SerraDIPITY

Volume 22 · Issue 07 · October 13, 2016

 

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In This Issue
A Message from our President
Annual Fund Kickoff
The Great California ShakeOut
Red Ribbon/Spirit Week
Halloween at St. Serra
Principals' Corner
School Picture Makeups
PTO Happenings
Harvest Festival 2015
Scrip News
2016-2017 Family Directory
Second Grade Sacramental Preparation
Community Programs of Interest
Living Our Faith

 

 Prayer Partners &

Prayer Requests

 

Please CLICK HERE for more information about Outreach Ministries.

Parish Connections Update
CLICK HERE to view this month's Parish events.
  
  
Weekly Rosary
Please join us for  our weekly, Friday morning Rosary. CLICK HERE for more information.
  
  
Volunteer
    Opportunities    

Please CLICK HERE to view the many volunteer opportunities that are available here at Serra Catholic
  
A Message From Our President

This week I have tried to focus on the joy of life. We all want each day to be filled with the joy of life and wonder when we have it, how do we keep it? St. Teresa of Calcutta and other role models in our faith, found that service to others was just one way to be joyful. We have many ways we can serve, I pray you find joy in the way you choose to serve, even if the service is difficult...the joy is tremendous.

Supporting Children in Haiti
Throughout the past 20 years, SJSC school has supported the children in Haiti especially those in the Haitian orphanages.  Over the years, the country of Haiti has experienced floods, earthquakes and hurricanes that have left the country itself in extreme devastation and the children without food, clean water, shoes and clothes.  We once again want to share our blessings with these children following this last challenge for them, Hurricane Matthew. 

Friday, October 21 is Donation Non-Uniform Dress day for the children of Haiti.  On Friday, October 21, students may wear non-uniform dress for a minimum $2 donation, which the students will give to their homeroom teachers.  All funds will be sent directly to the orphanages we support in Haiti to help the children.  Your gift will make a difference in the life of a child.
 
Pink-Out Day to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month  
We will begin our Spirit Week, October 24 to October 28, with PINK-OUT DAY to support Breast Cancer Awareness month. On Monday, October 24, students may wear pink shirts, sweatshirts, socks, and/or accessories to show unity and support for this terrible illness that has affected so many of us in our SJSC community. Our Serravision Monday Rosary will be dedicated to prayer for those who are challenged with this illness and also to finding a cure.  Thank you for supporting this event, no donation is necessary.

It's Time to Kick Off Our Annual Fund!   
 
In today's Weekly Envelope you will find the 2015-2016 Annual Report.  As you reflect on last year's accomplishments you can see that through your gifts of time, talent and treasure to St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, YOU made us better.  Each family's gift to last year's Annual Fund helped purchase Promethean Boards for every homeroom classroom; including our Preschool classrooms!  Our students and teachers are already doing amazing things with this latest form of technology. 
 
With the release of the Annual Report, comes the kickoff of the 2016-2017 Annual Fund appeal.  This year, once again, we ask for 100% participation at some level from our SJSC families, faculty and staff. I am happy to announce that the outstanding faculty and staff are well on their way towards meeting this challenge.  Their support of the fund is yet another indication of the true love and dedication this group has for your students and for what happens here at SJSC.
 
Parents, are you up to the challenge? The Annual Fund envelope is in your Annual Report and is an easy way to make your gift now.  Simply return the envelope in your Weekly Envelope tomorrow. 
 
Every gift means so much regardless of its size. It is tax deductible and ultimately helps keep tuition and registration fees down and enhances the educational experience of EVERY SJSC child. 

The Great California ShakeOut 2016

St. Serra Catholic School will be participating in The Great California ShakeOut 2016

When?  Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10:20 a.m.
With? Millions of other Southern Californians
Why? To prepare our students in the event that there is a real earthquake.  Also, it is always a good idea to practice our disaster plan.
How long will the drill take? The drill should not take longer than 60 minutes.
What do students need to wear?  PE uniform.
What do parents need to do? We do not need parents to participate in the drill here on campus. We will not be asking you to come pick up your students for this drill. However, we encourage you to participate in the Great Southern California ShakeOut at home or your place of business.
 
