Visit us online | www.sfayl.org
Quick Links
Camp Wolfpack
Important Dates
2018 - 2019 
School Year
Important Dates
September 13 General Parent Meeting
September 27
High  School Visitation Day
October 4
Feast of St. Francis and 20th Anniversary Celebration
October 5
School Holiday
October 12 Fall Fest
November 
2
Teacher In-Service - Student Free Day
Nov 19 - 23 Thanksgiving
Break
Dec 24 - Jan 4 Christmas Break
January 21
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School Holiday
February 15
Faculty Retreat - Student Free Day
February 18
President's Day - School Holiday
March 9
Auction Dinner and Dance
March 22
Religious Education Congress - Student Free Day
April 18 - 26
Easter Break
May 27
Memorial Day - School Holiday
May 31
8th Grade Graduation
June 14
Last Day of School
Caught Being Good
Julie J.
3B
Richard F.
4A
Luke K.
3B
September 5, 2018
Dear St. Francis of Assisi Parents and Guardians,

After a nice Labor Day weekend, it was amazing to see students arriving early on Tuesday morning ready to begin their second week of school.  There was additional excitement in the parking lot with the start of Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students, eager to bring their new bags/backpacks and meet new friends.  We welcome our youngest students to our SFA community and thank their teachers and aides for endless hours of preparation for their arrival.

As a faculty over the past few years, we have frequently dialogued about how we might best help our students not only learn academically but also adopt strong life skills that will serve them both on and off campus, presently and in their future educational journey.  We see students wrestling with the ability to problem solve, work through conflict resolution, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. We observe students putting limitations on their abilities at times based on previous experiences with a particular subject, perceived abilities and/or aptitude in a subject area, and at times, allowing comparison to peers to influence their self-talk about success.

This summer, our faculty read a professional development book on Growth Mindset.  Growth Mindset is "the belief that with practice, perseverance, and effort, people have limitless potential to learn and grow."  (Dweck, 2006) Theodore Roosevelt demonstrated a growth mindset when he said, "Believe you can and you are halfway there." Through excellent dialogue and brainstorming, SFA faculty discussed ways we can use the concepts of growth mindset, grit and perseverance, to support not only the development of these important life skills but also provide support for parents who work hard to provide the best educational experience for their children.  

As you attend Back to School nights this week, you will hear teachers referencing how they will be applying these concepts in their classroom. At the General Parent Meeting, I hope to break open these research-based concepts and provide practical application for parents to support your students throughout this school year. Growth Mindset will be threaded throughout all we do this year on campus and we are excited to see how far our students will journey when we break down the walls, limitations and barriers together.

Jeannette Lambert
Principal
SCHOOL NEWS
General Parent Meeting
Our first General Parent Meeting of the 2018/2019 school year will be on Thursday, September 13th. Each family attending will be given free dress for their child(ren) the following day as well as entered into a raffle for a pair of Fall Fest tickets.

A few of the highlights to be covered:
  • Summer work and upgrades throughout the school
  • President, Tom Waszak, to address the state of the school
  • Principal, Jeannette Lambert, to address the focus and emphasis of the school year
  • 8th grade teacher, Ann Cooper, will highlight the new religion standards that will be implemented in K-8 curriculum
There will be opportunities to sign up for various committees to fulfill your volunteer hours.  Donation based childcare will be available through our 8th grade students for children Preschool - 6th grade.
20th Anniversary Mass and Celebration


Volunteers are needed on this day to help with set up and break down of the event.  If you would like to volunteer your time, please contact Moni Sledge at msledge@sfayl.org.
Academic Decathlon News


St. Francis of Assisi School is once again participating in the Diocese of Orange Academic Decathlon. The Academic Decathlon is a rigorous academic driven program. Last year, our team placed 2nd  in Super Quiz and 4th  place overall, the best in school history! 

We are inviting any interested students in  grades 6th - 8th to apply for the 2018-2019 Academic Decathlon Team. The team is comprised of ten students who have exemplary Christian behavior, exceptional grades, and the ability to study independently. Preparation will start in October and students will study up until the event in March. 

Applications are available in the office and are due on 
Tuesday, September 18, 2018.
After School Enrichment Classes for 2018-2019
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
Spanish (K-2)*
Tuesday Guitar/Ukulele
Origami
Wednesday Mad Science
Show Choir**
Thursday Lego
Spanish (3-4)*
Friday Guitar/Ukulele
Soccer Shots

*Spanish is capped at 15 students for K-2 and 20 students 3-4.
**Show Choir is an ongoing enrichment course that will run through the end of the year.
Thank you Spirit Committee
The Spirit Committee Chairs, Michelle Leo and Theresa Bass, would like thank their amazing volunteers Filippa Sciabica, Anne Kridle, Florianne Teves, Clemmie Fucinari, Dianne Lopez, John Long, Alicia Giordano and Luissa Fucinari for making our SFA New Parent Wine & Cheese Social a huge success!!!!

