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2018 - 2019
School Year
Important Dates
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August 27
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First Day of School K-8 |
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August 29
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Ps/Pre-K - Meet the Teacher Day
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September 3
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Labor Day - School Holiday |
| September 4 |
Ps/Pre-K - First Day of School 5 Day
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September
5
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Ps/Pre-K First Day of School 3 Day
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September 27
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High School Visitation Day |
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October 4
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Feast of St. Francis and 20th Anniversary Celebration |
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October 5
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School Holiday
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| October 12 |
Fall Fest |
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November
2
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Teacher In-Service - Student Free Day
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| Nov 19 - 23 |
Thanksgiving
Break |
| Dec 24 - Jan 4 |
Christmas Break |
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January 21
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School Holiday
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February 15
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Faculty Retreat - Student Free Day
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February 18
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President's Day - School Holiday |
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March 9
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Auction Dinner and Dance
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March 22
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Religious Education Congress - Student Free Day
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April 18 - 26
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Easter Break
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May 27
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Memorial Day - School Holiday
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| May 31 |
8th Grade Graduation
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June 14
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Last Day of School
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Dear St. Francis of Assisi Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back to the weekly newsletter! You know what this means - summer is coming to an end and students are returning to school. The teachers and staff returned to work on Monday and spent the morning celebrating liturgy at St. Martin de Porres Church and praying for the students and upcoming school year. They will be busy all week preparing for the opening of school. I am sure parents are breathing a sigh of relief but also feeling a bit melancholy, reminiscing about the lazy days of summer. Like their parents, students will experience a variety of emotions, so I suspect many will have a hard time falling asleep Sunday night, anticipating the first day of school. Our hope is that it's a year filled with learning and discovery, filled with new adventures and growth. May we succeed in filling our students' minds with not only knowledge, but with the values and skills to help prepare them to be lifelong learners, good citizens, and great Christians.
Here are some tips and reminders about the first day of school:
Clothing and grooming
: There are a lot of adjustments when transitioning from the habits and styles of summer to school expectations. Dress and grooming are probably at the top of the list, more specifically, uniforms and hairstyles. Some may argue that dress and grooming guidelines diminish a student's individuality. Catholic schools did not miss the cultural changes that impact social norms. Catholic schools deal with constantly changing social norms by remaining grounded in our values. The expectations and routines in a Catholic school provide a strong foundation that form the rich context for personal development of our students. Wearing a uniform and following grooming standards will help shape our students by showing them that they are not defined by clothing and hairstyles. It is the mind, values, and spirit of the person that make the whole individual. We want to partner with parents in support of our commitment to the traditions, practices, and values of a Catholic school education, so please make sure your student is properly groomed and follows uniform guidelines when they attend school. Refer to the Parent / Student Handbook
on the school website for a detailed description of dress and grooming guidelines.
Schedule:
School starts for K - 8 students on Monday, August 27 at 8:00 am with dismissal at noon. Parents/guardians are invited to attend our opening of school Mass at 9:30 am at Santa Clara Church. Parents are invited to drop their student(s) at the classroom between 7:35 am - 8:00 am and then join other parents in the Glynn Center for continental breakfast between 7:45 am - 9:00 am. Students are not required to wear Mass uniform. Extended care also begins on Monday.
Parking:
The school parking lot will fill up quickly so please plan to park on the downhill side of Eastside Circle or at the park. Do not use Santa Clara parking in the morning so we can allow cars to enter the school parking lot quickly and safely. All students must be picked up from the classroom at the end of the school day, 12:00 pm. For pick up, parents may park at Santa Clara Church, on the downhill side of East Side Circle, or at the park. If you wish to park at school, DO NOT enter the school parking lot until directed by a volunteer or staff member in a vest. Please line up on the street and wait to be directed to a spot. Fifth - eighth grade students may not walk to the church until a signed walking pass (available on the school website) is on file in the office. Please DO NOT park on the red curb at the entrance to the dog park or the park.
Hot lunch
program begins on Tuesday, September 4. Go to ChoiceLunch
to order lunch for September. DC Dining program
begins Wednesday, September 5. Contact the office if you have questions about either hot lunch program.
Class lists
will be posted on the school website at 5:00 pm, Friday, August 24. Class lists will not be posted at school until Monday morning. The faculty and staff will be attending a Diocesan in-service on Friday, August 24, but the office will be open from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm.
