accurate as possible, we need your input.  Of course, our goal is to retain all current students but we understand that life circumstances may necessitate changes.  All we ask is that you let us know if you will not be returning next year. On Thursday, February 16, the Intent to Return Form will be sent home with the oldest child in each family.   Please submit the completed form (one per family) to the school office by Thursday, February 23.   Feel free to contact me directly should you have any concerns or questions regarding your family's continued enrollment at St. Francis.
 
2017/2018 Tuition and Fees will be announced on Thursday March 30 at the General Parent Meeting.  Registration information will be distributed to all Preschool-7th Grade families at the end of March.  Online registration will be available from March 31 until April 10. Registration and class fees will be due either April 10 if paid by cash or check or April 25 if paid through FACTS.

Thank you,
Tammy Clarida
Director of Admissions
Kindergarten Readiness Screenings
Kindergarten Readiness Screening as well as other important dates are listed below and are held in the Fr. Seamus Glynn Center:
 
Tuesday, February 15 at 7:00 pm
Kindergarten Readiness Screening Parent Information Meeting
 
Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22
Kindergarten Readiness Screening begins at  9:00 am
(Your child will be scheduled a time during their normal school day.)
 
Thursday, March 9 at 7:00 pm
Post Screening Results Meeting
 
Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 pm
Kindergarten Orientation
Seussical Jr. Pre-audition Workshop
February 28
This may be the first time in a production for many students.  We want them to feel at ease and just have fun.  Every student who wants to participate will be will be cast in the play, space permitting.  All students must be registered prior to the pre-audition workshop on February 28.  All workshops and auditions will be held in the Seamus Glynn Center.  Please turn all forms in to the office with a check made out to St. Francis of Assisi prior to Tuesday, February 28.

Pre-audition Workshop on Tuesday, February 28: 
K - Grade 3 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Grades 4 - 8 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Family Lenten Event - Take Up Your Cross
March 2, 2017
It is not too late to RSVP to this wonderful evening of fellowship and faith!



The St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Identity Ministry invites our families to attend "Take Up Your Cross," a family Lent event on Thursday, March 2 at 6:00 pm

The cost of the event is $20 per family.  The evening will include a soup bar for adults and children's dinner, as well as a handmade wooden cross with attached mason jar to be used for a daily activity for families during Lent.  

Families will each choose 40 things to do together (1 per day) from hundreds of examples.  Ideas will be put into the mason jar that is attached to each wooden cross.  These activities will transform your Lenten journey as a family.

LITTLE LAMBS NEWS
Our Kindergarten Readiness Parent Information Meeting is tonight at 7:00 pm.  The screening process is required for all children planning on attending Kindergarten here at St. Francis. The screenings will be on Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22.  

Kindergarten Readiness Screenings are much more than just the academics!  There is NO need to stress or prepare for these screenings! 

NO School on Monday, February 20 and Friday, February 24.
SPORTS NEWS
SFAYL Volleyball Tryout Dates:
Boys B (5th and 6th Grade):
Wednesday, February 22 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursday, February 23 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Boys A (7th and 8th Grade):
Wednesday, February 22 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursday, February 23 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Those interested in joining a team must attend all tryout dates.  If your child is unable to make a tryout, please contact Coach Blake Warye.

Team rosters will be posted in the News and Alerts section of www.sfayl.org.

Any questions regarding tryouts can be directed to Coach Blake Warye.
Basketball Photos
All basketball players need to bring their uniform to school  Friday, February 17  for picture day.
FUNDRAISING NEWS
DC Dining - February 22
Subway
As part of the fundraising efforts for our Annual 8th Grade East Coast Study Trip, St. Francis offers lunch from a variety of local food vendors each Wednesday. Next week our vendor is Subway.

Orders are due  8:00 am on Tuesday, February 21 in order to accurately tally the number of meals needed. 

Thank you for your support!

Auction Gala - Moonlight Masquerade
February 25
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO PURCHASE 
AUCTION GALA TICKETS!

Have you RSVP'd to our Annual Auction Gala yet?  

Don't miss out on the most exciting fundraising event of the school year!  Wednesday, February 15 is the deadline to RSVP.  Go to our Auction website and purchase your tickets tonight!

