Community eNews | December 14, 2025

Please Note: You will receive your next eNews on Sunday, January 11, 2026.


Have a Merry Christmas and we will see you in the new year!

This week, Carondelet's Spiritual Life Council (SLC) observed the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. See more photos from the Mass here.

A Message from the Principal of Academics:

Dear Carondelet Community,


As we approach the end of the semester, I want to recognize the tremendous growth our students have shown this fall, in their learning, their confidence, and their commitment to one another. With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate how far they’ve come and to look ahead to the exciting opportunities awaiting them in January.


When we return from break, we will kick off Course Scheduling Season, giving students structured time and support to begin thinking about next year. We are excited to introduce AP Business and Personal Finance, strengthening both our business pathway and our commitment to real-world financial literacy. Throughout the week, students will receive a copy of their transcript along with clear guidance on how to review requirements, reflect on academic goals, and begin planning their 2026–27 course requests.


Two special events will anchor the week:

  • Elective Fair – Wednesday, January 14: Students can meet teachers, explore electives, and discover new areas of interest.
  • AP Open House – Friday, January 16: Students considering AP courses can learn about expectations, supports, and the skills needed to succeed.


Beyond academics, we are thrilled to open the new Boscacci Performance Center in January—made possible through the generous support of our community. This space will expand opportunities for dance, wellness, and student programming and represents a major investment in student well-being.


As we close the semester, may the hope of the Advent season bring peace to your homes. Thank you for your partnership and care.


Wishing you and your family a joyful and restorative Christmas.


Elizabeth Chaponot, Ph.D.

Principal of Academics

Upcoming Dates

Click event names for details.

Monday, Dec. 15

Finals (1 & 3, 8:15–11:25 AM)


Tuesday, Dec. 16

Finals (2 & 6, 8:15–11:25 AM)


Wednesday, Dec. 17

Finals (4 & 5, 8:15–11:25 AM)

Parents Guild Meeting


Thursday, Dec. 18

Finals (7 & 0, 8:15–11:25 AM)


Friday, Dec. 19

No School: Christmas Break Begins (Students Return January 12)


Wednesday, Dec. 31

Senior Ad Yearbook Deadline


Thursday, Jan. 8

No School: Faculty/Staff Professional Development


Friday, Jan. 9

No School: Faculty/Staff Professional Development


Monday, Jan. 12

Second Semester Begins

0-7 Day


View the Athletics Website for game schedules and information.

Pro tip: Read your eNewsletter weekly to stay in the know!

Click [Message Clipped] View Entire Message at the bottom of this email to see the eNewsletter in its entirety.

Academic Updates

Finals Week: Key Attendance & Grading Information

The end of the semester is upon us. Please note that students who miss exams for non-school reasons will take make-ups on January 8 and 9. Project deadlines still apply, and students must coordinate alternative presentation formats with teachers. If a student misses a final, teachers will either enter a zero (updated after the make-up) or issue an Incomplete, which requires the January exam. Gradebooks close to student view on Friday, December 19 and reopen Monday, January 5; grades are stored on Wednesday, January 7.


PowerSchool Winter Break Closure Notice 

PowerSchool will close on Friday, December 19, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 8:00 AM. First semester grades will be officially stored on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, allowing time for student-teacher communication. Transcripts will be emailed the week of January 12. Schoology will remain open during break. Wishing your family a restful holiday season!

Academic & Learning Support: Getting Ready for Finals Week

As we enter final exam season, we invite families and students to view our Getting Ready for Finals Week message, which highlights academic preparation, wellness, integrity, and effective use of resources. Click the image to see the full letter.

Bus Schedule Changes

Final Exam Week Bus Schedule Changes

The bus schedules will be different for exam week (Monday, December 15 through Thursday December 18). There will be no buses on Friday, December 19.

  • In the morning, both the 580/680 and Hwy 24 route will run as usual.
  • The afternoon CAC shuttle will depart at 11:45 AM.
  • The afternoon Pleasant Hill BART shuttle will depart at 11:45 AM and 12:15 PM.

Special Dress Day Opportunities

Relaxed Dress Code for Finals Week—December 15–18

Students may wear leggings, sweatpants, pajama pants, or flannel pants AND a Carondelet or De La Salle top during finals week. Shoes should remain closed-toe with backs (e.g., no sandals or slippers, including Uggs).

Campus Ministry

Advent Project Update!

Thank you for supporting this year’s Advent Project! We have collected 1,769 cans and raised $1,894 to support Monument Crisis Center. Your donations will truly make a difference this holiday season!

Power of Her

It was wonderful to welcome students into the Boscacci Performance Center for the first time this week. Their smiling faces and awestruck expressions as they explored this new element of their Carondelet experience were heartwarming to see.


We look forward to celebrating with donors at a dedication ceremony in January and invite you to join us.


Every contribution to this campaign matters. Gifts of $1,000+ will be recognized on the Power of Her Donor Wall in the new Gym Lobby. Space naming opportunities in the Performance Center and at the CAC are still available for those who wish to leave a lasting legacy.


Give to Support the Power of Her. The time is NOW!

Cougar Athletics

CAC Shuttle Finals Week Departure Time Change

If you are a student-athlete who needs to travel to the CAC after school for practices or games during finals week, please note that the CAC shuttle will depart at 11:45 AM from the main campus Mon, Dec 15 through Thurs, Dec 18.


