A MESSAGE FROM SR. PRINCIPAL, MR. TOLZDA | |
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Dear St. Serra Parents,
This past week, St. Serra’s Student Council, led by Ms. Heather Hubert, hosted a dynamic Red Ribbon Week. As most people know, Red Ribbon Week has been around for quite some time now - well over thirty years in fact. When a campaign has been around for this long, it is sometimes easy to forget the significant meaning behind it. Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, when the Red Ribbon Week tradition was starting to take hold in schools across the nation, "Just Say No" was an advertising campaign spearheaded by Nancy Reagan that aimed to discourage children from trying drugs. In today’s world, however, there is much more to it than just saying “no.”
More than ever, young children are finding themselves face-to-face with the serious challenges of drugs and alcohol in our society. Beyond peer pressure, children and teens are exposed to movies, tv shows, and music that make drugs seem “cool” or “an okay thing to do”. There is also a strong correlation between kids who struggle with depression, boredom, rebellion, and/or lack of confidence, and experimentation with drugs. With traffickers mixing various drugs with Fentanyl, referred to as “the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered” by DEA Administrator, Anne Milgram, the stakes for protecting our children from drugs have never been higher.
Nearly every family has experienced, in some way or another, the negative impact drugs and/or alcohol can have on the lives of loved ones. The emotional pain and mental anguish that comes from addiction are like no other, leaving tremendous destruction and unmitigated agony in its wake. Sadly, there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution as to what will spare a child from the disease of addiction. We all know the probabilities of children experimenting with alcohol and/or drugs at some point in their lives, and the possible consequence of addiction is real and downright frightening to think about.
The illegal drug epidemic that is attacking society is truly alarming, and no child is immune from its reach. It is critical that we work together to fight back against this evil by educating ourselves and our children on the extreme dangers of drugs and alcohol. To this end, St. Serra will launch a parent education series in the very near future that addresses topics such as drugs and addiction, internet safety, and much more. Yes, peer pressure and temptation are always going to be strong influencers on our children, but take heart; 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." We, as parents and educators, must do everything in our power to arm our children with weapons of knowledge, faith and enduring support, so that they can confidently face the battles that we know are sure to come.
Always striving,
Tim Tolzda
Sr. Principal
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MONDAY,
October 31
Trunk or Treat
Students may wear costumes or Halloween accessories
SEE GUIDELINES
MINIMUM Day Dismissal
Preschool-Grade 2 at 11:30 a.m.
Grades 3-8 at 12:10 p.m.
Chick-Fil-A FUNlunch Order Deadline at 11:59 p.m. ORDER NOW
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TUESDAY,
November 1
Memorial Mass
10:30 a.m. in the Student Activity Center
Formal Uniform Required for students in grades 1-8
Yearbook Group Photos After Mass
SerraVision, Yearbook Squad and BOB Club - meet Mrs. Sifers in the SAC by bleachers
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WEDNESDAY,
November 2
Regular Dismissal Day
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THURSDAY,
November 3
PTO Meeting
8:15 a.m. in the Parent Hub - all parents are welcome
JOIN VIRTUALLY
3rd Grade Mass with Fr. Aristotle
10:30 a.m. in the St. Serra Chapel; Formal Uniform Required for 3rd Grade students
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FRIDAY,
November 4
Spirit Shirt Friday
Wear your 2022-23 spirit shirt with uniform bottoms
Food for Friends
Collection
Morning Drop-Off
Rebate/SCRIP Program Information Session
8:15 a.m. in the Parent Hub
Chick-fil-A FUNlunch Today!
TK-8 students
PRE-ORDERS only; no walk-ups, no Choicelunch today
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WEEKLY UPDATES BY GRADE LEVEL | |
Solemnity of All Saints Mass ~ Tuesday November 1, 2022
Join us on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints Mass. Fr. Michael St. Paul from Holy Trinity will be our main presider; Fr. Tuan from St. Kilian and Father Jim will be our con-celebrants. Students in grades 1-8 are to wear their formal uniform. Please remind your child(ren) to bring in change to support the Mission Co-op Appeal. Campus Ministry will collect donations and bring them to the altar during Mass.
Although we understand that our students may be out later than usual the night before, it is important that they come to school at the usual start time on Tuesday and participate in this very special Mass. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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GIVING WEEK 2022 IS ALMOST HERE!
COULD WE INTEREST YOU IN RESERVED PARKING FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR?
| Please donate to The Bear Fund between November 6-10 to earn non-uniform dress, plus chances to win gift cards, pizza parties, and the coveted VIP Reserved Parking placard! | | | |
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Food for Friends Collection this Friday, November 4
Our local food banks need our help! What seems like a small amount can truly help a family in need, and any contribution is greatly appreciated! Not sure what to donate? Click the link below for a list of ideas.