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:
Acosta Family
Aitken / Campbell Family

Ayjian Family
Beck Family
Beckley Family
Beltran Family
Betancourt Family
BluffVacations.com
Secured by Monnig Family
Bryson Family
Brkich Family
Burns Family
Bush Family
Cernius Family
Cary Family
Cleboski Family
Clewett Family
Mrs. Coad
Curran Family
Durham Family
Emily Job

Esparza Family
Fa Family
Flor Family
Flores Family
Freeman Family
Foxx Family
Foye Family
Garrido Family
Givenrod Family
Guerrero Family
Hattouni Family
Jurilla Family
Kadlec Family
Kaufman Family
Khama Family
Mrs. Kwan
Lahlouh Family
Leo Family
MacArthur Family
Magic Castle
Secured by Barry Family
Manzella Family
Maricich Family
Mrs. Martinson
McCarthy Family
Medina Family
Moncada Family
Monnig Family
Mulvey Family
Morgan Family
Nguyen Family
Mrs. Nieto
Ms. Pigott
Podraza Family
Queiroz Family
Pena Family
Reveal Windows and Doors
Secured by the Lorenz Family
Rodriguez Family
Rubalcava Family
Sciabica Family
Sherrill Family
Silva Family
Thompson Family
Tornatela Family
Umholtz Family

Wang Family
Wing Family
Wizard Sports
Secured by Doan Family
Yoo Family

Sponsors:
Platinum
Hamra Family
Queiroz Family
Diamond
Gail Ann Krishnan D.D.S., M.S. Family Dentistry
Gold
Aitken Campbell Heikaus Weaver, LLP
B & B Plumbing
Father Seamus Glynn
San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church
Tornatela Family
Silver
Ayjian Family
Maricich Health
Rosary Academy
Pearl
BHC Crane
Big Fly Ideation - Kevin Mautino
Firearm Training Associated - Cheryl Murphy
Paulus Engineering, Inc.
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Santa Clara de Asis Catholic Church
Specialty Restaurants
Bronze
Romil and Teresa Angcaco
Dr. John P. Alley D.D.S. and 
Dr. David T. Alley D.D.S.
Curran Family
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Viking Garage Doors
Family/Friend
LuLaRoe by Emily Job
Harper Family
Yoo Family
Faculty / Priest
Romil and Teresa Angcaco
Kiely Family
Dinner / Wine
Art and Michelle Acosta
Kadlec Family
Entertainment
Arroyo Family
Miscellaneous
Glorious Flowers
Villa Family




























Auction Gala Highlights!
Auction Gala 2017
Moonlight Masquerade - A Mardi Gras Celebration
February 25, 2017
5:00 pm - Midnight
Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort
Huntington Beach, California
 

Exciting opportunities from vacation getaways to unique items guaranteed to delight and surprise will be available to bid on at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic School's 19th Annual Auction Gala, "Moonlight Masquerade" on 
Saturday, February 25 . Each week a few of these items are highlighted in our St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School eNewsletter.  



One Happy Hour Party at
Howl at the Moon Hollywood
: 
Includes exclusive drink deals for all guests. Free admission for all guests (up to 100 people). Happy Hour party date must be selected and reserved one week in advance by phone or email.  Value $500



Clippers Tickets:
Four Clippers Tickets Clippers vs. NY Knicks Monday, March 20, 2017 @ 7:30 pm. Section 113, Row 13 Seats 9-12

To see a full list of items available for bidding, please visit the   Auction Gala website .

Please contact Michelle Manzella and Cristen Durham at fundraisers@sfayl.org with any questions regarding the 2017 Auction Gala.
$1 Jeans Day - February 28
Please remember to bring a dollar to school next week to purchase a Jeans Day pass for Fat Tuesday.

All funds raised through Jeans Day sales support the Eighth Grade Brunch!

VOLUNTEER NEWS
We Love Volunteers!
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.
Auction Gala Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help at the Annual Auction Gala on February 25, 2017
at the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort. 

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.


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.  

Please contact Karen Carlos at karenccarlos@yahoo.com if you are interested in learning more about becoming the St. Francis Carline Chairperson.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Diocese of Orange
Subscription Drive - OC Register / OC Catholic

In an effort to support the critical mission of our schools to educate and form young Catholics - the Orange County Catholic newspaper is launching a special subscription program in honor of Catholic Schools Week, January 29 - February 4, 2017.  This program will enable individual students or classes to raise needed funds for their Catholic school and enable highly engaged schools to generate significant in-kind advertising support on Catholic radio, in the OC Catholic newspaper, and on the OC Catholic website and mobile application network.  The monies generated will support the educational ministry of your school.  

Order forms will be sent home in Thursday Folders this week and additional forms are available in the front office.  If you would like to subscribe online, simply click here.

DETAILS:
  • For every one year subscription
    (52 weeks/Sunday only)
    $5.00 will be contributed to your school
  • Subscriptions will cost the subscriber
    $1.00 for the year (52 weeks/Sunday only)

Upcoming Events at Mater Dei High School

Sports Camps:
High School and Youth Camps Available Now
More Camps will be Added in Spring!

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.
Rosary Cheer and Dance Clinic
Rosary Academy will be hosting a cheer and dance clinic Saturday, February 18 from 9:00 am - noon. This is a great fundraiser for our spirit program. To learn more please click here.

Weight Training at Santa Margarita High School


St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School | 714-695-3700 | webmaster@sfayl.org | http://www.sfayl.org
5330 Eastside Circle
Yorba Linda, CA 92887