Watch and Follow Our Winter Sports Teams

Follow the Carondelet Soccer and Basketball schedules on our Athletics Website or MaxPreps. You can watch the Soccer and Basketball games live on the NFHSnetwork.


Calling All Carondelet Soccer Alumnae!

We are excited to announce that the Varsity Soccer team will be hosting a Carondelet Soccer Alumnae Game on Wednesday, December 23, at the Carondelet Athletics Complex (CAC). If you know of any Carondelet Soccer alumnae, please encourage them to contact Varsity Soccer Coach Jenya Jawad.

Save the Date!

The 9th/10th Grade Dance is Coming Soon!

Save the Date for the 9th/10th Grade Dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. Guest Passes are due to the Deans' Office by Monday, February 2, 2026. More details to come.

New Items in School Store!

Stay Warm All Winter Long in Two New Puffer Jackets

We've added two new and exciting dress code approved puffer jacket options to our school store just in time for your holiday shopping!


And there are still great deals to be found in the Sale Section. Click the "Shop Now!" button to go to the school store, or click the images below to go directly to those items!

Parent & Family Engagement

Carondelet Parents Guild Meeting

All Carondelet parents and guardians are invited to our Christmas celebration on Wednesday, December 17, at 6:30 PM in the Carondelet Convent Community Room. Our 15-minute speaker will be our Wellness Counselors. We will serve light appetizers and beverages. RSVP Today!


January Fathers Club Meeting

We have another amazing meeting in the works you won’t want to miss! Carondelet's College Counseling team will speak to our dads, along with an amazing dinner and social time. Join us on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation. RSVP Today!


Alumnae Association Meeting, Wed. Jan. 14

Come check out the Cannon Wellness Center during our Alumnae Association Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, at 6:30 PM. We will discuss the remaining events for the year and would love to have you join us. RSVP here!


Thanks for Joining us at the Father-Daughter Dance!

We had such a wonderful time at the Father-Daughter Dance last weekend! A huge thank you to Mr. Boone for sharing his amazing dance moves and teaching us how to line dance, and to Michael Viola for being our bingo caller. What a magical way to welcome the holiday season, celebrating with a special night of dancing with our dads. Check out photos from the event and photo booth on SmugMug here! We already can’t wait for next year!

College Counseling

Juniors:


Freshmen:

  • Save the date for Freshman Parent College Night on Zoom on Thursday, January 15. The College Counseling team will share a Program Overview including our college counseling philosophy, talk about ways to support your child as they navigate high school and begin thinking about college, provide an overview of our comprehensive college counseling program, and explain how students select classes for sophomore year. Register for the Zoom call here.


Carondelet shares these opportunities for informational purposes only. We do not affiliate with or endorse any particular organizations.

Carondelet School Store

Check out our online school store for new Carondelet branded apparel and merch! Start your holiday shopping early with our most recent sale items! Get some great swag and an awesome deal.

Grab a perfect pair of Cougar Crew Socks, now just $7.50!

Cheer on your favorite Carondelet Sports Team with the NEW Customizable Sport Yard Sign!

The Carondelet Trucker Hats can't be beat at their new sale price! Comes in FOUR colors: black, charcoal, navy, and pink!

School Store Orders

Pick up your orders in the Convent stairwell. Purchases are in alphabetical order. Contact the Proforma team if you cannot find your order.

Thank You to Our Annual Event Sponsors!

Become a Supporter

Heart Sponsors

Countrywood Shopping Center

Mary Beth Kulawiec Dittrich 79 and Thomas Dittrich


Faith Sponsors

Michelle and Rob Craw P’25 and Emily Craw ’25

Lehmer’s GMC Concord

Anabelle and Rudy Galera P’20 ’24 ’26, BL Homes, Inc.

Kelly and Michael Inman P’29

Christine Sabatte Logan ’73 and Rich Logan P’12

Courage Sponsors

Armanino LLP

Michelle and Dean Quiambao P’28

Balestrieri Family Farm

Julie Gonzalez ’99


Excellence Sponsors

Nicole Vasta Field ’98 and Tony Field P’27

Navigate CPG

CSJ Sponsors

Allison and Justin Gagnon P’26,

Bay Alarm

Choicelunch

Golden State Lumber

Greenlight Simulation–Driver Training for Teens

SC Builders


Spirit Sponsors

Stephanie Canessa P'26 '28, Stephanie Canessa State Farm Agency

Ferber Law

"At the heart of our charism is the belief that we are all one, that God's love unites us beyond fear and division." ~ Sisters of St. Joseph

More than high school. Her School.

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Follow Cougar Athletics:

Instagram: @CarondeletCougars

Facebook: @CougarAthletics

Website: carondeletcougars.org

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Follow our Families Engagement:

Instagram: @carondelet_fam


Follow our Alumnae:

Instagram: @carondeletalumnae


Follow the Cannon Wellness Center:

Instagram: @carondeleths_wellness


Follow College Counseling:

Instagram: @carondeleths_college

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View our SmugMug Photo Gallery

Mission: Carondelet High School inspires excellence by preparing young women to live with heart, faith, and courage in the Catholic tradition and spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph.


Vision: A Carondelet graduate is empowered by her Catholic, college-preparatory education and is known as a woman who responds to the needs of the times and makes a positive difference.