Overcoming separation anxiety
: Preparing your student for the start of school can greatly reduce any separation anxiety your child may feel on the first day of school. Here are some tips from the editors of Parent Magazine:
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Talk about what they will experience on the first day of school - meeting their teacher and classmates, and getting settled in the classroom. Make it clear you are excited about all the new things they will experience at school.
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For the little kiddos, bring something from home that is comforting and easily fits into their backpack. A family picture is a great idea.
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When it is time to go, say goodbye to your child. Before you leave, explain when and where you will pick them up. Once you say goodbye, leave promptly. A long farewell may reinforce a child's sense of anxiety (and yours!).
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Create a ritual and follow it every day. When leaving the car or when walking to school, I often hear parents say, "Goodbye (name). Have a great day. Make good choices. Love you!" When the goodbye is over, students know it is time for you to go.
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Do not linger. The longer you stay, the harder it is to separate. Let your child know that you will be there to pick them up. I know it is hard to leave a weepy child but they are fine in a minute or two, once they focus their attention on school and classmates.
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If you are experiencing separation issues, create a reward system. For example, give your child a calendar. If they go to class without putting up a fuss, put a smiley face on the calendar. Otherwise, they get a sad face. On Friday, if they have five smiley faces, take them for a predetermined treat.
We look forward to seeing the students and hearing about their summer. We want to wish all the students, parents, faculty, and staff a happy and blessed start to the school year. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the journey!
Tom Waszak
President |
Jeannette Lambert
Principal |
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2018 - 2019 Start of School Information
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2018 - 2019 Start of School Information was sent out via email on Thursday, July 26. If you did not receive this information, please contact Tammy Clarida in the Admissions Office to verify your contact information. You can also access this information on or website. Simply go to
www.sfayl.org and click on the Quick Link titled "
2018 - 2019 Start of School Information" which will guide you to access the tabs containing the documents related to the grade in which your student(s) are entering in the Fall.
2018 - 2019 Start of School Information contains everything that St. Francis School families need as they prepare for the upcoming year.
Included information:
- A letter from President Waszak highlighting summer activities and announcing our new staff
- Opening of School Schedule with important dates
- Choice Lunch information
- Vicki Marsha Uniform sales information
- An invitation for new families to join us at our NewParent Wine and Cheese Social
- More...
Please contact the office between the hours of
7:30 am and 4:00 pm
if you have any trouble accessing this information. You can reach the office via phone at
714-695-3700 x105.
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| 2018 - 2019 School Supply List |
Click the link below to view and print the list. A downloadable version of this document is also available on our website.
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Welcome students and families to Extended Care for 2018-2019! We look forward to being with you and have a great year planned! Stay connected with us for information and upcoming opportunities we will have in Extended Care.
Please fill out this form and email it back to me or bring it with you the first day of school.
Jacqueline Lorenz
Extended Care Director
jlorenz@sfayl.org
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| 20th Anniversary T-Shirts |
| We are still taking orders for the SFA 20th Anniversary t-shirts. All orders are due by September 1, 2018. Click here to download the order form. Forms can be turned into the front office. |
| Volunteer Opportunities for 2018 - 2019! |
Don't delay, sign up today! The SignUp.com link for Volunteer Opportunities for the 2018 - 2019 school year is now live on the SFA website (under Support SFA /Volunteer). It includes all of the school wide volunteer positions available for the coming school year. Get a jump start on those service hours and register today for the opportunity that works for you! When the time is right, you will be contacted by the event chairperson to schedule your shifts. Please take a moment to check it out and sign up today!
Key positions taking place early in the school year and requiring attention include: Kona Ice helpers, Fall fundraiser and Fall Fest volunteers. Want to make an immediate and lasting impact here at SFA? We are looking for key people to help Chair and oversee the following essential programs: 2019 Auction (will be shadowed by current chair), Development Chair, Box Tops Chair and Yearbook Editor. Have questions or want to discuss the opportunities in more detail, please reach out to Tammy Clarida for assistance.
Classroom related opportunities will become available when classes are assigned in August. Every SFA family is required to complete twenty (20) Volunteer Service Hours each year. Families log their hours in the Sycamore Parent Portal as they are completed. Volunteer Service Hours began accumulating on April 1 for the 2018 - 2019 school year.
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| Hot Lunch Volunteers Needed! |
Jump start your day with a wave....and help with carline. Contact Susan Katsaros regarding days of week, by email at
Susanandmikekats@sbcglobal.net
or cell at 714-423-4470.
