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News From the Head of School
By Lauren Lek, Head of School
Dear Parents, Students and Friends:
Words cannot express my gratitude and thanks to so many of you who have already leaped at the opportunity to sponsor an element of our upcoming annual gala, Vive La France, celebrating the history of our Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The planning and details that have gone into this years' event will ensure an unforgettable night!
For those of you who have not yet purchased tickets, or are interested to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities, be sure to do so quickly. This is an evening that you do not want to miss! It is a special opportunity for our entire community to come together: parents, grandparents, alumnae, alumnae parents, community partners, faculty, staff and our Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. If you have delayed…don't wait another day! CLICK HERE.
In addition to our annual Gala, this month also brings with it a multitude of opportunities to celebrate our Catholic, CSJ identity. On Thursday, February 6th our community will come together to honor current students who exemplify what it means to live out the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. At the Miss OLP Assembly, the school will honor a sophomore, junior or senior who exemplify the spirit of OLP and the CSJ charism. This is a time honored tradition, and first began in 1947. Women were chosen for their spirit of peace, gentleness and joy. The legacy began with Patricia Arnold, and still continues today.
I would also urge parents to consider joining us for our Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday, February 18th. At our school wide Junior Unity Mass, we were blessed with a plethora of parents. I hope to continue that trend and see many of our community members join us for our upcoming liturgical celebrations. Please consider attending at least one Mass each year to join with us as a community of faith.
I wish you all a blessed February, and thank each and everyone of you for all you do on behalf of our 750 young women!
Lauren Lek
Head of School
February Updates
By Jessica Hooper, Assistant Head of School
Dear Parents & Students,
Appreciating that February is African American History Month, I recently accepted an invitation to view the critically acclaimed film, Selma; a film that depicts the events of the 1965 freedom march from Selma to Montgomery led by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The film reminded me once more of the incredible group of women that make up the Sisters of St. Joseph because in 1965 they also answered the call to rise against injustice and marched in solidarity to support the Civil Rights Movement. Their passion of justice for all and their dedication to bring unifying love to the world continues to inspire and challenge us each day at OLP. In 2007, a film titled "Sisters in Selma" was produced and provides an account of the Sisters' participation in this significant event within United States history. For more information about the film click here.
By the Sisters' example, and from the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., we have learned that,"The time is always right to do what is right." A sentiment that is echoed throughout all that we teach here at OLP. On our own campus last week half of the Junior class and Mrs. Gascho�s Holocaust through Literature class were privileged to hear a presentation from Mr. Ben Midler, a holocaust survivor. This incredible opportunity was made possible by a partnership with the Anti-Defamation League and we are ever so grateful to the League and hope to continue this tradition for future classes in the coming years.
The plazas are alive with the sound of music! Spring Sing is forging ahead in full force and it is absolutely wonderful to see our classes bond over choreography, singing, acting and the creation of props. We certainly hope that you are able to join us for one of our annual Spring Sing performances on either Friday, February 27, 2015 or Saturday, February 28th. Both performances begin at 7:30 and tickets can be purchased through the OLP website. Please note that the entire week of February 23rd through February 26th consists of early dismissals (12:45 PM) to help accommodate Spring Sing preparations.
As we celebrate decades old traditions such as the Miss OLP Ball and Spring Sing, we also look forward to the future generation of Pilots! We are in daily preparations to accept the OLP Class of 2019 and would like to offer a very enthusiastic "thank you" to all of the parent, student, faculty and staff volunteers who have helped our efforts during this recent recruitment season. We most definitely could not have succeeded without you!
Thank you for your continued partnership in the education of your daughter.
God Bless,
Mrs. Jessica Hooper
Assistant Head of School
WorldLink: Youth Town Meeting Conference at USD
By Ana Maria Rubio '16
On January 21st, students from all over San Diego County and south of the border gathered at the University of San Diego for the WorldLink: Youth Town Meeting Conference. This year's conference was focused on Healing The Wounds of Violence. The conference was specialized to end violence by identifying violence, healing through medical and alternative therapies, transitional justice, restorative justice, and violence preservation.The conference consisted of an opening panel, three briefing sessions, a delicious lunch, and a closing panel. The conference also featured more than 15 speakers and more than 700 attendees at the Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice on USD's campus.