Questions/Concerns? Contact Mr. Corey Overton, Assistant Principal, Student Services at  [email protected] or 949-888-1990 ext.180.

Red Ribbon/Spirit Week Begins  Monday, October 24
 
In conjunction with Red Ribbon Week, we will also celebrate Spirit Week the week of  October 24.   CLICK HERE for a full description of the activities and spirit attire for each day. With Halloween falling on a non-school day this year, students may wear Halloween accessories on  Friday, October 28. Please follow the guidelines listed in the article below. For all Spirit Days, students must abide by our dress code and the spirit attire explanation. Questions regarding Red Ribbon Week/Spirit Week should be addressed to Mr. Corey Overton at  [email protected].
Halloween Teachings And Doctrine Of Our Catholic Faith
 
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School would like to support you in celebrating  Halloween within the teachings and doctrine of our Catholic Faith. We as Catholics, are devoted to ensuring that our Catholic Faith has a presence in the society we live in. We at St. Serra are extremely aware of the popularity of  Halloween and how that popularity has grown over the past years. We are excited to bring Halloween to St. Serra in a Catholic tradition. 

CLICK HERE to view the article that further explains the position in the Catholic Church as you work as a family to prepare to celebrate  Halloween at St. Serra.
 
Students in grades Preschool-Eight wanting to participate in  Halloween at St. Serra, may ONLY wear  Halloween accessories. 

The guidelines are very specific and non-negotiable. We are confident that the children can wear appropriate accessories within these guidelines.
 
Students whose accessories do not fall within the guidelines will be either sent home or asked to have their uniform brought to school to change into. We trust this will be a minimal issue with the support of you, the parent.

It is not mandatory for any student to participate. 

Halloween Accessory Guidelines for students in Preschool-Grade Eight for October 28, 2016

Allowable accessories may include:

 ·  Halloween-themed socks
 · Harvest Festival shirt to support St. Junipero Serra Catholic
 ·  Halloween-themed necklaces, earrings, bracelets,  headbands, bows, ribbons,       and rings

 Additional Guidelines:
  1. There will not be any contests or parade.
  2. Make-up of any type, fake teeth, fake blood, scars and other violent makeup are not allowed.
  3. NO MASKS ALLOWED.
  4. NO dyed hair of any color.
  5. NO noise making accessories with bells or music.
  6. Any hats will need to be removed during class time.
  7. Students who do not follow these guidelines will be either sent home or asked to have their school uniform brought to school to change into. 
Food For Friends
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me." Matthew 25
 
Thank you to all who supported our first "Food for Friends" food drive last month. Tomorrow,  Friday, October, 14,  we will once again collect food to support our parish San Francisco Solano. We hope to generate some friendly competition again this week among the classrooms. Thank you also to our  Serranade  Singers for their little jingle.  CLICK HERE to view a video of the Serranade Singers.

Food drives strengthen our community by giving us an opportunity to live the Gospel teachings of Jesus, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."  Not sure what to donate? Non-perishable canned goods or dry foods are welcome. Please see the list in today's Weekly Envelope and thank you for recycling and using your own grocery bag this month.

God is Good...All the Time.
  
Christ's Blessings,

Angeline Trudell
President     



 
 


"Be brave, take heart, all who put their HOPE in the Lord." - Psalm 31:24

Principals' Corner
Mrs. Carol Reiss, Preschool-2 & Mrs. Julie Tipton, Grades 3-8

PARENT CONFERENCES

CONFERENCES GRADES 5-8

As we continue to partner in your child's education, we encourage open and ongoing communication throughout` the school year. Parent, teacher, and student communication should be envisioned as a process, rather than as an event. All St. Junipero Serra Catholic teachers participate in on-going communication with parents. Communication takes place via Sycamore, e-mail, telephone, and scheduling conferences as needed. It is our hope that all concerns are being addressed as they arise and are not being held until the set conference days. This year grades 5-8 will have a different conference format.
  1. If your child has ABOVE a 70% at the end of trimester 1 (November 11, 2016), it is not required to attend a conference. If you would like the opportunity to meet with a specific teacher, please come during the Festival Conference Times for a first come, first serve opportunity. This format allows parents and students to meet with a desired teacher versus an assigned teacher. The conferences will be held to 15 minutes and your student MUST be present.
Festival Conference Times
Wednesday, November 16 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, November 17 2:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Friday, November 18 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

