Define Yourself at St. Francis de Sales

Pioneer Family,


Happy Fall my friends—I hope this e-mail finds you and yours well, and moreover feeling invigorated with the spirit of renewal and hope that autumn uniquely brings. 


First and foremost, a huge thank you to each and every person—-including the 100 plus golfers, friends, alum, volunteers, business partners, students and staff—who made this year’s Golf Outing such an extraordinary success. The golf outing isn’t simply an opportunity to raise money for the students and mission of de Sales, but rather an annual event that embodies the best of the Pioneer family, and we are grateful for all who once again made it possible.


Also, a thank you to all who contributed to the fun and excitement of Homecoming week 2025, which culminated this past Friday with not only an “Under the Sea” themed student dance, but also a Parents Club Homecoming party! 


Looking forward, there are many exciting events on the horizon. This Saturday, October 4th, we will be hosting our second annual FREE 7th and 8th Grade Dance from 6-9PM. Please see the flyer below, and share with any 7th and 8th grade families that may be interested!


Secondly, following up on last year’s amazing community participation and feedback, we will once again be hosting a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25th, from noon until 4PM. That same afternoon we will also simultaneously be holding an Open House from noon until 2 PM; so this day will serve as a great chance for local families and students of all ages to dress up, come out to 10155, check out the school, fill up their candy bags, and get a head start on their Halloween festivities! Please see the flyer below for information on participating in the Trunk or Treat, as well as on donating candy to the event.


And attention all alumni who still have a jumpshot (or believe they do), or at least can grab a rebound or commit a timely foul—-we are hoping to host a co-ed alumni basketball tournament sometime in 2026, and are currently in the process of determining interest. We would like to turn this event into a multi-class reunion of sorts, including food, drinks and more—-so if interested please complete this form, and share with any and all alumni who may be interested.


Speaking of alumni, congrats and love to the wonderful Classes of 1970 and 1975, who both recently held class reunions, events which speak to the number of enduring friendships and lifelong bonds that can trace their beginnings to 10155 S Ewing Ave. 


In Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables, there is a beautiful line, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…”. With that spirit and gratitude in mind, I’m wishing you and all in the Pioneer Family, a month full of hope, health and happiness. 


With Appreciation Always, 


Stephen Sanchez


It's a great day to be a Pioneer!

Join us October 4th all 7th and 8th graders!

It's a great day to be a Pioneer!

Join us October 25th for TRUNK OR TREAT

It's a great day to be a Pioneer!

Join us October 25th for our Open House!

It's a great day to be a Pioneer!

Pictures from the Pioneer Open!

It's a great day to be a Pioneer!

Work Study Students Support St. Bernard Hospital with New Partnership

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with St. Bernard Hospital! On Sept. 12, 2025, the St. Francis de Sales High School students assigned to the Work Study Program at St. Bernard hospital met with the members of the St. Bernard Leadership Team for an orientation meeting. 

The Leadership Team provided a short history and the mission connecting the work of the St. Francis de Sales students with various aspects of the St. Bernard mission.


After this initial meeting the seven St. Francis students went to their assigned departments and met with their supervisors and co-workers for the rest of the work day. The students work in several departments at St. Bernard Hospital including: Human Resources, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Ambulatory Care Clinic, Finance, Nursing Department, and Health Information Management).


SSEI is thankful for the partnership with St. Bernard Hospital and for the opportunity for our seven students to gain valuable work experience in an exemplary community hospital such as St. Bernard.

It's a great day to be a Pioneer!

Planning underway for our

Christmas Extravaganza

Save Dec. 6th and help if you can!

Dear Friends,


We know it’s only September, but we need your help to make our Annual Christmas Extravaganza another success! Last year, we supported over 700 South Chicago and Southeast Side families with everything they needed to celebrate with dignity and joy, including:

  • 300+ catered meals and a festive Breakfast with Santa
  • Live Christmas trees and holiday decorations
  • Hundreds of pounds of fresh produce and pantry staples
  • Unwrapped toys to make every child’s Christmas morning special


This year, there are even more ways to get involved:


Please mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6, 2025, and consider how you can be part of this beautiful tradition. Together, we can make this Christmas one that our families will remember with gratitude and joy.


With warmth and appreciation,


Dr. Roni-Nicole Facen

Principal & CEO

St. Francis de Sales High School

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