News From the Head of School

By Lauren Lek, Head of School

Dear OLP Pilot Community,
In his most recent encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis writes "Christian spirituality incorporates the value of relaxation and festivity." Within the world of education, we too have the gift of the summer to pause, even if only for a few days or weeks, before the new academic year starts again. For me, that time of rest and relaxation came alongside the gift of a beautiful baby girl. Emma joins two older brothers, Lucas (6) and Willem (3).

I hope that for all of you this summer also provided that much needed time to gather together with friends and family, take some time for self, or possibly time needed to advance studies or strengthen your areas of passion.

At OLP, the school never fully sleeps for long! Many have been hard at work preparing for the new school year.

This year we welcome several new members to the OLP Pilot faculty and staff. You can learn more about these individuals in the article below.

This summer I took the opportunity to read more about the incredible women, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), whose legacy continues in all of us. In reading the CSJ foundational documents, what rings clearly throughout all of them is an unequivocal focus on love, love of God, and love of the neighbor, and through that the execution of the Gospel call. That focus on unifying love is at the heart of the theme for this year's Council of Ten, Show the Love.

Our Catholic faith is a principal foundation to the education of our young women. I would invite all parents to please join us on August 28th for the Mass of The Holy Spirit in the Holy Family Event Center.

Important academic dates to note:
  • Frosh student and parent orientation on Thursday, August 13th with a Frosh Family BBQ Lunch provided

  • First day of classes, Monday, August 17th. Please note that the first week is early release at 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • All School Back to School Night on Thursday, August 20th . We will be providing off campus parking and shuttle service at Westfield Mall to help alleviate congestion. More information will be coming out from Ms. Sheelah Keeter regarding this. I look forward to seeing all of you there!
I look forward to welcoming all of you back to OLP for another tremendous school year.

God Bless,
Lauren Lek
Head of School


August Updates By Jessica Hooper, Assistant Head of School

Dear Parents & Students,

At a our recent Executive Leadership retreat I was given a quote from Henry Ford during one of our exercises, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." I found it to be quite inspiring as we all consider our goals for the 2015- 2016 school year at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Whether it be college acceptances, a particular GPA, an athletic accomplishment or a sell out drama production, we all have goals and the beauty of our community is that we support each other on the journey towards our goals. With the grace of God and the support of each other, all is possible. I hope this summer has brought with it rest, relaxation and restoration for the journey ahead.

With less than two weeks left of summer, allow me to remind you of some important details pertaining to the beginning of the 2015 - 2016 school year. As was communicated in the Summer Information Brochure (June 2015 mailing) class meetings, school pictures and day two of the Freshman Orientation program will take place on Friday, August 14, 2015. Attendance is mandatory and all students should attend the day in their formal school uniform and take their school photo prior to their class meeting. Sophomore, Junior and Senior class meetings will take place in the Event Center while the Freshman Orientation will take place in the theater. All photos will be taken in either Carondelet or St. Catherine's (the Pilot Cafe).

Please reference the schedule listed below:

Freshman: Photos 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM | Frosh Orientation 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Sophomores: Photos 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Class Meeting 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Juniors: Photos 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM | Class Meeting 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Seniors: Photos 11:15 AM - 12:30 AM | Class Meeting 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

In an effort to increase supervision and meet the needs of OLP families, we have extended the availability of the library after school. Once the school year begins our campus will be open from 6:15 AM - 6:15 PM Monday through Thursday and 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Fridays (no Zero Block on Fridays). The OLP library will be open, providing supervision from 7:00 AM - 6:15 PM Monday through Thursday and 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Fridays. The OLP library is the only place that provides direct supervision outside of school hours and all students should be picked up from campus by the time the library closes each day. Also, please note the entire first week of school operates on the 12:45 PM early dismissal schedule ( August 17th through 21st), however, the library will hold regular hours. Students should wear their formal uniforms for the first day of school, Monday, August 17, 2015.

Check the Athletics tab on the OLP website, www.aolp.org for information regarding fall sports try outs! Also, remember that the deadline for all elective schedule changes is August 21, 2015. Be sure to make an appointment with your class counselor prior to school starting to discuss any needed schedule changes. Students will be receiving the Student/Parent Handbook at their class meetings. Please take time to review the handbook together as a family and return the first page, signed by both parents and student to the student's section teacher by Friday, August 21, 2015.

Save the Date! Back to School Night is on Thursday, August 20, 2015 for all grade levels. We look forward to welcoming you to campus to meet your daughter's teachers and connect with our OLP community.

All School Closure on August 10
Please note that the entire school, including the front office, will be closed for business on Monday, August 10, 2015 as all OLP employees will be participating in our annual faculty and staff retreat. This year we will be taking the time to visit Carondelet Center, the center for the Los Angeles province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. As the CSJ thread is woven through all that we do at OLP, we are excited to take the time to visit the center, partake in theological reflections and visit with the CSJ Sisters, many of whom taught at OLP at some point in their career. Thank you in advance for your understanding of the office closure, the OLP front office will reopen at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, August 11, 2015.

Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining to life at the Academy, I encourage you to contact your daughter's assigned Assistant Principal directly. We are honored to be your partners in the education of your daughter(s). Students, get back to your summer reading assignments and enjoy the rest of the summer!

God Bless,

Mrs. Jessica Hooper
Assistant Head of School



Welcome New Faculty & Staff

Dear OLP Faculty and Staff: OLP welcomes nine new faculty and staff members to the OLP Community! Our five new and dynamic educators are: Diane La Costa (art), Johnathan Chittuluru (engineering), Jenny Rodriguez (math), Amber Basile (American Sign Language), and Jenine Winslow (science). In addition to these highly unique teachers are four talented new staff members: Samantha Quinsey (Events Coordinator), Erica Huebner (Admissions Coordinator), Victor Garza Jr. (Maintenance), and Alejandra Afaro (Assistant Librarian).

Jennifer Rodriguez, joining the Math Department, attended UCSD, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in math, and a Master's Degree in education. Jenny has experience teaching all levels of math including AP calculus.

Diane La Costa, joining the Visual and Performing Arts Department, attended Catholic University of America earning a Bachelor's Degree in architecture and La Salle University, where she earned a Master's Degree in project management. In Diane's free-time she enjoys travel, architecture, oil and watercolor painting and cooking.

Erica Huebner, Admissions Coordinator, received a Bachelor's Degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from USD. In Pasadena she began her experience in secondary school admissions, also her alma mater, at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls, Catholic High School. From there she served as the Director of Admissions, at Marymount High School in Los Angeles.

Jenine Winslow, joining the Science Department, attended Montana State University, San Diego State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree of arts in business economics, and a Master's Degree of science in biology, earth and planetary science.

Samantha Quinsey, the new Events Coordinator, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in education from San Diego State University where she graduated with distinction. Samantha gained valuable experience working for several local schools and nonprofit organizations.

Johnathan Chittuluru, joining the Computer Science Department, graduated from Cornell University, with honors in chemistry and biology. Johnathan also attended The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla where he earned a Ph.D. in computational structural biology.

Victor M. Garza Jr., is the newest member of our Maintenance Department, and a native San Diegan, having graduated from Point Loma High School. He has dedicated several years to working as a maintenance technician, requiring hands-on experience and knowledge of the techniques, tools and materials required to complete maintenance related tasks.

Amber Basile, joining the World Language Department, attended St. Catherine's University, and St. Paul, in Minnesota where she received a Bachelor's in American Sign Language, interpreting. Amber has acquired experience in teaching, tutoring and freelance interpreting for events, philanthropies and in various classroom settings, from middle to high school.

Alejandra Alfaro, joining the library staff as an Assistant Librarian, attended University of California and received a Bachelor's degree in human development and psychology. She has gained experience by working at the San Diego Public Library, and UCSD Center for Environment Health and Safety.

OLP sends a warm welcome to these new members of the team! We are thrilled to have such an amazing, unique, and talented group of individuals join the OLP family! You can read more in-depth bios on each new member by clicking here.

Sincerely,

Sheelah Keeter
Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction


Helping Cancer Patients at UCSD Oncofertility Saturday Academy

By Katie Pulvers '16

Typically when patients are diagnosed with cancer, the main focus is preserving their lives, however studies have shown that their second main concern is their fertility. Depending on the treatments, fertility can be completely gone; Oncofertility helps to preserve it. Oncofertility is a newer field of science that explores the reproductive options for cancer patients such as fertility preservation, and assisted reproduction.

Currently I am in the UCSD Oncofertility Saturday Academy (OSA) along with 14 other girls my age. The application and waiting process took about 2-3 months, especially because this year they had the most applicants ever, approximately 90. So far, it has consisted of numerous presentations from doctors that have made major contributions to the medical community. This program interested me because it discusses embryology and genetics, two fields that intrigue me.

So far, I have learned exactly how In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment works, how biotic surgery functions, as well as the benefits of embryonic stem cells for cancer treatment. We have also been able to visit many locations that aid Oncofertility, such as: UCSD's Medical School, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Scripps Xi-MED, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), and most recent the UCSD Center for the Future of Surgery.

Being a part of a program that not only learns about the breakthroughs in medicine, but empowers young women to get involved in STEM careers, has made this summer beyond extraordinary.


State of the Arts

LAMDA Examinations
This year OLP will be offering LAMDA examinations. LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) has been fueling the performing arts for more than 150 years. Through the examinations, they empower and inspire individuals across the globe – providing them with a means to improve communication skills, increase self-confidence and develop strong social skills, regardless of their experience or ability.

Students may take exams up to "Diploma" level in acting, public speaking, musical theatre, and a variety of other areas. The exam is a rigorous memorized performance, along with a verbal examination covering analysis and context of the pieces performed. A LAMDA certificate is a sterling indication that the student possesses excellent communication skills and is capable of presenting herself well. If you are interested in working toward a LAMDA certificate, please see Mrs. Herb for further information. We will also have a representative from LAMDA come to OLP this month for a presentation and question and answer session.

