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News From the Head of School By Lauren Lek, Head of School
Mrs. Lek with
Emma Lek, 7 months
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Dear Parents, Guardians & Friends,
As we begin the season of Advent and the joyous celebration of Christmas, I was drawn to the writings of Sister Janet Franklin, CSJ. In the recent Winter's Wisdom, CSJ Advent 2015 booklet, she writes that during this time of Advent, "We enter the realm of birthing when we yearn for, pray for, and act on giving new life to our world through a myriad of gifts we can receive and give each day and on into the coming year." In her opening prayer, she calls all of us to work alongside our CSJ Sisters that our ministry "will give birth to a world community of All Inclusive Love."
Our OLP students and graduates are some of the most extraordinary examples of how their gifts and talents give strength to building that community of love within our world today. For more than 133 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph have ensured that the young women who left these halls were prepared to be women of faith, women of heart and women of courage, inspired by the model of Mother St. John Fontbonne. This legacy lives on in the alumnae and in each of our students here today.
With the Christmas season upon us, I would also like to remind all community members of the opportunity to come together on December 10, 2015 as the school gathers for Christmas at Our House, beginning with Taste of the Holidays from 5 – 7 p.m. ($25 tickets) followed by the Candlelight Procession at 7 p.m. (no cost). Click here to purchase tickets. For more than 70 years, OLP has celebrated the Christmas season by hosting and presenting a Candlelight Procession. This is a wonderful evening to bring family and friends to join with OLP.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for all of you who have so generously invested in the education of the hearts and minds of all students at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Thank you to those who have contributed to the OLP Carondelet Annual Fund, and for all of you who are considering a gift.
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of OLP, I wish you and your families a blessed and peaceful Christmas season and a very Happy New Year!
God Bless,
Lauren Lek
Head of School
December Updates By Jessica Hooper, Assistant Head of School
Dear Parents & Students,
I hope that the Thanksgiving holiday provided fruitful time with family alongside time for rest and relaxation. As we approach the Christmas season and celebrate the beginning of Advent I am reminded how fortunate we are to be a community of faith. This month, as a community, we will celebrate Reconciliation, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception and our annual Candlelight Procession, all of which remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. As always, all community members are invited to our school wide liturgies and faith celebrations. We certainly hope you can attend some of these faith-filled traditions.
Also of note (and very much prayer worthy) are upcoming course finals, which will take place between December 14, 2015 - December 17, 2015. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. each of these days and the OLP Library will maintain normal operational hours. Although students and parents can access final grades via Jupiter Ed on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, please note that printed report cards will be sent home in January. Attendance during finals week is mandatory. Should any medical emergencies arise, please be sure to contact your daughter's Assistant Principal directly.
At the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, we celebrate the CSJ charism of "Unifying Love" and hope that the love we share within our own community touches the lives and hearts of others. As we approach this season of giving, I was touched by this line found in Frances Hodgson Burnett's book, A Little Princess:
"If Nature has made you a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can always give things out of that."
I found this to be a heartfelt reminder to the true intentions of this season, may we all find what we can give from our heart as those are truly the gifts that make a difference in the lives of others. From our heart to yours, we here at OLP wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
God Bless,
Mrs. Jessica Hooper
Assistant Head of School
Congrats to National Hispanic Scholars
OLP is proud to announce that six of our seniors qualified as National Hispanic Scholars.
This honor is extended to students who scored in the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT takers in California.
A big congratulations to Mariana Fernandez '16, Alejandra Hernandez '16, Fernanda Gonzalez '16, Daniela Lopez-Cullingford '16, Giselle Valdez '16, and Dana Price '16.
Art Outreach
By Diane La Costa '08, Art Department
On November 13, Mr. Stringer and Miss La Costa took twenty members of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) to St. Didacus Parish School, a neighboring Catholic elementary school, to teach ceramic skills to a group of students. The OLP girls worked with 7th and 2nd graders and introduced them to the basics of working with clay. Instructing these students provides an opportunity the younger students would not otherwise have been exposed to.
By the end of the afternoon, the students had created their own pinch pots and worked together to make a few coil vessels. The projects will be fired in the kiln at OLP and returned to the students. The OLP students will all return in the Spring to help them paint their pieces and teach them basic color theory!
