August 9, 2023
Dear OLQA School Community,

As a community of faith, we are called to listen, respect, and love each other. We commit ourselves to collaborate in providing the academic, emotional, and spiritual formation to our children. We pledge to utilize our knowledge, understanding, and love to support and uplift each other.

In Sunday’s Gospel reading Jesus undergoes His transfiguration and God the father is pleased with him. Jesus is revealed to us as the second person of the Holy Trinity, as God the Son. Jesus invites us to undergo our own transfiguration each and every day. We seek to become a better version of ourselves and to practice being Christ-like each day.

I ask for your support and your blessings as I seek to be transfigured each day, to become more like Jesus Christ. We hope that our transfiguration exalts and glorifies a spiritual change that may open the hearts and inspire the minds of our students, our parents, and our co-workers.

Blessings,
Dr. Morales


EVENTS AND DATES

UPDATED YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE KEY DATES CLICK HERE

August 9 -11 - New Teacher Induction
August 14-18 - Faculty and Staff Inservice and Professional Growth
August 17 - Kindergarten Meet and Greet 9-11 a.m.
August 17 - Tk Meet and Greet 12-2 p.m.
August 17 - Homerooms and Carpools posted at www.olqaschool.org
August 18 - Welcome Back Open House/Supply Drop off 3:30-5:15 p.m.
August 18 - Mass at 5:30 p.m. - Join us in celebrating Mass with our school community
August 21 - First Day of School - Minimum Day - 12:10 p.m. Dismissal - Extended Day till 4 p.m.
August 21 - PTO Back-to-School Coffee - 8 a.m. AAC
August 22 - Minimum Day - 12:10 p.m. Dismissal, Extended Day till 4pm
August 22 - Junior High Parent Orientation - 12:30 p.m.
August 23 - First Full Day of School. 1st LATE Start Wednesday 8:55 a.m.
August 24 - First School Mass 8:30 a.m.
ALL TK students will have Minimum Days until Tuesday, September 5
August 31 - Back-to-School Night 6:30 p.m.


STUDENT SUPPLY LISTS FOR 2023-2024 CLICK HERE
Announcing our Parish Children’s Choir Director!

OLQA Parish Children’s Choir is excited to announce our new Director, Mrs. Natalie Van der Roest. Mrs. V (as she is happy to be known) comes to us with a background in music education and
teaching from her training at Chapman University, her teaching at St. Catherine of Siena School in Laguna Beach, and her involvement with the Children’s Choir at Christ Cathedral. She and her husband are the parents of two adorable little girls.

Parents and singers (returning or new members) are invited to meet her on Wednesday, August 23 right after school in our Parish Hall for an Ice Cream Social from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. We will also have the
premier viewing of the video the choir made last season at our Disneyland Soundstage Workshop. RSVP to PLamb@OLQA.org.
Some highlights of our upcoming season include:
  • Singing at Christ Cathedral in February
  • Winter musical presenting Moana in collaboration with South County Performing Arts (optional component of the program)
  • Spring musical presenting Detention! The Musical written by Mr. Upward and Mrs.
  • Brennan. Children in grades 3-8 from any school are welcome to join Our Lady Queen of Angels Choir.
  • Children’s Choir. Students in grades 5-8 also learn to ring handbells under the direction of Dr. Patricia Lamb. Members learn healthy vocal technique, musical notation reading, and theatrical skills. In addition, they grow in Christian character and develop self-control, cooperation, kindness and commitment as well as cultivating a spirit of service to the parish community as leaders in worship.
For more information, to see the schedule, and to register, go to our website or contact the Music Office at (949) 219-1404.
MEET OUR NEW TEACHING TEAM MEMBERS
MEET Madeline Reinoso (7B Teacher)
Hi, I'm Madeline Reinoso, and I am delighted to be a part of the OLQA family joining the Jr. High team as a 7th-grade homeroom and ELA teacher. As a Southern California native relocating to the area, I'm excited to be part of the community at OLQA and Newport Beach. In the Spring of 2022, I decided to start a new career path and pursue education. Through my faith and determination, I was able to achieve this goal. I recently graduated from USC with a master’s degree and teaching credential. In my free time, I like to stay active with Pilates, going to the beach, vintage shopping, cooking, and reading. 