I had the privilege to be an intern with the WorldLink program, and got to experience the conference from backstage. Getting to work with high school students from San Diego and Tijuana was a genuine experience where everyone gets to know each other and converse about the issues that should be resolved. Getting to hear amazing speakers and their experiences with violence really opened up my eyes on how anyone can get involved to alleviate and end violence.
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BeYOUtiful Event for Girls A Success
By Kat Prevo '15
The BeYOUtiful Project began in January 2014 in Mrs. Flannery's American Literature class when my classmates and I read The Scarlet Letter. This classic covers how women are unjustly portrayed through restrictive societal beliefs and values. Women in the era this book was written were viewed as property with no legal identity and no voice for change. After reading the novel, my class watched the thought-provoking film, "Miss Representation," which shows how females are portrayed, used, and misrepresented in our present society.
In class we discussed both the novel and film. We talked about what society idolizes as the image of the perfect woman. We found that the typical perfect image many girls glorify is unrealistic and unattainable. This often presents a struggle for young women who grow up in such a world where media is shoved into everyday lives. Many girls in Mrs. Flannery's American Lit classes were disappointed and infuriated that there are still visible inequalities between men and women in today's world. Prevalent through the negative and positive influences of magazine ads, television shows, movies, music, and even politics, this ongoing inequality and misrepresentation inspired my friends and I to start the BeYOUtiful Project.
The BeYOUtiful Project focuses on empowering young women through love, confidence, and awareness. We educate girls on the negative and positive ways women are portrayed in media. We also strive to support young women in developing their own personality, style, and embracing their uniqueness. We shared this message of empowerment with younger girls in middle school where body image and self-confidence starts to dramatically form.
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NAHS Partners with Literature Class to Create Children's Books for Father Joe's Villages
By Elsi Hildebrand '15
In January the National Art Honor Society paired up with Mrs. Turner's Writing in Literature Class to create children's books for the preschoolers at Father Joe's Villages. Both class and art club have had a field trip to meet, interact, and get to know the preschoolers. Last Thursday, NAHS brought finger painting and coloring utensils to have an art project with the preschoolers and it was such a wonderful experience to reach out and interact with the San Diego community.
As a team, we are pairing a writer with an artist to combine ideas and styles to fit the likes and personalities of the preschoolers we have met. Not only have we had visits to inspire our creative skills, but there are also the dozens and dozens of children's books around Mrs. Turner's classroom to inspire us. During co-curriculars, our team sits down to read different children's books, brainstorm, and get feedback from both Mrs. Turner and Mr. Stringer. The children's book project is just beginning, but so far it has brought two classes together to reach out into the San Diego community to unite and connect with others. This can be seen as just a unique school project, but to me, this project is really bringing students, teachers, preschoolers, and families at Father Joe's Villages together to share a creative, thoughtful, and enriching experience.
Government Students Attend State of the City Address
By Ms. Bridgette Will, Social Studies Department & Rebecca Lindgren '15
On Wednesday, January 21st, students form Ms. Will's Government class attended Mayor Kevin Faulconer's State of the City Address at Balboa Theatre. Mayor Faulconer covered various topics, including the need for infrastructure improvements in the city, as well as the proposed Convention Center and Chargers Stadium projects. OLP students were able to make connections between issues covered in his speech and themes they are studying in Government class�all while brushing elbows with some major players in local government, including San Diego's first female police chief, Shelley Zimmerman.
During his ten months of office, Mayor Faulconer has put a lot of effort into the appearance of the neighborhoods and wants to continue with putting fifty percent of income into failing infrastructure and roads. Faulconer vowed to bring more equality between different communities and groups by building five new fire stations, recruiting and retaining more police officers and first responders, and building a permanent shelter for the homeless so they don't have to sleep on the streets at night. A much larger program that he is initiating is for the goal of 100% renewable energy in San Diego with decreased greenhouse gases for the future generations. The mayor brought up the plan to build a new stadium for the Chargers to keep them in San Diego for the economic profit from their products. Faulconer also talked about the plans for higher education, more library hours in a decade, and faster Wi-Fi in libraries so that no one will be denied education. Even though some of Faulconer's plans seem far off, the address gives all San Diegans something to hope for and anticipate.