The Art Honors Society does several service outreach projects each year in the local community. One art student stated, "I live for second graders! I love the funny things they say and how creative they get with their art!"
Freshmen Join OLP's "Kindness Project"
The Freshmen have had football games, dance lessons, run multiple miles, and now they experienced their first all-class Workshop, "The Kindness Project," presented by OLP's Peer Trainers. The purpose of this workshop is to introduce all freshmen to OLP's anti-bullying campaign called "The Kindness Project."
As all OLP girls before them, this year's freshman class was told about OLP's zero tolerance for bullying and our belief that if we were to make kindness our daily goal, there would be no room for un-kindness at OLP. Students were taught about the Pyramid of Hate and how small, seemingly innocuous events (social exclusion, name calling) can turn into much larger, highly destructive events like genocide. Our goal, therefore, becomes to stop hate at its lower level so it can never progress up the pyramid.
Girls were broken into small groups where they discussed the role gossip and bullying have played in their lives, and all were challenged to commit to a way they can make OLP a kinder place now and over the next four years, including embracing the weekly Kindness Project Challenge offered each week on PTV. Finally, and as all OLP girls before them, students were given a pin with the words of Mother Teresa, to do "Small things with great love" as a reminder of their commitment to kindness. When asked what they thought about the event, one freshman stated, "I finally had the chance to meet people I thought seemed so cool, but I was to afraid to talk to," showing that the "Kindness Project" is alive and well at OLP!
Día de los Muertos Celebration
By Veronica Villanueva '18
Día de los Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead, is an annual holiday that is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. Although celebrated through all of Latin America, it is highly associated with its land of origin, Mexico. Día de los Muertos is filled with festivals and activities to honor and commemorate the dead. It is a time of festivities, food, drink, and parties that were typically enjoyed by the people who have passed away. Death is viewed as a natural part of life rather than a tragedy that has been placed upon the person. It is said that the person wakes up from their eternal sleep and joins in the celebrations with the whole community. The holiday's symbols include calacas and calaveras - skeletons and skulls - which are often portrayed happily in their beautiful clothing and surroundings.
Altars are probably the most important part to Día de los Muertos. They are made at the graves or homes of the person who has passed away. Food, drinks, games, candles, flowers, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), pictures, etc. are placed upon the altar specifically made for the person. In honor of this tradition, OLP has participated in decorating and creating altars for the holiday. Students from the various Spanish classes brought various elements to add to a class altar, especially pictures of family members who have passed away. This year staff and faculty were also invited to participate by bringing in a picture of a loved one they would like to honor and celebrate. All were invited to view and add something to the altars that Mrs. Kim's, Mr. Moreno's and Mrs. Oseguera's classes had built in Aquinas Hall and in the library. OLP students from the Spanish classes have helped bring a new cultural perspective to the campus by bringing in classic Día de los Muertos items to make OLP a colorful, and lively environment.
New Students Introduced to CSJ Charism at Frosh Retreat
By Gabby Dixon '19
Three short months ago, the Class of 2019 arrived for their first day at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, with high hopes, few friends, and plenty of jitters about what this school year would bring. After these few months, our once lofty dreams seem to be not so far out of reach, our groups of friends have multiplied, and instead of anxiety, the confidence of an OLP student has been ignited within us. These changes, believe it or not, have come about not because of magic or imagination. Rather, they have occurred through the miracle of our savior Jesus Christ's resurrection that unites us as sisters in him. Retreat was a beautiful way for the freshman class to truly come together, and experience more fully the gift that is our faith and CSJ charism.
During retreat, small groups were formed and led by junior and senior leaders. Some activities at the retreat included rosary making and learning about many religious female role models. We held discussions about life, our futures, and the many challenges of being a young Catholic woman in today's society. By opening up to each other about personal struggles we have with school, friends, and faith, we were able to connect and offer spiritual support. Knowing that we're all in the good fight together is extremely encouraging. Freshman Retreat allowed us to grow together in positivity, highlighting our internal beauty and learning how to appreciate each other. This experience was inspiring and uplifting. The individuals of the freshman class are determined to motivate one another to become their best selves–exactly who God made them to be. As we travel together through the craziness of high school, growing in faith, maturity, and individuality, we are reminded of Proverbs 31:35: "She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." We move forward with fortitude in the promises of Christ and security of our new OLP family.