It's an honor to have the opportunity to educate students through faith-filled learning and rigorous academics. I'm looking forward to the school year and getting to know the students and families at OLQA! 
MEET Haley Anderson (Kindergarten B)
Hello, OLQA Families! My name is Haley Anderson, and I am overjoyed to be the new kindergarten teacher here at Our Lady Queen of Angels. I was born on the East Coast, but spent most of my life in the Midwest. I attended the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where I earned both a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education as well as a Master of Education. It has always been a dream of mine to live in SoCal, and I ended up moving out here after finishing my master's degree. Previously, I have taught first and second grade, most recently teaching second grade at a unique private school in Santa Monica, CA founded by Catholic educators. I cannot wait to share my love of phonics, hands-on learning, faith-centered, and social-emotional learning.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy being in or near the ocean: snorkeling, scuba diving, ocean safaris, and tanning! I am a workout fanatic and love lifting weights as well as Lagree & Pilates. I also enjoy cooking, baking, and spending time with friends and family. I am incredibly blessed to be joining this wonderful community and can’t wait to meet all the parents and my lovely kindergarteners!
MEET Kristine Potter (2B Teacher)
Hello! My name is Kristine Potter, and I am excited to join the Our Lady Queen of Angels' family as a new 2nd grade teacher. I began my teaching career in Anaheim City School District, where I taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd/4th grade GATE. After taking time off to raise my two wonderful daughters, I worked for Westminster District as an intervention teacher, providing targeted instruction to help struggling students meet grade level standards. This past year, I taught a 2/3 combo in Westminster District.

Outside of school, I have been a Girl Scout leader for 14 years. I have led two troops from Daisy through Ambassador Levels and assisted many girls in achieving their Gold Award.

I am married to my amazing husband Rick, who is an aerospace engineer at BOEING. We have two daughters who both graduated from Mater Dei High School and are now in college. Our oldest, Allison, attends Cal State Northridge, and our youngest, Katie, will be attending Cal State Fullerton in the Fall. I am looking forward to meeting my new second graders and their families.
MEET OUR NEW INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS
MEET Paula Tiedt ( Instructional Assistant)
Hi, My name is Paula Tiedt, and I am really excited to join the OLQA team as an instructional assistant in first grade. I have been an instructional assistant with the Diocese of Orange for 24 years. I truly love working with elementary-school children.

I was born and raised in Ireland, and my parents still live there. I am married to my wonderful husband Kevin. We have one daughter who is an 8th grade English/History teacher. Our daughter just moved to Maine over the summer. Let’s see if she survives the winter. 

In my free time, I and my husband love to sail, kayak, walk, get together with friends, and enjoy being outdoors. When I have time, I love to read a good book.
MEET Carly Shotwell (Instructional Assistant)
Hi my name is Carly Shotwell, and I’m so excited to start the school year with you. I’ve been a teacher's aide for a year at Orange Unified School District, and I’ve been working with children for the past five years. A little bit about myself is that I love going to the beach, the river, being outdoors and playing with my dog. I’m a very family-oriented person, so I always enjoy being with my family and friends, making sure to spend quality time with them. When I’m not working as a teacher’s aide, I nanny for three children who I absolutely adore. I enjoy working most of my time, because I like to stay productive and busy especially during the summer time. I can’t wait to be a part of the OLQA community.


MEET Chloe Baker (Instructional Assistant)
Hello! My name is Chloe Baker, and I'm a new instructional assistant. I was born and raised in Southern California and I am a recent graduate of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I am currently pursuing my teaching credential and I am excited get started in the classroom at OLQA! I am eager to spread positivity and compassion in the classroom and to share my love of English and creative writing with the students. I love working with kids in and out of the classroom and have experience in the educational realm as well as coaching various sports, including swim and volleyball. In my spare time, I enjoy, cooking, running and reading on the beach.

I'm looking forward to a great year and thrilled to join the OLQA community!
OLQA SCHOOL SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
AUGUST 9-20
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(949) 644-1166
Our Lady Queen of Angels - Pray for Us!
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www.olqaschool.org