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2020 - 2021
School Year
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Apr
2-9
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Easter Break
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May 3-7
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May the Course Be With You
Golf Tournament
and Auction
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May 31
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No School - Memorial Day
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Last Day of School Preschool/PreK
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Jun 18
| Last Day of School K-7 |
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March 16 - 19, 2021
Nolan C. 1A
Ryan P. 5B
Harlow Y. 1B
Luke L. 1A
Nolan C. 1A
Jonah B. 3B
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1A
5B
1B
1A
1A
3B
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March 24, 2021
Dear St. Francis of Assisi School Parents and Guardians,
This week, three words have been on my heart - FREEDOM, ANXIETY, and FAITH. There are many definitions of FREEDOM. The first definition that came up was "the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint." But the more important definition for Lent is, "the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved," especially by sin. The freedom we enjoy here in our country has been hard fought by our men and women in the military and protected by our men and women in blue. Prior to the pandemic, we enjoyed many freedoms as Americans. We could leave our homes anytime both day and night. We could choose where and what we eat and who could be present at our tables. We practiced our faith openly, worshiping in churches and choosing faith-based education for our children. This freedom is a gift. It is not free and requires hard work to retain it. Through the pandemic, so much of our freedoms have been threatened and tested.
Much of this has caused great ANXIETY for many. What lies under the surface of anxiety is fear. Fear really stands for False Expectations Appearing Real. What is at the root of all this? Fear of losing our security, control, power, and fear of the unknown. This fear breeds isolation, withdrawal from community, distorts our thoughts and can even cause us to lose hope. 1 Peter 5:10-11, tell us "The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little." It is like a dirty windshield that desperately needs to be washed so that once again we can see clearly.
How do we do this? FAITH! Let us bring everything we have and hold dear into the light! In Hebrews 11:1, we read, "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen." Thankfully we are still free to pray and worship in our homes and now again in our churches, returning to celebrate Mass in person with our faith family. God does not desire for us to be alone. We know this through the sacramental life of the Church, where all of the Sacraments are celebrated in community. God is calling each one of us to be in the present, lifting up our thoughts, worries, and even fears, so that through His Spirit, the fruits of His love can radiate in all we say and do.
God has been present throughout this pandemic. Peter, the first Pope of our Church, tell us that "In this you rejoice, although now, for a little while, you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6) While we continue to be tested through this pandemic, our faith tells us that if we keep our focus on God, His glory will be revealed in the work that we do together. As we enter into Holy Week this Palm Sunday, I pray that we, together as an SFA community of faith, place our fears and anxieties at the foot of the cross, knowing that TRUE FREEDOM awaits us all on Easter Sunday!
Praying for you,
Jeannette Lambert Principal
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S.E.E.D.s Parents Workshop - Parenting in a Digital World
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Please save the date for our next S.E.E.D.s Parent Workshop, "Parenting in a Digital World," presented by Cybersafety Cop, Clayton Cranford. The presentation will be held via zoom on April 13th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. More details coming soon! |
"May The Course Be With You" - Fun for Everyone!
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Support SFA & celebrate the greatest galactic saga ever told at our "May the Course Be With You" fundraiser May 3-7. Don't miss out on your chance to be a "Force" for good!
This is the way...
1. Golf Tournament: Join us May 3rd at Yorba Linda Country Club as we hit the links and have some fun. Registration begins at 9am and our shotgun start will be at 11am.
For non-golfers, we will have a Winners' Reception on the pool deck at 5pm immediately following the tournament. Food, drinks, raffle drawings, and golf prizes will be provided.
Tickets to Golf & the Reception can be purchased through our Auctria website.
1. Silent Auction: All week long, May 3-7 we will be taking bids on many exciting prize packages featured online. Bidding will open with the shotgun start of our golf tournament. You can take part from the course in your finest golf attire or from the comfort of your home in your pajamas.
All auction packages will be featured on our Auctria website. To register as a bidder visit Auctria & create your profile. All bids will be received through Auctria.
3. Live Auction: Friday, May 7th at 7:30pm we will wrap up our week with live bidding on our most desirable prizes. Everything from week-long vacation packages to the always popular jump the carline pass will be up for bidding with our auctioneer!
A Zoom link for the Live Auction will be provided as we draw closer to the event date.
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More Ways to Join in the "May The Course Be With You" Fun!
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Punch it Chewie! Tickets for all of the out of this world add ons and extras for SFA's "May The Course Be With You" fundraiser are now available. Make your purchases through our Auctria website (credit cards) or using the ORDER FORM being sent home this week (cash or check).