Alumnae Profile Q&A: Maria Elena Hernandez '90
Q: What is your current job title and where do you work?
A: I am a Relationship Banker at Bank of America, Mother of Luis Miranda, a 3rd-year student at Villanova; Marlen Miranda, OLP class of 2016; and Daniela Miranda, OLP class of 2019.
Q: What did you learn at OLP that gave you the confidence to go into your current field?
A: OLP has taught me many tools in order to be confident. It has taught me that even when life is hard, you have to strive to do your best and never give up. My sisters and alumnae of OLP are always there to help me in any point of my life. It is OK to fail, but know that God will always carry you and give you the strength to achieve all.
Q: Did you learn any particular lessons during your time at OLP that helped you get where you are today?
A: At OLP, I got to experience a very unique sisterhood. I was never bullied or singled out because of my ethnic background. I received love, friendship and compassion from my teachers and fellow classmates. Through this community, I had the privilege of being the ASB Vice President and former Miss OLP. These experiences have molded me into the person I am today.
Q: How do you use what you learned at OLP to succeed in your current career?
A: The confidence, love, values and faith that I learned at OLP help me in every aspect of my life. They help me take care of the needs of my customers, my family, friends, and the community.
Q: Any particular teacher or class that impacted you to this day during your time at OLP?
A: I cherish the memories of Mrs. Handelsman and Mrs. Herb. I remember Mrs. Handelsman telling us in Chemistry, "Try your best, do your own work and work hard! It will pay off." I remember Mrs. Herb teaching us about Romeo and Juliet. She helped us imagine all the British Literature plays. It is a wonderful feeling to feel like a part of a beautiful family. High school is hard, but when you know that your teachers care, it all is worth it.
Q: Any advice for OLP students or grads who want to get into a similar business as you?
A: If I can give one piece of advice to fellow alumnae, it would be to follow your dream. Never give up and do your best. No one is perfect. Your best is enough. A quote from Mother Theresa that I love, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things WITH GREAT LOVE."
Q: You recently had a reunion. What was it like coming back to together with your classmates?
A: It was wonderful to meet and see some sisters from the class of 1990. I was amazed to see the positive changes OLP has made. It was astonishing to talk to my former peers and learn about their lives after 25 years. Mrs. Kruchten was a great help as the alumnae moderator. I hope all alumnae get to experience a reunion and come back to OLP to re-live some memories with their OLP sisters.
PLAN AHEAD NOW FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR THE 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR
- Tuition assistance applications for the 2016-17 school year will be accepted beginning Monday, January 4, 2016 through Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) only. (https://www.ismfast.com/FastPage.php?id=512af214f58a71d2a50066d85d5e886a)
- The deadline for completed applications and 2015 tax returns (federal and state) to be submitted is Friday, February 19, 2016
- All complete applications submitted by February 19, 2016 will be given first priority for consideration for tuition assistance awards. If there are funds remaining, late applications will be considered once all required documentation is received. Please note: Even if applications are submitted by the February 19, 2016 deadline if they are incomplete they will be considered late.
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace school specific application questions must be answered. If the questions are not answered, the application will be considered incomplete.
- Applications must be submitted with a complete 2015 tax package in order to be considered. A complete 2015 tax package includes: all W-2s and/or 1099s, K-1s if applicable, federal return, state return, and all schedules (ie. Schedule A, B, C, D, etc if included with the tax return).
- Taxes must be signed or documentation of e-file must be submitted with the taxes
- Applications with any discrepancies between application information and submitted taxes will not be given priority consideration and will be considered incomplete.
- OLP highly suggests scanning and uploading tax returns to FAST. Mailing your tax return to FAST will delay your application by 10-14 days. This delay will hold up review of your application by the tuition aid committee.
- Due to the early tuition assistance application deadline PLAN AHEAD MAKE AN EARLY APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR TAX PREPARER OR CPA
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