Community eNews | December 7, 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the CHS/DLS Christmas Concert! We hope you enjoyed it and are feeling the Holiday Spirit! See more photos from the evening here.

A Message from the Director of Campus Ministry:

Dear Carondelet Community,


Happy New Year! Last Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, marked the beginning of a new liturgical year. We have officially entered the sacred season of waiting and preparing for Christmas. We are not only waiting for presents under the tree; during these long, dark winter nights, we are waiting for the return of the light—the sun. At the same time, our hearts await the coming of Jesus, the Son of God, who lights our way and brings us joy.


When we reflect on the Advent story, we remember that the Holy Family knew what it meant to seek shelter and support. Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, weary and in need, only to find “no room at the inn.” They spend their whole time in Bethlehem depending on the care and generosity of others. Today, many families in our own community experience that same uncertainty. They struggle to find stability, shelter, and even their next meal. 


We urge all families to participate in our Advent Project, Yes We Can, as we partner with the Monument Crisis Center to provide food items for our neighbors. Rather than focusing on the gifts we might receive at Christmas, we invite everyone in our community to focus on giving. Please encourage your student to bring canned and boxed food items to school during this week and to support the various activities and fundraisers for Monument Crisis Center during Advent. Our goal is to collect 1000 food items, and we know we can do it! Check out more details about our Advent Project on the website, and contact Vanessa Miranda with any questions.


Happy Advent, and may this season of giving prepare our hearts for the joy and peace of Christmas!


Edie Payne

Director of Campus Ministry

Upcoming Dates

Click event names for details.

Monday, Dec. 8

B-Day (Liturgy)


Tuesday, Dec. 9

A-Day

CAC Open House

College Money Method


Wednesday, Dec. 10

B-Day (X Block)

Cougar U: Juniors

Prospective Student Campus Tour


Thursday, Dec. 11

A-Day


Friday, Dec. 12

0-7 Day


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.

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Academic Updates

Finals Week: Key Attendance & Grading Information

As finals approach, 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.

Special Dress Day Opportunities

Ugly Sweater/Christmas Sweater—Friday, December 12

Students may wear their favorite Christmas sweater/ugly sweater to help celebrate the season! Uniform approved bottoms are still expected.


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.

Campus Ministry

Donate Canned and Boxed Food Items to Monument Crisis Center!

This year’s school-wide Advent Project will support Monument Crisis Center’s Food Distribution Program. We are collecting canned and boxed food pantry items. We will be collecting food until Friday, December 12. Drop off your donations in the Inner Court! Read more about this project and how you can serve the dear neighbor this holiday season.

Cougar Athletics

Final Fall Sports Update 

Congratulations to our Cross Country team for advancing to the CIF State Championships last week at Woodward Park, Fresno. The team finished 14th overall and Gretchen Y. ’26, once again, took first place in the Girls Division 3 race!


Our 2025 fall sports season is officially in the books. We will celebrate and recognize our fall sports teams and individual achievements on Thursday, December 11, in the Amp at lunch. Fall student-athletes please come and join your team for some fun competition and celebrations. 


Winter Sports Update 

Our winter sports teams are in full swing and have started their competitive season. December is full of lots of exciting events. For our full winter game schedule visit our Athletics Website.

  • Varsity Basketball will travel to Honolulu to compete in the Nike Iolani Classic, December 11–13.
  • JV/Fr Basketball will host the Carondelet Jamboree tournament, December 11–13.
  • Soccer will host the annual Allie Macaulay Cougar Classic Frosh Soccer Tournament from Wednesday, December 10 to Saturday, December 13 at the CAC.
  • Cheer will travel to Southern California to cheer on the DLS football team at CIF State Championships on Saturday, December 13. 
  • Dance competes in their first regional competition of the winter season at James Logan High School on Saturday, December 13. 


Follow our winter sports teams on MaxPrep and watch Carondelet Soccer and Basketball games live on the NFHS Network.

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!


Father-Daughter Dance Thanks!

Thank you to all families who joined us at the Father-Daughter Dance last night! We had a great time dancing the night away, and we can’t wait to see you again next year. Photos will be available on our SmugMug soon! Watch our social media pages for the link.

College Counseling

Juniors and Seniors:


Juniors:

  • There is a mandatory Cougar U workshop on Wednesday, December 10, from 1:40 to 2:50 PM in the Garaventa. This is the second workshop in the Cougar U series and will focus on steps to prepare for college.
  • Register here for Winter Kickstart! A one-day winter session on Saturday, January 24, will focus on launching your college search, building your college list, and preparing for applications.


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

Power of Her

We are SO grateful to individuals and families whose belief in our mission have made extraordinary progress during this Campaign. With less than $800,000 to go—and the Boscacci Performance Center opening to students tomorrow—the finish line is in sight! 


We look forward to celebrating with donors at a dedication ceremony in January, so please 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. Dedicated naming opportunities in the Performance Center and at the CAC are still available for those who wish to leave a lasting legacy.


Give. The time is NOW!

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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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.