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Congratulations to the cast and crew of "A Christmas Carol"
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"The love of God makes all heavy things light,
and all bitter things sweet.
"
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
"Hope, Advent, and a Parent's Heart"
To every time there is a season, and this week welcomes the Advent season. Week one of four focuses on hope, which fuels the Franciscan spirit of St. Francis High School, motivating students to excel because they expect great reward from their efforts. Hope fuels our hearts as parents, too. And now that the Entrance Exam has passed, I propose parents quietly consider this question: what good, beautiful, and true hope do you hold deep in your heart for your child in high school?
Heartfelt hope for our children. Isn't that what this high school decision is all about? "What can we do to keep our hearts from going numb? Go forth and proclaim the joy of the gospel," says Pope Francis, summing up the mission that makes St. Francis High School one of a parent's best investments for college readiness and life. Here, hope, peace, and joy act as bedrock for the outstanding college prep path students walk each day. Families who come to St. Francis High School for the college prep reputation say this Franciscan spirit has driven their child's academic success in ways they didn't anticipate but now consider irreplaceable. Just as God called Mary by name and stirred her purpose, teachers know each student by name, instilling confidence and resolve in and out of the classroom. No other area high school elevates students to their highest academic success in quite the same way St. Francis High School does.
Hope, for soon-to-be graduates as their impressive college acceptances begin to roll in. Hope, for parents who want the best high school experience for their children. Hope for our future, as we preach the gospel and raise accomplished scholars and young people. This Advent, please call me to discuss your admissions questions and hopes for your child at St. Francis High School.
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Student Perspective: Five Questions for College-Committed Student Athletes Sze En T., '19, (Stanford) and Nick K., '19, (Butler)
1. What school did you attend prior to St. Francis? What activities do you participate in?
Sze En: Prior to attending St. Francis, I attended Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) and Raffles Institution in Singapore. I spend 34 hours/week at gymnastics practice, which leaves little time for me to participate in other activities.
Nick: I attended Eastview Middle School in Bartlett prior to St. Francis. At St. Francis, I participate in Baseball, Basketball, and Intramurals. Outside of school I am involved in Club Baseball and Service Groups.
2. What school and sport have you committed to for next year?
Sze En: I have committed to Stanford University for gymnastics.
Nick: I have committed to Butler University to continue my academic and baseball career.
3. How does SFHS encourage you to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom?
Sze En: St. Francis has been very supportive of both my academic and athletic pursuits. As a competitive gymnast, I have to travel for numerous competitions throughout the year. St. Francis has been accommodating by allowing me to be away from school at times. My teachers have also been supportive by helping me catch up with my work when I return.
Nick: SFHS is an amazing school. Everyone here is so supportive of the decisions you make and welcoming when you need to talk about anything. St. Francis made me work hard for the grades I've earned and has helped me to be successful with sports. It's all you could ask for in a school, and it has prepared me for college.
4. Explain how a teacher has gone out of the way to help you.
Sze En: All of my teachers have gone out of their way to help me by coming in early to go through content that I missed, because I am unable to stay after school due to practice.
Nick: Almost all teachers I've had have gone out of their way to help me in a way. I always like going in for extra help. Each teacher here is amazing to talk to.
5.Why are you happy you attend St. Francis? What is one word that encapsulates your experience at St. Francis?
Sze En:
I am happy to attend St. Francis because the community is very welcoming, and the school, students, and teachers have all been extremely supportive. One word that encapsulates my time at St. Francis is "Comfortable."
Nick: I am happy that I attend St. Francis because this school is a wonderful place. From teachers to staff to students, everyone here is welcoming, and it feels like a second home. I am here a lot for sports and activities, so it feels good to be able to know this school like I do. One word that encapsulates my time at St. Francis is "Incredible," because I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else but here at St. Francis.
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Only at St. Francis High School
Classroom Spotlight for Parents - Introducing English I with Ms. Susan Fairhead
English I: Literary Genres & Composition
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
This course reviews and strengthens basic grammar concepts, vocabulary, analytic skills, and writing skills. Students also study a survey of literary genres and engage with texts on a deeper level through group discussions.
Teacher Susan Fairhead:
"Our first drama unit of the year was '
Oedipus Rex'
by Sophocles. It was a tragedy as well as our intro into the origins of theater. We will follow this with a comedy by Shakespeare in Quarter 3. Because the best way to experience a play is to see it/hear it/do it, students performed a variety of functions for this assignment."