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Evidence-Based Parenting with Dr. Leonard Sax
Every parent wants their child to be healthy, happy and successful. Dr. Sax's workshops provide real-world advice and tips on how to achieve this, by sharing robust empirical findings based on multiple longitudinal cohort studies. St. Serra families are invited to join the following parishes for these informative talks:
- Wednesday, November 2 at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach (registration and $5 admission required)
- Thursday, November 3 at St. Edward Parish School in Dana Point
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Chick-fil-A FUNlunch: LAST CHANCE TO ORDER
Ordering will end TOMORROW, Monday, October 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Grades TK through 8 may order Chick-fil-A meals for this Friday, November 4. See ordering page for meal options. No drink is included with the meal; please bring your own. NOTE: There will be NO Choicelunch service on this day.
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Volunteer Corner
St. Serra is in need of volunteers to help in the following areas:
- Harvest Appreciation Lunch for St. Serra Teachers and Staff
- Recess and Lunch duty
- Community Facilitator(s); must be fluent in Mandarin
All volunteer opportunities can earn hours toward your volunteer service requirement. For additional details, please click the link below.
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Yearbook Purchase Opt-out
This year, families will be automatically billed $55 per STUDENT through FACTS (meaning, each student will receive their own yearbook). If you would like to "opt-out" of purchasing one or more yearbooks for your student(s) please click on the link below. "Opt-out" requests must be received by December 31, 2022.
Questions? Please email Mrs. Janess Sifers: jsifers@serraschool.org
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Yearbook Wants YOUR Photos!
Have you attended any St. Serra events this year? Did you get any awesome photos of our Serra Bears? We are looking for sports pictures, golf event pictures, dance pictures, Mass pictures, spirit wear pictures, etc. If you have photos you are willing to share, click on the "ADD PHOTOS" button below, and your pictures might be added to our 2022-2023 Yearbook! Email Mrs. Janess Sifers with any questions: jsifers@serraschool.org
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Rebate (SCRIP) News: Don't Miss This!
Come learn about our money-saving Rebate/SCRIP Program!
When: Friday, November 4, 2022, 8:15 a.m.
Why: To learn how to save on tuition costs
Where: St. Serra's Parent Hub
What to Bring: Your cell phone, laptop, or any device of your choice that has internet and email access
Questions? Email rebate@serraschool.org
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Lands' End Starboard Scholarship for 8th Grade Students
The Lands' End Starboard Scholarship acknowledges and rewards students who display exceptional leadership skills, and recognizes the next generation of young leaders as they steer us into the future. Students attending Lands' End Preferred Schools in grades 8 through 12 are eligible to apply for one of five scholarships worth $5,000 toward private school or college tuition. See the flyer for more information.
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Trunk or Treat is TOMORROW - Monday, October 31! | IT'S HERE! We are so excited for our annual Trunk or Treat Event tomorrow…on Halloween Day this year! Students are allowed and encouraged to wear costumes to school! If they choose not to wear a costume, they are allowed to wear Halloween-themed shirts and accessories. Please refer to the COSTUME GUIDELINES! | | | | |
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Baskin Robbins Family FUNraiser
Our next super fun Family FUNraiser is happening on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at Baskin Robbins in Ladera Ranch. Come on out and have some great ice cream, while chillin' with friends and supporting our awesome school! Be sure to present the flyer, and 25% will be donated back to St. Serra.
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Save the Date for Anchor Ball 2023! | Dust off your boots and shine your finest jewels because Anchor Ball is going western this year! Mark your calendars for our "Denim and Diamonds" gala, which will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, right here on our St. Serra campus. You will definitely want to saddle up for cocktails, dinner, and dancing at our largest fundraising event of the year! More details coming soon. | | | | |
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AmazonSmile Update
St. Serra recently received a payment from our AmazonSmile shoppers’ qualifying purchases in the amount of $443.23.Thank you to those who use AmazonSmile and have selected St. Serra to receive your contributions. We encourage all St. Serra families to use AmazonSmile and designate St. Serra as your contribution recipient!
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Discover Servite Open House
TODAY, Sunday, October 30.
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SM's Talon Theater Presents "The Matchmaker"
TODAY, Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. EVENT FLYER
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Mater Dei Parent Social
Mater Dei High School invites St. Serra parents to a Parent Social, hosted by their Admissions Team, on Wednesday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited - please RSVP and check the box at the top that says "Prospective Parent Meeting & Social".
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SMCHS Athletic Info Night
Monday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m.
EVENT FLYER
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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!
Thanksgiving Break: November 21-23
Christmas Break: December 22-23
VIEW FLYER
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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
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