Community eNews | November 23, 2025

Congratulations to the Water Polo team and coaches - 2025 CIF NorCal Regionals Division 1 Champions! Go Cougars!

A Message from the Principal of Student Life and Mission:

Dear Carondelet Community,


If you follow Carondelet on Instagram and/or Facebook, you may have noticed that every Monday, we post a CSJ Maxim and offer a question to consider. The original Maxims were written by Fr. Jean-Pierre Medaille for the founding Sisters of St. Joseph in Le Puy, France, to help guide them as they sought to serve the needs of their time and care for the Dear Neighbor without distinction. The contemporary adapted Maxims that are shared each Monday are powerful short phrases that urge us to deepen our relationship with God and each other.


As we move into Thanksgiving break, I’d like to preview tomorrow’s Maxim 15, “Listen deeply to subtle nudges of the Holy Spirit; then act on them.” This next week, as our students and families enjoy a break for rest and connection, it’s a good time to listen deeply. What are the needs of one’s heart and mind? What needs are heard in the holiday sharing around the dinner table? Where are the pockets of joy for which we give thanks? Where are the areas of hurt that need reconciliation? What are those communal needs that are calling for talent and time? How are we being called to act with love?


Enjoy this time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in December!


Blessings,


Jennifer Reinwald

Principal of Student Life and Mission

Upcoming Dates

Click event names for details.

Nov. 24–Nov. 28

No School—Thanksgiving Break


Monday, Dec. 1

0-7 Day

Kairos 105 Begins


Tuesday, Dec. 2

B-Day (X Block)

Out-of-State College Fair (at DLS)

Prospective Student Campus Tour


Wednesday, Dec. 3

A-Day


Thursday, Dec. 4

B-Day (Late Start)

Christmas Concert


Friday, Dec. 5

A-Day


Saturday, Dec. 6

8th Grade HSPT Prep Course

Father-Daughter Dance (Get Tickets Here)



View the Athletics Website for game schedules and information.

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Visions of Christmas

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Visions of Christmas and supported Tuition Assistance with their generosity! See photos from the evening here on SmugMug.

The Online Auction Closes Tonight! 

The Online Auction is still live until 10:00 PM tonight! Don’t miss out!

Thank you! 

The spirit of the season was alive and well in our community this past week during Visions of Christmas! We deeply appreciate the thoughtful participation of our guests at the ParTea and Holiday Market and in the Tree Drawing.


We’re excited and humbled to share that with the Vukasin Family Match, the collective support of our Carondelet Family raised $82,575 for Tuition Assistance. Thank you for providing Access + Opportunity for every qualified student, regardless of her family’s ability to pay.


Here’s to a blessed and delightful Thanksgiving holiday!

Cougar Athletics

Fall Sports Update


Cross Country - Well done Cross Country! The girls placed 4th overall at the NCS Championship Meet in Hayward, qualifying the team to advance to the State Championship in Fresno on November 29! Gretchen Yakaitis '26 brought home the first place medal in the Division 3 race.


Golf - Congratulations golf student-athletes for finishing a highly competitive season this year placing 5th at the CIF State Championship Tournament.


Volleyball - The varsity team fought hard and finished their 2025 season competing in the 1st round of the NorCal Championship Tournament against James Logan High School. Congratulations to our EBAL All League recipients Ava Van Peteghem '27 1st Team and Isabella Vertudez '26 2nd Team. 


Water Polo - Way to go Water Polo for bringing home the NorCal Championship title! The team played against Sacred Heart Prep for a 10-7 win!


Congratulations to our Water Polo EBAL All League recipients:

  • Offensive player of the year - Quinn Arroyo '27
  • Defensive player of the year - Josie Haast '26
  • 1st Team All League - Emi Haast '28, Sarah Wright '26, Clara O’Connor '26
  • 2nd Team All League - Ainsley Swan '27


Winter Sports Liturgy—Tuesday, December 2

All athletes who are rostered on a winter sports team are required to attend our Winter Sports Liturgy on Tuesday, December 2. Athletes will meet during X Block from 1:45 to 2:50 PM. More details will be coming soon.

Admission Updates

Applications are Due Friday, December 5

Our Class of 2030 application deadline is Friday, December 5! If you know an 8th grader who would thrive in Carondelet’s Sisterhood, please share this reminder and encourage her family to apply soon. Your referrals help us welcome the next generation of Cougars!

Parent & Family Engagement

Father-Daughter Dance Tickets Available Now!

Join us for a special Father-Daughter Evening of dinner, dancing, fun activities, and more at this year's Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, December 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

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 be serving light appetizers and beverages. RSVP Today!

Christmas Concert

Join us at the CHS and DLS Christmas Concert

The Carondelet and De La Salle music programs invite you to our annual Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 4, at 7:00 PM, in the De La Salle Hofmann Center. The concert will feature performances from our choirs and bands, each presenting festive repertoire that highlights the hard work and artistry of our students.


Admission is complimentary, and all are welcome. We hope you’ll join us as we ring in the Christmas season with an uplifting night of music.

Campus Ministry

Spring Retreat Date Change Requests

All students who are signed up to attend a retreat next semester, please make sure you have your retreat dates in your calendar. If you need to change your spring retreat date, submit your request by Monday, December 1. Any date change requests after December 1 for Second Semester Retreats will result in a $75 Late Request Fee. Email Rick Grand-Lejano as soon as possible to get the correct Date Change Request Link for your retreat.

College Counseling

All Students:

  • De La Salle is hosting a college fair on Tuesday, December 2, from 1:40 to 3:00 PM. Colleges attending include: The University of Utah, Seton Hall, Belmont, Creighton, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and many more!


Senior Parents:

  • A helpful tip from past seniors is to kindly ask well-meaning relatives to steer clear of college talk during the holidays. These conversations, though well-intentioned, can add extra stress for students who are already feeling the pressure. After working so hard throughout the fall, seniors deserve a truly relaxing break.


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.


Sophomores:

  • On December 3 and 4, College Counselors will be presenting to sophomores during their English classes to talk with them about selecting classes for their junior year. In late January and February, all students will have a required meeting with their College Counselor to select their classes. Students will also be introduced to the college search process using Maia, our college planning platform.


Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors:

  • Diablo Valley College is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, December 2, titled Concurrent Enrollment: How to Take College Classes as a High School Student. If you are interested in learning more, click here for more information and to register.


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

Power of Her

We are grateful for individuals and families whose belief in our mission and have made extraordinary progress possible in this Campaign. Their investments have raised $2.6 million. 

With less than $1 million to go, we feel a renewed sense of hope and determination. The Boscacci Performance Center opens to students after Thanksgiving break and we’ll celebrate at a ribbon-cutting with donors in January.


Every contribution to this campaign counts. 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.


Join us. 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 hat 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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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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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.