2. If your child has  a 70% or BELOW at the end of trimester 1 (November     11, 2016) , it is required to attend a conference. You will receive an             email on Friday, November 11 with a link to sign-up. The conferences           will be held to 15 minutes and your student MUST be present.
 
Mandatory Conference Sign-up Times
Wednesday, November 16 2:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, November 17 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Friday, November 18 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.    

*All teachers that do not have an assigned classroom will be available in the Student Activity Center for festival conferences as well.

CONFERENCES PRESCHOOL - GRADE 4

Conferences are scheduled for all students in Preschool - Grade 4 with the homeroom teachers.  Please be sure that you have completed the Conference Scheduling Form and returned it to your child's teacher or the School Office.

CLICK HERE to download a  Conference Form for TK - Grade 4

CLICK HERE to download a Conference Form for Preschool

You will also find additional copies at the School Office.

Special Note Regarding Conferences: All specialty teachers, including Small Group and Advanced Plus teachers, will be available for 15 minute drop in conferencing as desired. PE, Music, Spanish, and Art teachers for TK-Grade 4 will be available in the Student Activity Center for festival conferences* since they do not have an assigned classroom. Our TK-Grade 4 Technology teacher, Advanced Plus and Small Group teachers will be in their classrooms available for festival conferences as well. 

*Festival conferencing means that you will not make an appointment with these teachers. While they will be available during the published conference times, you may need to wait for the next available 15 minute time slot if you see that they are already conferencing with other parents.
Reminder: School Picture Make-Ups and Grade Level Pictures - Formal Uniform Required

Next  Wednesday, October 19, we will be taking Grade Level pictures for our yearbook.  All students (grades TK-8) must wear Formal Uniform this day. We will also be taking group pictures (e.g. choirs, Altar Servers, etc.) Students who missed their original school picture day will also have their pictures taken on this day at  7:15 a.m. Please allow yourself enough time to arrive before this scheduled time as the parking lot closes at  7:10 a.m. to begin morning traffic. Make-up photos will be ending precisely at  7:50 a.m

Please contact Mr. Corey Overton at  [email protected]  wi th any questions.

PTO Happenings

October Volunteer Opportunities
Our parent's time and talent are vital to the success of the St. Serra community. Check out this month's current volunteer opportunities  to see how you can lend a helping hand and get involved! If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Candis Brady, PTO VP Volunteer Services at [email protected] .
 

REMINDER - SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING RENEWAL
Effective July 1, 2016, the Diocese requires volunteers to renew their safe environment online training every three years (online renewal was previously required every four years).
 
Does this change impact me? To verify your status and determine the date you completed your last training, please log in to shieldthevulnerable.org . If it has been more than three years, please complete the online training, print out your certificate of completion, and send it into the Human Resources Office. Questions? Please contact Robin Doherty, Administrative Assistant to HR/Operations Director, at [email protected] .
  Read more...


Harvest Festival 2016
Be ONE
Sunday, October 30, St. Serra School
 
GOT $5?  Check out the 18 unbelievable Opportunity Drawing Baskets you could win for just $5.00. You will want to take a chance on these!  See today's Weekly Envelope for a flier.
 
GOT AIR? Next Wednesday, October 19 is our last family fundraiser at Big Air Trampoline Park .  Come bounce with us!
 
GOT TALENT?   Final auditions for Serra's Got Talent will be held at lunch next Tuesday, October 18 (from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) in the Extended Care Room. Contact co-chairs Rebecca Yaghi [email protected]  and Dana Maas   [email protected]  for more information!
 
WANT A DEAL? Got parking? Got Wristbands? Got food/game tickets? Got dress pass?  Want them all?  See Grand Prize Raffle incentives for all the details!
 