The Renaissance Comes to OLP
By Laura Longobardi '03, English Department
On Monday, January 26, 2015, during cocurricular, parents, students, and faculty gathered on OLP's Lower Plaza to enjoy a small slice of the Renaissance. After three weeks of intense research on specific aspects of Renaissance life, the freshmen were prepared to share their new knowledge with their junior big sisters and parents. The students' hard work paid off. Parents and faculty alike were impressed by the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm the students had for their subject. Students dressed up as pieces of art, demonstrated the symptoms of bubonic plague, and played popular Renaissance music. Others modeled the latest fashions from Elizabethan England, advertised for domestic and international Renaissance travel, provided samples of new delicacies, and reenacted the religious and political controversies of the time.
Students found the experience of being the expert to be exciting and interesting. As they begin to read Romeo and Juliet, most students agree that they have a better understanding of the context in which Shakespeare wrote his plays.
The Renaissance Faire was the result of multidisciplinary collaboration between the Drama, English, and History departments to help students see the connections between the subjects they take at OLP, and prepare them to read William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
State of the Arts
By Vanessa Rebeil '15
As the New Year began, Thespians hit the floor running! Legally Blonde Jr.'s cast has begun rehearsing. Their choreographers, Susana Alvarado '15 and Rachel Rougas '16, have been hard at work choreographing "Positive" and "Bend and Snap." Meanwhile, Thespian President Vanessa Rebeil '15 is directing a one act of Steel Magnolias in order to compete at the California State Thespian Conference. Vanessa, Jordan Stewart '15, Rachel Rougas '15, Bella Rivera '16, Torrey Schenewerk '15, Andrea Cervantes '15 and Grace Newton '17 have been rehearsing twice a week in order to prepare for the competition. They hope to make it to "Play Marathon" at International Thespian Conference in Nebraska.
On January 9th, Vanessa Rebeil '15, Keara Kirkpatrick '15, Jordan Stewart '15, Rachel Rougas '15, Bella Rivera '16, and Grace Newton '17 went to St. Patrick's Elementary School to give 6-8th graders a drama workshop session. The girls split up the 60 kids into different groups, and rotated them through 15 minute sessions. The groups did problem solving games, improv, stage fighting, dance, and warm up exercises. The students seemed to really enjoy doing something completely different from their regular schedule, while still learning skills that will help them throughout life.
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Spring Sing 2015
By the Spring Sing Leadership Team
Spring Sing 2015, "Fairy Tales" is on its way! Students are rehearsing diligently from 2:30-5:00 every day in February, preparing for the February 27th and 28th performances at the Balboa Theatre. The Freshmen will take you back to when the Lost Boys of Peter Pan became lost with a heartwarming story we're all working very hard on! We are ready to kick off Spring Sing with our show filled with laughter, excitement, and acceptance!. The Sophomores will take you on a magic carpet ride to the world of Aladdin and the Genie (with a twist). You will truly find that "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic."
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Internship Opportunities
Summer Cancer Academy at UC San Diego School of Medicine: Applications being accepted for Summer 2015
For the 8th year the Oncofertlity Science Academy at UC San Diego School of Medicine will host a 6 week intensive summer academy, primarily taught by doctors in the Medical School. Academy dates are May 16 and July 9 - August 15, 2015.
Girls who will have completed at least a year of biology or chemistry and will enter 11th or 12th grade in the Fall of 2015 are eligible to apply. Completed applications must be submitted electronically by February 13, 2015.
All applicants MUST attend a meeting on February 18, with a parent. Meeting will be at the San Diego County Office of Education in order for their application to be considered.
A complete application includes the application form and essay as well as two teacher recommendations. All program information and application forms are available on our website at: http://repromed.ucsd.edu/oncofertility/
Applications Being Accepted for The Early Investigator High School (EiHS) Stem Cell Research Programs
The Early Investigator High School (EiHS) Stem Cell Research Programs at USC offer a rare opportunity for aspiring scientists to step into the shoes of stem cell researchers.
Held at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, EiHS is the only high school program that guarantees participating students hands-on experience with human stem cells in state-of-the-art research facilities. Participants in the EiHS program are given the rare opportunity to work in the research laboratories of world-renowned scientists at the USC Keck School of Medicine and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
Applications are due by April 1, 2015. Click here to apply.
MIT Office of Engineering Outreach Program Internships
Since 1975, our programs have provided enriching science and engineering experiences to over 3,000 middle and high school students free of charge.