1. Skywalker Wine Experience: We have partnered with Skywalker Vineyards (yes, George Lucas's Winery!!) to offer our supporters an exclusive wine tasting experience with the Executive Director of Skywalker Vineyards! Purchase of a specially selected prefix bundle of Skywalker Pinto Noir and Skywalker Chardonnay grants you access to our private Zoom link. The Skywalker Wine Experience will take place on Friday, May 7 at 6:30pm just before the start of our Live Auction event. Wine packages will be available for pick up in the SFA parking lot on Friday, May 7 from 3:00pm - 5:30pm. Cost: $175
2️. Raffle Tickets: We have collected 7 amazing prizes to be raffled off at either the Golf Winners' Reception on May 3rd or the during the Live Auction on May 7th. All tickets make you eligible for any and all of our prizes and winners do not need to be present at time of drawing.
Drawn at Winners' Reception - May 3rd - Golf Foursome at YLCC - Golf Driver - Golf Lesson from Mr. Mandry - SFA Branded Wagon w/ Premium Alcohol - Big Bear Cabin Vacation
Drawn at Live Auction - May 7th - 1 Month Free Tuition for 1 Student - Beautiful Sapphire Ring Cost: $10 per ticket / 6 for $50 / 12 for $100
3️. Ball Drop: Purchase a golf ball with a unique number on it. Then, during our golf tournament, we will drop all of the pre-purchased, number balls onto the course from a helicopter, crane, or cherry picker. The owner of the ball closest to the hole wins a $500 Amazon gift card! Cost: $10 per ball
4️. Grab Bags: Filled with donated gift certificates and coupons from local businesses and a Free Dress Pass this popular tradition at SFA is for the kids! Purchase one for each of your students and benefit from guaranteed parent win! Cost: $15 each |
Skywalker Wine Experience!
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Auction Donations Needed!
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Do you like pizza? How about ice cream? WHAT ABOUT ELECTRIC BIKES?!
Would you like a pizza or ice cream party for your class? Do you want a chance to win a Jetson Bolt Pro Folding Electric Bike?!
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then the Auction Committee has a contest for you!
We need your help obtaining donated items that will bring on the bidding at our "May the Course Be With You" Silent Auction...Yes, we are doing an auction in addition to our Golf Tournament! We can bundle your items with other items to create baskets, or they can stand alone as a special prize. The class that donates the most items to our silent auction will win a pizza party or ice cream party - your choice! In addition to the party, every student in the winning class will be entered in a raffle to win an electric bike!
Here are a few ideas to get you started. We are in need of small electronics and gaming accessories, sporting goods, fashion items like handbags and sunglasses, family games, and more.
We will be setting a table up each Friday during carline for convenient drop off of auction donations. Please be sure to fill out our Donation Form and attach it to your donated item(s).
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Thank you to those families and companies who have already generously supported of our "May The Course Be With You" Online Auction! Your donation makes our event a success.
Solorzano Family
| Laurie Schoenke
| Foxx Family
| Flores-Zarate Family
| | Sweet Deal Ent., Inc. | | Clewett Family | | Costco | | Mirabella Family | | Camp Wolfpack | | Us In The Son | | Garcia Family | | Kwan Family | | Yoo Family | Taylen Herbert
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Golf Tournament Tickets - Just 3 Left!!
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Tickets for "May the Course Be With You" Golf Tournament are almost sold out!
We will also be selling tickets to our post-tournament, "Jedi Master Winners Reception," for any non-golfers. Click the link above to purchase tickets!
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May The Course Be With You Pennant - Deadline Extended!!
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 WE HAVE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE FOR PENNANT SIGN ORDERS TO FRIDAY, MARCH 26th!
Purchase a personalized pennant for your child, family, or business and join in the "May the Force Be With You" fun!
Pennants are $15 / each.
Our Golf and Auction Committee will have individual pennants made and post them in front of the school as part of our Star Wars / Golf themed celebration.
Submit your order form to the front office or send to fundraisers@sfayl.org.
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Sponsor Ad and Logo Artwork Due April 1!
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Thank you to all of our sponsors for your generous support of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School's "May the Course Be With You" Golf Tournament and Online Auction. Your financial contribution has qualified you for recognition / advertising through the event.
The deadline to submit art, whether that be an ad in the auction catalog or signage at the golf event, is Thursday, April 1, 2021. All files can be emailed to fundraisers@sfayl.org.
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"May The Course Be With You" - Volunteers Needed!
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 We're looking forward to our upcoming Golf Tournament and Online Auction!
To make this event a success, we are relying on our parents to help with pre-event preparations and day of tasks.
There are many fun volunteer opportunities available for those who have decided not to golf, but still want to be involved with the tournament. There are also wonderful ways to get involved in Auction prep and day of activities.
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We are more than halfway through our Lenten Journey. Please remember to make small sacrifices and donate to your Rice Bowl. Rice Bowls will be collected NEXT WEEK. Thank you for helping those around the world who struggle to have enough food to eat.
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Third Grade Service Project - Save Your Recyclables!
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In the true spirit of St. Francis, our Third Grade students have selected United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County as the beneficiary of their grade level service project. This cause is near and dear to all of our hearts at St. Francis, most especially our Third Grade community, as they wish to support their friend, Jacoby.
