A MESSAGE FROM SR. PRINCIPAL, MR. TOLZDA | |
|
Dear St. Serra Parents,
It inspires me to see our children come to school every day, ready to learn. From the moment they arrive on campus, the students demonstrate that ‘eagerness’ and ‘energy’ that makes our school so special, and motivates our staff to put forth their absolute best effort. It is a powerful tribute to the way our parents are raising their children in this complicated and ever-changing world.
Parents often question if they’re doing things right. We find ourselves wondering, “Have we missed anything? Is it too late to be the right parent for my child and support his/her specific needs? Is my child learning and thriving at school? Am I taking proper advantage of those important ‘teaching moments’?” Every single day, parents are presented with the constant dilemma of “what should I do?”
I have written previous articles about the significance of having a set of core values that your family consistently turns to in times of difficulty. I believe in the importance of parents working together to identify and develop these core values, so that you have a strong foundation of family principles to guide you when you are faced with challenging decisions. As you surely know, often we are influenced by the decisions and choices that other families, parents and friends make, and it can be extremely tempting to fold under pressure. It takes significant courage for a parent to stand alone and attest that their standard is ‘the standard’ to which their family adheres.
Our staff works hard every day to support your efforts in raising your children, and have our own set of core values at St. Serra. After all, we see your children nearly as much as you do! We attempt to set good examples because we recognize that everything we do greatly matters. Whether it is the way we address a situation, the way we speak of and to others, the way we dress, or the way we carry ourselves, our students are witnesses to the choices we make and the behaviors we model. They are the ones who see us for who we truly are.
It is truly a blessing to be on our faith journey together with Jesus, and have the children observe first-hand what it means to pray, to repent, to sacrifice, to forgive, and to love. In this way we strive to be just like Jesus, who set the most important example for us, demonstrating by ‘walking the walk and talking the talk’ that we all have the ability and opportunity to come to the Father through Him. It is our humble honor to be Christian role models for our students, a responsibility we understand is crucial for your children. When we stumble and falter, we too will turn to and lean on Jesus to guide us in His ways.
Always striving,
Tim Tolzda
Sr. Principal
| |
|
TODAY, SUNDAY, December 11: "Serra Sundays: Who Let the Bears Out"; 10:30 a.m. Masses at Solano Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Catholic Church (MORE INFO)
| |
MONDAY,
December 12
SCRIP: Christmas orders due by 7:30 a.m.
Adopt-a-Family Delivery to Catholic Charities
| |
TUESDAY,
December 13
Christmas Concert; Grades 5-8; 6:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center
DETAILS
| |
WEDNESDAY,
December 14
Minimum Day Dismissal
Preschool-2nd at 11:30 a.m. 3rd-8th at 12:10 p.m.
Christmas Concert; Grades 2-4; 6:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center
NOTE: revised DETAILS for nativity participants
| |
THURSDAY,
December 15
Chapel Mass for 2nd Grade; 10:30 a.m.; formal uniform required
| |
FRIDAY,
December 16
SPIRIT SHIRT DAY - Wear your 2022-23 spirit shirt with uniform bottoms
Pizza Party for Grades 1 and 4; winners for highest participation during Giving Week!
Christmas Concert; Grades TK, K and 1; 1:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center
DETAILS
| |
|
THIS WEEK: Christmas Concerts! Be sure to click on "DETAILS" in the Week-at-a-Glance above for important information and instructions.
| |
WEEKLY UPDATES BY GRADE LEVEL | |
|
|
Sylvia Peterson Named St. Serra's Teacher of the Year
The Diocese of Orange recently introduced the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year Award to recognize and honor teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. The Diocese asked each school to nominate a faculty member for this prestigious award. St. Serra has named Sylvia Peterson as its Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023, and Sylvia is now in the running for the Diocesan-wide award.
| | | |
|
Camille Mazloomian
Teacher, 1st Grade
Award Winner for Faculty
| |
Charism Crusader Award Winners for Trimester 1
Congratulations to our Charism Crusader Award Winners for Trimester 1, Miss Camille Mazloomian and Mrs. Janess Sifers!
|
|
Janess Sifers
Student Services Coordinator
Award Winner for Staff
| | | |
|
|
Excusing Older Siblings from Class for Christmas Concert
If you would like your child (grades 2-8 only) to be excused from class on Friday, December 16 at 12:50 p.m., so that they may attend their younger sibling's Christmas Concert, please complete and submit a request (see link below) by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15. Your student will be released by their teacher to proceed directly to the SAC. If you have more than one child you would like to be excused from class, you will need to complete this form once for each student.