International Thespian Conference
From June 22-29, six OLP students, one Saints student, and Mrs. Herb traveled to Thespian conference in Lincoln, Nebraska. The International Thespian conference is seven days of award winning shows, workshops, college auditions, exploring college life, and fun!

Seniors Rachel Rougas '16, Bella Rivera '16, and Cami Asher '16 got many college callbacks at an intense day of college auditions. They found the long afternoon of auditions difficult, but rewarding!

Experiences that stand out include some brilliant plays done by high school students, including Big Fish, The Little Mermaid, and Twilight of the Golds. Rachel Rougas '16 said, "I personally loved the workshops. I learned to participate in activities that I wouldn't have done before. Not only did I have fun, but I saw that I could try new things without having previous experience in them." For Mrs. Herb, this is her 24th Thespian conference, and she hopes to attend many more. She said, "Conference is where I saw many of the shows we've ended up doing at OLP, plus where I've learned about so much that's currently going on in educational theatre, from computerized ticket programs to lesson plans I could bring directly to the classroom."

If any students are interested in having a great experience at Conference next year, please see Mrs. Herb, or come to the first Thespian meeting!

Auditions for "Anything Goes"
Auditions will be held August 18 and 19th with callbacks on August 20. All will be from 1:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in the OLP Theatre. If you are trying for a role, you must attend Singing, Dancing, and Acting Auditions. Please sign up on the posted sign up sheets outside the theatre. If you wish to only do chorus, we will just ask you to attend Singing auditions in order to place your voice. We accept all dedicated students in chorus! You must be able to commit to the rehearsals, which are usually TTH through October (TWTH for principals), gradually going to every day by mid October. Of course you must commit to the performances, which are November 6th, 8th (matinée); then November 12th, 13th, and 14th.


CSJ Corner: Embracing Unifying Love

In accordance with Pope Francis' encyclical "Caring for Creation and the Poorest Among Us" released this year, we as a school community have chosen Show the Love as our 2015-2016 Mission Statement.

In remembrance of last year's theme of "le prochain" and in preparation for future leaders of the school community and the world, it is the duty of our generation of learners to preserve and protect our earth. Limitless is the mind, not the matter. Made in God's image, mankind was entrusted with the responsibility of caring for all of God's creation, including those who are unable to take care of themselves.

The common quality of all of the inhabitants of the world is that they are children of God who deserve love, respect, and an equal opportunity to flourish and thrive. To Show the Love means to take action on behalf of the poorest among us. To care for the poorest among us, we will reach out to those who are not only poor in material wealth, but also those who are poor in spirit, poor in love, poor in faith, poor in peace, or poor in hope. By acting as a voice for the voiceless, surpassing the expected standard of caring, and taking part in service, we will show our love for God's creation. We can work together to truly create a Heaven on Earth because when we cherish the beauty and meaning in creation, then we will also understand the value of human life.

It is also important to remember the beloved charism of our CSJs, of which one of the most powerful is "unifying love." What could be more fitting with our mission statement? The phrase "unifying love" perfectly symbolizes Pope Francis's message in his encyclical and the "unifying" aspect encompasses all of the people – and the rest of creation – that we pledge to "show the love" to in our mission statement. We will live out the Sisters' charism while reflecting Pope Francis' message on the care for God's creation and honoring the dignity of the human person.

God's creation goes far beyond the limits of our imagination. The earth-mankind relationship is a mutualistic one; if we love all of creation, creation will provide for us. Pope Francis reminds us, "We need to see, with the eyes of faith, the beauty of God's saving plan, the link between the natural environment and the dignity of the human person."




Alumnae Profile: Sarah Rens '10 Changes the Political Climate in Chicago

I was a member of the class of 2010 and more recently graduated from DePaul University in 2014. While at DePaul, I got involved in the political world in Chicago.

I interned on President Obama and Mayor Rahm Emanuel's campaigns, spent two years as an assistant at the U.S. Department of State, served as student government vice president and lead the Illinois Board of Higher Education's Student Advisory Committee. In these roles, I had the opportunity to staff the NATO summit, be in the bleachers behind President Obama when he gave his 2012 election night speech and see a bill I wrote get passed through the Illinois state legislature before graduating with my undergraduate degree. I am now a law student at Boston University, but back in Chicago for the summer doing a policy fellowship in Mayor Emanuel's office and absolutely loving it.

I really believe OLP gave me the foundation I needed to be successful and to find my way in the political world all on my own. When I got to undergraduate school, and even now in law school, I've always felt prepared to take on my course load and have yet to have a class that stressed me out as much as some of my OLP classes did. That academic preparation left me with time to get involved on campus and in activities in Chicago.

OLP also gifted me with a the self-confidence I needed to seek out and make opportunities for myself. Once I had found those opportunities, I was equipped to work hard and balance them effectively thanks to balancing challenging academics, swim, cross country and running the blood drives while at OLP. After reconnecting with an OLP friend in Boston, Rachel Cotton '10 (above), I have also come to really appreciate the special nature of the bonds that form between OLP girls. She was just the friend I needed as I took on law school in a new city.

My name is Sarah Rens and I am proud to be an OLP Pilot!