March is Cerebral Palsy awareness month. Please see the details below to help our students make a difference.
Collection Dates:
March 15 - 31
Collection Criteria:
Bagged EMPTY plastic bottles and EMPTY aluminum cans. Please separate by plastic/aluminum.
Collection Locations:
Place in the recycled blue painted coral by the dumpster in our SFA parking lot.
All proceeds will be donated on behalf of Jacoby Gonchar to United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County.
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Kids Heart Challenge - March 30 - 31
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Mark you calendars for our Kids Heart Challenge on March 30 and 31! The Kids Heart Challenge is a fun and exciting event where our students learn about their heart while helping others by raising money for the American Heart Association.
- Top earning class/cohort will win a pizza lunch
- Top earning student will win a special lunch and dessert
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In N Out Fundraiser - Wednesday, March 31
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 Our Annual In-N-Out fundraiser is coming up! This year's event will be held as a drive thru family dinner from 5pm - 6pm on Wednesday March 31. ORDERS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, MARCH 26th!
Order Form |
| Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week - May 10 - 14 |
SFA Productions Presents: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week 2021 May 10th - 14th - YOU are the Stars of the Show
Thank you to those who have sent in donations or donated items through our Sign-Up link https://signup.com/go/iRHCgQw. There are a couple of spots still available for items as well as for volunteers to help out that week.
In case your donation form didn't make it home, you can download it here. Your voluntary donation of $10 per child helps cover the costs for the week. 100% of the donations are spent on the week's activities. Please return the form with your donation no later than April, 16th. One check per family is requested.
As with all of our donations requests this year, for every $15 spent or for every hour volunteered you can include that as 1 service hour toward your 20-hour requirement. You may accumulate hours until May 10 for this school year. Hours are input into FACTS and are based on an honor system.
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The cost for a 2020-2021 yearbook was included in class fees for 8th Grade students. It is not necessary to purchase a yearbook for students in the class of 2021!
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| Camp Wolfpack is Back in 2021! |
Are you looking for a way to bridge your child's learning from one school year to the next? Do you want to ensure that academic progress continues during the summer months? SFA has the answer...Camp Wolfpack is ON for the Summer of 2021!
The program will offer five weeks of learning and fun. Families can sign up for one week or all five!
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SFA Vignette Interview Series
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With over twenty years of education and character building, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School has influenced countless journeys. Every Monday, we will be highlighting community members whose personal and professional trajectories have been impacted by their experiences at SFA. This vignette interview series captures their unique perspectives and demonstrates how a foundation of faith empowers our students and inspires us all as we Dare to Dream!
SFA grandparent, Elaine John, shares her dream for all St. Francis students. "I hope that the children here at St. Francis grow up to be confident learners ever-growing in their faith. So, when they're out there in the big world they can make those big decisions with what we know are our values through our faith."
Know someone you would like to highlight or have a personal story of prayer, peace, and perseverance? Contact us.
Thanks to @abidecreative for the amazing work capturing these stories and sharing the Spirit of St. Francis with our community!
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Shared Responsibility Reminder
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As a reminder, St. Francis requests that families screen their students for symptoms of COVID-19 at home before arriving at school each and every day. Anyone with a fever of 100.4° F or greater within the past 24 hours must stay home as well as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, new loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, nausea and vomiting. In addition, anyone with recent close contacts within the past 14 days with known or suspected COVID-19 positive cases must stay at home. Personal illness, quarantine, COVID-19 illness, and symptom-related absences will be excused.
This shared responsibility is critical to our ability to keep our school open for hybrid learning. In support of this partnership, the school will send out regular reminders to families periodically. Please report your student's illness with details of all symptoms to their school Covid Coordinator. A school staff member will follow up on all students that are at home with COVID-19 symptoms.
Lastly, it is important to note that a student who is sent home, stays home, or has been exposed to COVID-19 and is at home in quarantine, will be able to access live classroom instruction from home if they are healthy enough to participate. Thank you in advance for your commitment to this shared responsibility. |
| 6th Grade Families - Immunization Requirement |
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TDap immunization is needed before your child enters 7th grade. Once this requirement has been met, please be sure to forward documentation to the SFA office. We will need this information prior to the start of the 2021 - 2022 school year.
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Support our school for FREE! Use AmazonSmile when you shop!
What you need to do:
2. Select "Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School" as your charitable organization [or simply click this link:
3. Shop Your Heart Out
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to assist SFA. Let's make our dollars really count. Every little bit helps!
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The St. Francis of Assisi Scrip Program is a major fundraiser used to reduce tuition costs for families at SFA. The scrip program provides families the ability to purchase retailer gift cards through various providers. Those retailers then rebate a percentage back to the school to pass on to each buyer.
The SFA Scrip Program will run on a yearly basis from April 1 through March 31 and will operate weekly throughout the school year with minor deadline and delivery changes due to holidays and vacations. Participants must check the school newsletter for updated order and pick up schedules.
Please download and return the attached Scrip delivery form.
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