A MESSAGE FROM SR. PRINCIPAL, MR. TOLZDA | |
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Dear St. Serra Parents,
As mentioned in the St. Serra Sunday News on October 9, we will focus on one of eight St. Serra core values each month during the 2022-23 school year. This month, we will focus on our second core value, Faith.
The definition of Faith is “to have complete trust or confidence in someone or something.”. Having complete trust in someone other than ourselves is often easier said than done. We all encounter circumstances that compel us to place our trust in someone else, whether that person is a family member, a friend, a teacher, or boss, or even someone we don’t personally know, like the chef preparing our meal at a restaurant or the Uber driver taking us to our desired destination. Sometimes it is easy to give up control; at other times it is difficult, and perhaps even a bit scary.
When families decide to enroll their children at St. Serra, they are acting on the Faith that their children will not only receive an excellent education, but that they will have an opportunity to learn about and explore their own relationship with God. I mention regularly that all we do at St. Serra is elevated by our two pillars, Academic Excellence and Catholic Identity. Academic Excellence is essential for the successful development of our students; by ensuring that our students are able to perform and/or excel in scholastic activities, we help lay the groundwork for their future occupational and economic success. The Catholic Identity of St. Junipero Serra Catholic school is even more important to our students’ success, as it guides our administration, faculty, and staff in helping students develop the character, morals, and integrity that will allow them to use their accomplishments and gifts to positively impact the world. At St. Serra, we demonstrate our Catholic Identity by participating in faith-based activities such as reciting daily prayers, attending regular Masses, and supporting various outreach projects and by modeling confidence and trust in our Creator.
Faith is the entire foundation of our relationship with God. To have faith is to have complete confidence in God and to trust in His perfect plan for us. Having faith is not always easy, but we are called to stand firm.
"Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13
Thank you, St. Serra parents, for choosing St. Serra and having FAITH in our school’s ability to provide your children with an excellent educational and faith-based experience. Your trust in our faculty and staff is something we never take for granted: your children’s best interests are at the center of everything we do. Please ask your children about their faith, how they express their faith at St. Serra, and what it means to them. I am confident that their answers will surprise and delight you.
Always striving,
Tim Tolzda
Sr. Principal
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MONDAY,
November 7
Reconciliation
Formal uniform required for Grades 3-8
Teaching Mass for Kindergarten
12:45 in the St. Serra Chapel
Formal uniform required for Kindergarten
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TUESDAY,
November 8
4th Grade Nativity Interest Meeting at Lunch
St. Serra Chapel
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WEDNESDAY,
November 9
Regular Dismissal Day
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FRIDAY,
November 11
Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL
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WEEKLY UPDATES BY GRADE LEVEL | |
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Reconciliation
On Monday, November 7, our parish priests will provide the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Serra for students in Grades 3-8 who have already received their First Reconciliation. All students in Grades 3-8 are to wear formal uniforms that day. Students who have not received their First Reconciliation, or are not Catholic, will spend some time in prayer while other students in their grade receive the Sacrament.
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Giving Week 2022
It's here - Giving Week kicks off TODAY!
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Catholic Schools Change Lives!
The following is a message from Erin C. O. Barisano, Ed. D., Superintendent.
Blessings to you on this beautiful day! By now, I hope you have heard about the impressive achievement of Catholic schools as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (a.k.a., The Nation's Report Card). I wanted to share this poignant article from the Wall Street Journal which highlights the difference our schools made in the lives of our students during the pandemic. Your fearless commitment to Catholic education has paid off and will continue to have a positive effect on our children and our nation for years to come.
Blessings,
Erin C.O. Barisano, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
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My Life as a Reader
Our St. Serra Librarian, Sandy Supple, shares her heartfelt story on how she developed a love for reading, and why reading aloud to your children is highly beneficial for all ages.
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Cyber Parenting Seminar at Santa Margarita Catholic HS
St. Serra families have been invited by SMCHS to attend a presentation of Parenting in the Digital World, a cyber safety education seminar, on Monday, November 14, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Moiso Family Pavilion. The 120-minute presentation focuses on what is really going on in our children's digital world. Taught by law enforcement officers who have served as juvenile investigators, the goal is to empower parents to take control of their children's technology, prepare parents to effectively supervise their children on social media sites and protect them from online threats. Click the link below to RSVP. See also EVENT FLYER and BROCHURE.
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Yearbook Dedication Ads and Shout-Outs Now On Sale
Dedication ads are the perfect way to commemorate your 8th Grader's journey to graduation with photos, messages and quotes. Shout-outs are great for congratulating your St. Serra student on an outstanding achievement or milestone. "Early Bird" pricing is available until December 31, 2022. Ad pricing increases after this date. Don't delay - visit the Jostens website to get started! See FLYER for pricing.
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10th Annual Seasons Tuition Assistance Luncheon
SAVE THE DATE! This year's event will take place on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
General registration will open on Thursday, November 17.
The Seasons Team is still in need of committee members. See our Volunteer Opportunities page for more details, or send an email to: seasons@serraschool.org.
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Volunteer Corner
St. Serra is in need of volunteers to help in the following areas:
All volunteer opportunities can earn hours toward your volunteer service requirement. For additional details and to sign up, please click the link below.
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Rebate (SCRIP) News
Thank you to those who joined our information session this past Friday. We hope you learned some new ways to make the most of the Rebate/SCRIP program.
There are only two weeks left for physical orders prior to Thanksgiving break:
- Monday, November 7 by 7:30 a.m.
- Monday, November 14 by 7:30 a.m.
For any Rebate Program questions, please email rebate@serraschool.org.
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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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Fourth Grade Nativity Information
Attention 4th grade students! If you are interested in participating in the presentation of the Nativity at the 2nd-4th Grade Christmas Concert, please plan on attending an important interest meeting at lunchtime with Mrs. Sifers. Click on "Read More" for details.
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We Need Your Costume Donations!
Do you have costumes you aren't going to use again? Your costumes could be used in our next Spring musical! Mrs. Sifers is collecting costumes for all ages and sizes to be utilized by our theatre students. Clean costumes may be sent in to school; please mark them "Attention: Mrs. Sifers. Questions? Please send an email to: jsifers@serraschool.org.
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Kindergarten Teaching Mass
Our Kindergarten students will be participating in a teaching Mass with Father Duy Le on Monday, November 7, at 12:45 p.m., in the St. Serra Chapel. Parents are welcome to join our students at this Mass. If you are attending, please enter campus through the school lobby and check in at the front desk. Kindergarten students are to wear their formal uniform on this day.
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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 2022 was a HUGE SUCCESS thanks to all of our creatively talented trunk hosts and amazing volunteers! A big shout out to our wonderful DJ who kept the music and energy going throughout the morning, and a big thanks to the parents and staff who donated candy. We truly appreciate everyone involved in making this such a fun event for the children! | | | | |
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Baskin Robbins Family FUNraiser
NEXT WEEK! Our 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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St. Serra recently received a donation 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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Rosary Academy Athletic Info Night
Future Royals in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th are invited to join us at Rosary Academy's Athletic Info Night on Tuesday, November 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to hear from each head coach and learn about their philosophy and tryout information. The evening will be divided by sports seasons, including cheer and dance, so if your daughter is a multi-sport athlete, then you and your family will be able to attend more than one session. Classroom locations will be provided upon registration.
VIEW 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. Be sure to register early!
Thanksgiving Break: November 21-23
Christmas Break: December 22-23
VIEW FLYER
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Don't Forget! SMCHS Athletic Info Night
TOMORROW, Monday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m.
EVENT 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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