Little Lambs: Early Childhood Education News

Friday, September 7, 2018
11:30 am - 11:50 am
Early Dismissal
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
8:30 am
School Pictures

Kindergarten Recess and Lunch Volunteers needed! Click here to sign up and help!
Catholic High School Visitation Day
8th Grade Parents,
 
Please mark your calendars! Our Catholic high schools will be here on Tuesday, September 25 from 3:00 pm - 4:45 pm to meet with families.  Sessions will run approximately half an hour. You can visit up to three highs schools of your choice.  Please let us know if you have any questions about the visitation day.
 
To help make your research easier, we've included the links below regarding application and shadow day information for our Catholic high schools.  We are here to help every step of the way as you go through the high school admissions process.  
 
Information regarding shadow days will be coming soon. 
 
Please contact Fran Montelli at fmontelli@sfayl.org if you have any questions or need assistance.
 
Mater Dei High School:
Servite High School:

***Instructions from Servite:  "the above link will take families to an "inquiry form" that has a shadow day permission slip incorporated into it. In order to get the Shadow Day section to appear, you must select 8th as current grade, and to get to the appointment section, you must choose the school as St. Francis of Assisi, then the October 16 date will appear.  Families should complete the form by October 6."

Rosary Academy:

Connelly High School:
 
JSerra High School:
Santa Margarita Catholic High School:
SFA Mobile App
Download the SFAYL app today!  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! 
SFA on Social Media
Follow SFA on   Facebook Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date on the latest school activities and life on campus.


Order Your Yearbook Today!
Online ordering of 2018 - 2019 Yearbooks is now open! The cost if ordered today is $40.00.

The price goes up to $45.00 on October 2.

The final day to personalize yearbooks is February 2, 2019.  The final date to order yearbooks online is May 15, 2019.

Click here to place your order!

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
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:   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) and Development Chair. Have questions or want to discuss the opportunities in more detail, please reach out to Tammy Clarida for assistance.
 
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.
On-site Volunteer Fingerprinting September 20
Volunteer Fingerprinting
SFA Innovation Center / Library
Thursday, September 20, 2018
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
 
As a service to our parent/guardian volunteers, we are offering fingerprinting services here at St. Francis School on  September 20 between the hours of  2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.  The cost of the service is  $57.00 paid by cash or credit card at time of fingerprinting as well as a photo ID such as a State issued driver's license.  Fee is paid directly to Certix.  

Please stop by the school office no later than  Friday, September 14 to pick up an " Applicant Information Form" or download and print. This form needs to be submitted to the office no later than  Monday, September 17 by 4:00 pm in order for you to be entered in the database for the onsite fingerprinting. 
 
Volunteer Requirements:
All diocesan volunteers and employees, school and parish, age 18 and above, working in any capacity with minors, children under the age of 18, must obtain criminal background screening (fingerprinting), safe environment training (which includes acknowledgement of the the diocesan Policy Against Sexual Misconduct Code of Conduct).  For the safety of our students, you may not volunteer until you have completed these important requirements.
 
Fingerprinting can take one to two weeks to clear and be entered in the school database.  Parents/guardians will be directed to an alternative fingerprint location if they do not utilize SFA fingerprint services on  September 20.
Safe Environment Training -  can be completed by logging on to  www.shieldthevulnerable.org .  Be sure to keep the password you create as you will need it to renew every three years.  At the completion of online training, you will need to print the certificate of completion at the end and turn it in to the office.
 
If you are interested in chaperoning activities as an authorized driver, please see the additional requirements available in the school office. 

Please contact Tammy Clarida with any questions.
Volunteer Driver Policy
Please note that if you would like to be an  authorized  driver for any school function (sports, field trips, etc.), you  MUST be over the age of 25 and complete the following  license and insurance requirements and submit to the school office:
  1. A copy of your valid unrestricted driver's license
  2. A copy of your insurance declarations page showing a minimum of liability coverage of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident (not your car registration)
  3. A completed Volunteer Driver Form
  4. Successful completion of the online training course, Be Smart - Drive Safe, a 20 minute video course offered via the Catholic Mutual Group website.  (This only needs to be completed every 3 years.) Log onto https://orange.cmgconnect.org/, set up an account, and select the Defensive Driving Curriculum.  
These requirements are in addition to fingerprint and safe environment training.

Information and the form can be picked up at the school office. If you have any questions, please contact the school business office.
Hot Lunch Volunteers Needed!
Carline Volunteers


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. 
FUNDRAISING NEWS
SFA Fall Fest

Fall Fundraiser September 7th - 21st 
Attention SFA Families

This week starts the Annual Fall Fundraiser and back by popular demand we will be selling Mrs. Fields Cookies and Yankee Candles. Please look out for the fundraising packet going home with your student/s this Friday September 7th. For those families who need additional packets please see Cheryl in the front office. If you have any questions contact the Fall Fundraiser Chair Danielle Hill at 714-322-6979. 

2018-2019 DC Dining
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 next Wednesday, September 12, we will be serving Wienerschnitzel

Amazon Smile


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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
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. Is the shift you are interested in full? Questions? Please contact SFA Booth Chair Christina Byrne at  cbyrne2004@sbcglobal.net or (714) 585-6326.

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.
Mater Dei High School Admissions

Santa Clara de Asis - Children's Faith Formation
Volunteers Needed!
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School | 714-695-3700 | webmaster@sfayl.org | http://www.sfayl.org
5330 Eastside Circle
Yorba Linda, CA 92887