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| SFAYL Football and Girls Volleyball Tryouts 2018 |
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Boys A Football (7th and 8th Grade):
| Wednesday, August 22 |
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
| Thursday, August 23 |
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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| Wednesday, August 29 |
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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| Thursday, August 30 |
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
Boys B Football (5th and 6th Grade):
Wednesday, August 22
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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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Thursday, August 23
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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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Wednesday, August 29
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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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Thursday, August 30
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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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Girls A Volleyball (7th and 8th Grade):
| Tuesday, August 21 |
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday, August 22 |
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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| Thursday, August 23 |
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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| Tuesday, August 29 |
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
| Thursday, August 30 |
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
| Friday, August 31 |
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm |
Girls B Volleyball (5th and 6th Grade):
| Tuesday, August 28 |
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
| Wednesday, August 29 |
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
All players need to bring water and stay hydrated throughout the day leading up to tryouts. Players should all be in proper clothing and have the gear needed for their sport.
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As we prepare to start the new school year don't forget to download our school SFAYL app. It can be found in the app store on both apple and android phones. This app can be used to report an absence, keep up to date on the school calendar, check teacher websites and more!
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Little Lambs: Early Childhood Education News
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The Early Childhood staff are very excited to begin the school year with you!
We are looking forward to a great year filled with many blessings for your student!
August 23, 2018
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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New Parent Social
Click here for Flyer |
| August 27, 2018 |
First Day of School for Kindergarten |
August 29, 2018
8:30 am - 11:30 am |
Meet the teacher day for Pre-School and Pre-K families |
ECE Volunteer Opportunities: We are looking for help coordinating recess and lunch volunteers for Pre-K & Kindergarten.
Kindergarten Extended Care begins on Monday, August 27th. Please fill out the Extended Care form and email it back or bring it on the first day of school.
Contact Mrs. Martinson at cmartinson@sfayl.org to volunteer and if you have questions about your student's schedule.
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After School Enrichment Classes for 2018-2019
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After School Enrichment courses at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School will be offered three times throughout the year in 6 or 8 week sessions.
Session One will run 8 weeks beginning the week of September 17 and conclude the week of November 9.
Hard copies of flyers for each class will be sent home in the coming weeks. Additional copies can be obtained in the front office or online.
| Monday |
Art
Chess
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| Tuesday |
Guitar/Ukulele
Origami
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| Wednesday |
Mad Science
Show Choir** |
| Thursday |
Lego
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| Friday |
Guitar/Ukulele
Soccer Shots |
**Show Choir is an ongoing enrichment course that will run through the end of the year. |
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Wednesday lunches throughout the school year are hosted by our 7th and 8th grade students fundraising for their East Coast Study Trip. The DC Dining program offers a variety of meal options from a broad spectrum of local restaurants.
Please order DC Dining for Trimester 1 at St. Francis School. Please be sure to turn the form and payment into the office by Monday of the week you are ordering a meal. DC Dining will start Wednesday, September 5, we will be serving Costco Pizza.
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Order By:
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Receive On:
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August 25, 2018
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August 29, 2018 |
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AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support our school every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at
smile.amazon.com
, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. Simply click here to begin shopping through AmazonSmile.
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| San Antonio Fiesta Volunteer Opportunities |
It's that time again! The San Antonio Church Fiesta is quickly approaching on
September 14 - 16
. Visit the church website for SFA booth sign-ups.
The SFA Buoy booth is a fun way to earn your volunteer hours early in the school year. Students can earn hours too as long as one volunteer per shift is an adult. Shift full you are interested in? Questions? Please contact SFA Booth Chair
Christina Byrne at
cbyrne2004@sbcglobal.net or (714) 585-6326.
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| San Antonio Fiesta Ticket Sales |
This year San Antonio Fiesta will be offering an online store! Here you will be able to purchase ride, game and food tickets as well as other merchandise! Click
here to securely purchase your tickets using credit or debit card.
Tickets will
NOT be delivered to St. Francis. All tickets
MUST BE picked up at San Antonio Church at the will-call table, located in the Hospitality Booth during the Fiesta, in the Parish Office or during Recruitment weekends in the Courtyard,
no later than: 4:00 pm on Friday, September 14, 2019.
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| Mater Dei High School Admissions |
Santa Clara de Asis - Children's Faith Formation
Volunteers Needed! |
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