Classroom View:
"It was fun to dress up and become a different person because it put you in the situation. We weren't just reading words on a page, so it was easier to understand. We were in it, not just reading it," Ryan S., '22
"I was the narrator, so it was cool to see how I could guide people. I enjoyed seeing that play from that perspective. Ms. Fairhead is really organized and on top of things; she has all the materials ready and she always grades right away. She has everything we need. Every day she has a schedule, so you are never confused about what to do. She's a great teacher!" Katherine M., '22
Club Spotlight for Parents - Introducing Adventure Club
Open to: All students as personal schedules permit
Meets: Monthly during Activity Period
(Activity Period is 2:35-3:10 p.m.; practices/rehearsals begin at 3:15 p.m.)
Moderators: Mr. John Schuller, Ms. Susan Fairhead
Adventure Club invites all students and faculty to "Come have an adventure with us!" The club organizes two events per month, and students can pick and choose which adventures they'd like to explore.
"We have a lot of fun and take the kids to all kinds of activities," explains Moderator John Schuller. "The idea is to ease the pressure and allow them to have fun. Some favorite events include mini golf, rock climbing, and C2E2. Everybody belongs in Adventure Club!" Last month's adventure? "Portillos and a Play," a popular annual tradition.
Student Ella D., '22:
"When I shadowed, I would see the Adventure Club posters and always thought that would be so cool. Adventure Club goes all over - rock climbing, mini golfing, plays. Even if you don't like something, that's okay, because you can pick and choose what you want to attend."
Semester 1 Adventures
- "The Nutcracker" at the House Theater
- "Borealis" at the House Theater
- Miniature Golf
Semester 2 Upcoming Adventures
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Laser Tag
- C2E2 (Comic Con)
- Indoor Rock Climbing
SFHS Students at "The Nutcracker"
You're Invited!
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St. Francis Speaker Series Invites Prospective Parents
Each year, Guidance and Counseling offers powerful speakers on relevant topics and welcomes prospective parents to attend the events. Scan the list and see what topics may make an impact with your family.
The Critical Voice, To Whom Are You Listening: January 30, 5:30 p.m.
This workshop will help participants turn around negative personal dialogue and integrate faith to find a balanced voice. By Dr. Ann Letourneau and Dr. Elissa McGovern, Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
Resilience: March 12, 9:00 a.m.
Utilizing the book "Mindset" by Stanford Professor Carol Dweck, the workshop will discuss the benefits of cultivating a growth mindset and shares strategies for encouraging children to pursue challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for development. By Nicole Burmingham, Nurturing Wisdom
Exploring Ways to Restore, Replenish, and Refocus our Hearts and Minds: April 30, 8:00 a.m.
Our world is relentless and restless. What is the antidote when we feel uneasy, unquiet, and agitated? Explore ways to allow God to restore, replenish, and refocus our hearts and minds. By Diane Mercadante, Pastoral Minister at St. Francis High School
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Upcoming Events
Campus Tours:
Call (630) 668-5800 for reservations
December 9
Christmas Band and Choral Concert, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Slantdome
December 12
All-School Liturgy, 8:00-9:15 a.m., Slantdome
December 18-21
Semester 1 Final Exams
December 24-January 4
No School, Christmas Break
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2018-2019 Viewbook
Admissions Video
Feast of St. Francis
We hope you enjoy our talented choir singing the prayer of St. Francis
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Thanks for reading
Maureen
Isphording
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St. Francis High School Fast Facts
COLLEGE PREPARATORY:
Enrollment: 720
CLASS OF 2018-
100% of graduates were accepted to colleges or universities
Earned $33 million in college scholarships
ACADEMIC
72% of faculty have advanced degrees
Class of 2018 average ACT score = 27
117 Full year and semester course offerings
20 Honors courses
14 Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses
CO-CURRICULAR: ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
98% student participation in at least one activity
24 sports programs
10th Place Division 2A State Math Team
65% of students participate in the performing arts
66% of students participate in athletic programs
PASTORAL MINISTRY
Provides opportunity for prayer and worship, retreats, justice and service, ministry leadership formation, pastoral care, and community building
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SFHS Bus Service
St. Francis High School offers bus transportation. The school provides two-way bus service in the northern, western and southern suburbs, with students arriving to St. Francis High School by 7:25 a.m. and departing school after the Activity Period at 3:15 p.m.
For more information, fees, route schedules or questions, please contact Bob Gorski at (630) 668-5800 x1138 or at
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