 
Don't forget your dolls, due Friday, October 14

  Scrip News






Daily/Weekly Sales Update:
 
Souplantation - This Weekly vendor has been discontinued effective immediately.
 
See's Candy Price Change and New Foothill Ranch Location - This Weekly vendor's price has been changed to $19.30 effective immediately.  Please note they now have a new location at the Foothill Ranch Towne Center, in addition to their Shops at Mission Viejo location. 
 
Tutto Fresco -  NOW OPEN at their new location in the Kohl's shopping center.  PLEASE NOTE: gift cards will not be available for another 5-6 weeks.  Please check Serra DIPITY for availability updates.
 
Ralph's Rebate Reporting:
 
Ralph's rebates for Quarter ending 8-31-16 are now due. All rebate information for quarter ending 8-31-16 must be emailed to the Scrip Coordinator at [email protected] by 10-31-16.   NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR LATE REPORTS DUE TO RESTRICTIONS FROM RALPH'S.
 
CLICK HERE and then click on the Ralph's Logo near the bottom of the page for St. Serra's procedures to obtain your family's Ralph's rebate information.

2016-2017 Family Directory
 
Our Family Directory is now available to view and can be found in the Parents Only section of our new website, which is a password protected area. You will need your passkey information to access this section that was sent home in the first Weekly Envelope on the first day of school. You will no longer need a username - just the passkey. You may also  CLICK HERE to login.

Parents, please know that the Family Directory is provided as a service to our St. Serra families. The directory, as authorized by our families during the registration process, is only available during the academic year in which authorization was given. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you print out a copy of the directory for use after the academic year.

Please also know that all St. Serra families may not be included, as some families requested the omission of their information from this directory.

CONDITIONS OF USE:
By downloading the 2016-2017 St. Serra Catholic School Family Directory for viewing either electronically or by output, as a St. Serra parent, you agree to utilize the information for your own personal use; information contained in the directory may NOT be used for commercial use or mass distribution.

Second Grade Sacramental Preparation Registration Reminder

If your second grade child is going to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist this spring, you must contact your parish to register them for Sacramental Preparation.  You were given information from your parish Faith Formation Director at Back to School Night.  If you have not already done this, please do it as soon as possible.

Community Programs of Interest

Festival Santiago - Santiago de Compostela Parish
This weekend! October 14, 15 & 16

This festival is one of the largest fundraisers for Santiago parish.

* Fri. Oct. 14 - 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Dinner/Dancing and Silent Auction
* Sat. Oct. 15 - 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Games, Food, Entertainment and Auction
* Sun.Oct. 16 - 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Games, Food, Entertainment and Auction

Come out and enjoy all of the entertainment! If you would like to help by volunteering, making a donating or f or more information, contact Tim Holmes at [email protected]

St. Kilian's All Saints' Day Vigil Mass  for Children and Families &
Trunk or Treat for Kids
Monday, October 31, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
 
Come celebrate with them as they offer a special ALL SAINTS' DAY VIGIL MASS with children and families and then go  "trunk or treating" from our Parishioner's Trunks!
 
WHO: All Children and their Parents or Guardians  (NO DROP OFFS)
WHEN: Monday, October 31
WHERE: St. Kilian Church, Courtyard and Parking Lot
TIME: 4:00-4:45 p.m. Mass
4:45-5:30 p.m. Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Crafts and Treats from Trunks  

San Francisco Solano Church - Life in the Spirit Seminar
Saturday, November 12, 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Come and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit!   Deacon Steve Greco will lead this amazing seminar full of praise music and inspiring talks. Tickets are $20 (includes lunch). Register in the office or CLICK HERE to register online and for more information. 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Open House Sunday, October 16  from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • Student led tours are available and many faculty, administrators and coaches will be on hand to answer questions.  
  • Meet Principal, Mr. Ray Dunne, President, Mr. Andy Sulick '91, and Admissions Director, Mr. Ron Blanc.
  • Experience firsthand why Santa Margarita remains the school of choice by families seeking a premier, Catholic, college preparatory education.
CLICK HERE for more information about the Open House.