In 2014, we served around 500 diverse and talented students. 60 to 70 percent of our students come from low socio-economic backgrounds. 70 to 80 percent of our students are underrepresented minorities.
Our students leave our programs with heightened confidence in their skills, knowledge and abilities in science and engineering. Many go on to become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Click here to learn more about the programs available and how to apply.
Visit to Le Puy, France and the Return to Our CSJ Charism
By Kathleen Guerin, English Department
A unique opportunity allowed Mrs. Handelsman and I to visit Lyon and Le Puy in France in January. We had often shared an interest in organizing a pilgrimage to Le Puy and we seized the chance to go there and see what we could do with students. On a cold morning we journeyed from Paris by train to Lyon where we met with Sister Maria Theresa the provincial for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon. Sister Maria Theresa greeted us at the Welcome Center in Lyon where she guided us on toward the locked rooms where they store Mother St. John Fontbonne's artifacts. Her habit, bed, glasses, and prayer book are displayed beautifully. She then took us to the chapel where the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon worshipped and where Sr. Maria Theresa took her vows 56 years ago.
The next leg of our journey found us on another train to Le Puy arriving in the city late at night with Saint Michel lit up high above the city. We woke to a beautiful medieval city and met our next contact, Sister Susan of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. Sister Susan works in the International Center for the Sisters of St. Joseph. She walked with us around the city pointing out the sights and shared descriptions of the city during the tourist season. Since it was January this was not a great time to visit, as many places were closed, but Sister Susan described the lively city and the variety of celebrations and events that go on there when the weather is better. She drove us to the International Center where we could see the facilities for visitors. The Center serves as a retreat center as well as a residence for visiting Sisters.
Our final meeting was with Sister Simone of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Le Puy. Sister Simone proved to be the most colorful of our guides as she took us to the kitchen where Fr. Medaille divided the city and sent the Sisters out to help the women. This kitchen, much like Mother St. John Fontbonne's belongings, is hidden away behind locked doors with no identifying signs. After our visit to the kitchen Sister Simone took us to meet two sisters who own a lace shop and make lace. These two women carry on the traditions of Le Puy lace begun by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1650.
Our journey not only excited us about planning a pilgrimage for members of the OLP community but it renewed our passion for the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph. We saw the charisms alive and well in the people we met in Le Puy from Sister Simone, who, at 80-years-old, is an inspiration to us all to the bistro owner who carried on her great-grandmother's traditions. The next task facing us is organizing a trip for OLP. Watch for details as we work on a pilgrimage for the summer of 2016.
Alumnae Profile: Clarisse Casilang '02
OLP not only helped me to find my ultimate purpose in life, but it also taught me how important it is to make it our mission to share our gifts and talents with others. At OLP, I participated in student government, peer counseling and also spent many hours volunteering in our San Diego community, all of which involved serving others. OLP planted the seed of service to the "dear neighbor" in my heart. It was up to me to nurture and preserve it.
In June of 2014, I began my medical residency in the specialty of Pediatrics at UC San Francisco, Fresno Campus. Little did I know that a fellow alumna, Alicia Mikolaycik Kurtz, OLP '03, was also a resident at UCSF Fresno in the Department of Emergency Medicine until…that moment we happened to share a shift together in the Community Regional Medical Center ER in Fresno. It was a wonderful reunion. By the end of our rotation, nearly everyone in the ER knew we had attended the very best high school together!
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Alumnae News
Reunions
Alumnae from the Classes of 1945, 1950, 1955 and 1960 will celebrate their Jewel Jubilee Reunion on Saturday, February 28 with Mass and a luncheon. Invitations have been mailed but if you did not receive one, or you need more information, please contact Kirsten Hadzicki at [email protected] or 619-725-9136.
50th Jubilee Reunion for the Class of 1965
Members of the Class of 1965 will be honored on Thursday, May 28 with Mass, brunch and reserved seating at the OLP Commencement. Plans are also being made for a celebratory dinner following graduation. Please contact Kirsten Hadzicki at [email protected] for more information. We are also looking for any photos or memorabilia you might like to share with your classmates.
The Classes of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 are also having reunions this year. Reunion committees and plans are being made now. Contact [email protected] to volunteer or give your input.
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