Please check next week's Sunday newsletter for a sibling request form for the Preschool Christmas Concert.
| | | |
|
|
COMING SOON! Christmas Tops and Accessories
Students may wear Christmas-themed shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and accessories to school, Monday, December 19, through Wednesday, December 21. Students must wear uniform bottoms. Please click the link below for full guidelines.
| | | | |
|
St. Serra's Christmas 2022 Gift Guide
Need gift ideas? Looking for some new inspiration? We've got you covered! Check our our exclusive St. Serra gift guide!
| | |
YEARBOOK NEWS AND UPCOMING DEADLINES | |
|
Yearbook 'Opt-Out' Deadline is 12/31/22
In January 2023, ALL families will be automatically billed $55 PER STUDENT through FACTS for 2022-23 yearbook(s). If you would like to opt-out of automatic billing OR change the number of yearbooks you would like to purchase, CLICK HERE. Opt-out requests must be received no later than December 31, 2022.
| |  |
|
Early Bird Ad Pricing Ends 12/31/22
Commemorate your student's special achievement(s) with a custom dedication or shout-out ad in the 2022-23 yearbook! Early Bird pricing is available until December 31, 2022; pricing WILL INCREASE after this date! See FLYER for pricing details, or CLICK HERE to shop dedication and shout-out ads now.
| | | |
|
The Days of Advent with Brother Francis
Help the whole family prepare for the coming of Christ. Sign up for Brother Francis: The Days of Advent. Join Brother Francis as he leads kids on a daily journey in this special season celebrating the coming of the Lord. These reflections feature meditations, prayers, and suggested activities to keep our focus on Christ this Christmas.
| | |
(Click on the image above to view registration information.) | |
|
|
Find Our NEW Spirit Store on our Homepage!
Click on the down arrow on the icon menu bar for a quick and easy way to access the store!
| | | |
|
|
Rebate (SCRIP)- HOLIDAY NEWS
LAST DATE TO PLACE PHYSICAL CARD ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS: Tomorrow, Monday December 12, 2022 at 7:30 a.m.
Remember to support our local vendors, Handel’s, Hanna’s and Tutto Fresco. Also, McDonald’s is a recently added vendor to RaiseRight. These physical cards are available through RaiseRight and will be delivered, along with any other physical cards ordered, on Thursday December 15, 2022.
Questions? Email rebate@serraschool.org
| | | | |
|
Remember to Record Your Completed Volunteer Hours
Did you attend the Parent Education Series on November 29? If so, please remember to log two hours for your attendance at this event. Also, log any completed volunteer hours from June 9, 2022 to present. Remember, each TK-8 family is required to complete and log a minimum of 40 volunteer hours for the 2022-2023 school year. CLICK HERE for instructions on how to log hours.
Questions? Contact Mrs. Dana Hardenburgh: dhardenburgh@serraschool.org
| | |
|
|
Chapel Mass for Second Grade
On Thursday, December 15, Fr. Charles will celebrate Mass with our second grade students in our beautiful St. Serra Chapel. We are excited to invite our second grade parents to join us at this Mass. Mass will start at 10:30 a.m. If you are attending, please check-in upon arrival in the School Office. As a reminder, all second grade students are to wear their formal uniform for this Mass day.
| | | | |
|
Attention 1st and 4th Grade Students!
Your pizza party for having the highest participation during Giving Week will take place on Friday, December 16. Pizza (pepperoni or cheese), chips and bottled water will be provided. Gluten-free pizza will also be available.
We are in need of parent volunteers to assist with pizza distribution. If you are interested in volunteering, please SIGN UP.
THANK YOU for your support of St. Serra's Bear Fund!
| | |
|
|
Seasons Luncheon - Tickets are Still Available!
- We have multiple hosts who are excited to have YOU join their table! check out the available tables HERE.
- The Seasons Travel Raffle is back with two amazing trips this year, Palm Desert, CA and Mexico!
-
RAFFLE TICKETS for our Opportunity Baskets are also available now to our entire school.
- Volunteers needed! Please email seasonsvolunteers@serraschool.org if you are interested.
READ MORE or click below to register and/or sponsor today!
| | | | |
|
Anchor Ball 2023 - "Denim and Diamonds"
Dust off your boots and shine your finest jewels because Anchor Ball is going western this year! Join us back at the “Serra Ranch” for one downright amazing party! SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, March 4, 2023. Click the link below for more details on ticket sales, underwriting and sponsorship options, and volunteer opportunities before and at the event.
| | |
|
|
Save the Date: Family FUNraiser on December 21
School is out for Christmas Break on Wednesday, December 21, and we are celebrating the season at Selma's in Ladera Ranch! Please join us for some holiday merriment! 20% of all receipts will be donated to St. Serra - be sure to show the flyer!
| | | | |
|
Save the Date: Father Daughter Dance 2023
When: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: St. Serra Student Activity Center
Look for additional details coming soon!
| | |
|
|
JSerra December Admissions News
If you have not applied yet, now is the time to submit your application – even if you are still on the fence regarding your family’s high school decision! If you are still unsure, please take the time to schedule a January shadow day or register for the admissions information night! We cannot wait to welcome you to campus! If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our admissions team at admissions@jserra.org. We are looking forward to partnering with you throughout the admissions process! Don't wait! Begin your journey to Lion Nation today! APPLY NOW!
| | | | |
|
SM Youth Holiday Basketball Camps
Santa Margarita Catholic High School co-ed youth holiday basketball camps, for grades 3 through 8, are coming up soon. Be sure to register early!
Christmas Break: December 22-23
FLYER
| | |
DIOCESAN AND LOCAL PARISH NEWS | |
National Eucharistic Revival
The Bishops of the United States are calling for a three-year grassroots revival of devotion and belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival aims to be a movement that renews the Church by enkindling a living relationship with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. READ MORE
| | | | | |
