Lights. Camera. Homecoming! | | |
We excitedly welcomed the class of 2029 to Justin-Siena for our annual orientations--building an Inclusive Community right from the start!
Led by our Student Ambassadors, our newest Braves were shown everything they'll need to know about being #allheart over two days of ice breakers, formation, logistics, and love!
| What's the best place to re-connect with new and fellow Braves? How about the back to school RAV dance?! | |
English 10 students have been busy engaging with their subject matter in a variety of modalities.
One assignment had them read, reflect, and write poetry inspired by detained immigrants on the walls of Angel Island.
One student's written example:
Between Shores and Sea
She steps onto the cold ground,
the sea sticking to her face.
Behind her Japan recedes,
before her walls of silence.
She clutches a small bag,
heart racing,
eyes raised,
hoping roots can take hold in stone.
They've also crafted their own playlists while annotating three songs that represent them. The annual Soundtrack of You project serves as both a getting to know you tool and diagnostic check of literary analysis skills (with many song lyrics being very similar to poetry). Perhaps most enjoyable is compiling the songs into a playlist to enjoy while they work! A fun endeavor to making our budding scholars feel seen, named, and known.
| Have you been wondering why it is so quiet as you wander by an English classroom? Perhaps you caught them in the middle of some good old fashioned sustained silent reading! Across the department students are being given space to unplug and engage with reading for pleasure. | Senior American Government scholars have been challenging themselves with Harvard Business School styled studies to foster a deeper understanding about the birth of the federal government. Among the topics analyzed thus far have been ideals of American democracy, limitations of the Articles of Confederation, and determining the power that the Constitution created in the federal government to overcome those issues. Ultimately, they will discuss how much power is "just right" for the federal system to work like a well-oiled machine. | | In recognition of the 10th anniversary of naming our community mindset, ALLHEART, Mr. Elorduy's Sophomore Christian Scriptures class learned about Whole-Hearted Living and the Power of Vulnerability as taught by researcher and author, Brené Brown. The purpose of this activity was to find areas of focus for the Justin-Siena community inspired by Brown's 10 Guideposts for Whole-Hearted Living. Some areas that students wish to cultivate are Authenticity, Self-Compassion and Calm & Stillness. | Congratulations to Natalie Carr '26 on being named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist! | In just a few short weeks, 43 students and six faculty and staff will leave for Kairos 49! This is a transformative time of reflection, prayer, and community as our students take a leap of faith to join in on a retreat that has added to the rich history of Justin-Siena, but more importantly to the development of our students as we strive to provide a human and Christian education. | |
Held on August 15, The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary served as an inspiring occasion to help mark the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.
Through her example we are reminded that, "...our lives, too, are meant for something greater. Each day we have the opportunity to live like Mary did, putting our faith into action. To trust and love as she did, filled with our individual faiths."
| Theo Engering-Ward '26 recently won First Prize in Napa Schools for Climate Action’s “Our Future Is In Your Hands” art contest. The competition, which went through several rounds of judging, recognized Theo’s creativity and talent for its outstanding quality and powerful message. | | |
Girls Golf
After earning decisive wins over Sonoma Valley, Napa, American Canyon, and Casa Grande, the girls golf team is off to a perfect 4-0 start. Having dominated VVAL opponents by margins of 30 strokes or more, Coach Matt Kelly’s girls have their sights set on a 5th straight VVAL title and deep NCS run!
Volleyball
Aiming to re-assert themselves atop the league, our volleyball team checks-in with a stellar VVAL record of 4-0 (6-1 overall, NCS #30)! Thus far, the Braves have swept American Canyon and Napa and earned an impressive victory over NCS powerhouse Salesian. With challenging matchups like Cardinal Newman ahead, the team is sharpening its resume for a strong NCS playoff bid. Guided by returning head coach Kate Reilley, the Braves’ explosive play and electric home-court atmosphere make this squad a hot ticket!
Boys Water Polo
Things are promising in the early going with the team off to a strong 4-2 start. Highlighted by key wins over Benicia, Napa, and Ukiah as VVAL play gets underway, a challenging non-league schedule helped build momentum for a potential NCS playoff bid. In the cage, Chase P. ’26 anchors the defense with an impressive 47 saves and counting. For his work he earned a mention in a recent listing of Press Democrat’s North Bay Stat Stars.
Girls Water Polo
The Justin-Siena varsity girls water polo team is off to a balanced 3-3 start, showing promise with a 2-2 finish in their opening tournament that included wins over East Union and Freedom High. Building on that momentum, the Braves are tackling a strong non-league schedule to boost their playoff prospects. After finishing third last season, they’re determined to climb the standings this year in pursuit of another playoff berth.
Football
The football team is gaining valuable experience this fall with a roster dominated by juniors and sophomores. After an 0-2 start the Braves remain determined to turn things around. The players and coaching staff are focused on growth and are optimistic about their chances heading into the second half of the season.
Girls Tennis
The Justin-Siena varsity girls tennis team is 3-3 overall and opened VVAL play in dominant fashion with 6-1 win over Napa. The victory extended their remarkable league win streak to 84 matches! The Braves also topped Convent 5-2 and have faced tough NCS Division 1 opponents Branson and Marin Catholic which will do well in strengthening their playoff résumé. Led by balanced depth and consistent play up and down the ladder, the team looks poised for another competitive postseason run.
Cross Country
The Justin-Siena varsity cross country team is off to a fantastic start, shining in early invitationals as they gear up for VVAL meets. On the girls’ side, the “Swift 7,” led by senior Parker S. and supported by Piper C. ’29, Preston S. ’28, Katherine H. ’28, Aubrey E. ’27, Fiona C. ’27, and Ava A. ’27, have already set multiple personal records while also medaling in their first three races. Their strong depth and early success point to an exciting fall campaign.
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ALLHEART Platinum
Dodd Family Foundation
The Gonzales Family Fund
Medic Ambulance
Sangiacomo Family Wines
Van Pelt Construction Services
ALLHEART
Bettinelli Vineyards
The Brennan Family Fund
Crown Hill Stone Supply
Golden State Oral Surgery and Dental Implants
HUB International
Keller Family Real Estate - Coldwell Banker
State Farm - Robert Reed
Vincent Arroyo Winery
GOLD
Buena Tierra Vineyard
Flight Club
SILVER/CLARK GYM
Compass Capital Real Estate - Robert Pursell
Fontanella Family Winery
Golden State Oral Surgery and Dental Implants
Lion Science & Language, LLC
Manfred & Hunt, LLP
Quinlan's Tire Service
Wong Dental Group
BRONZE
BDCo Wine Industry Accountants
Eye Spy Vision Care Optometry
Goosecross Cellars
North Bay Allergy and Asthma
Simon Eyes
State Farm - Alyssa Samrick
The Donum Estate
Trinitas Cellars
Valley of the Moon Flooring
RED AND BLUE
AllPoint Financial Group - Marck Zuehlsdorff
Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty Law
Napa Electric
Vargas Market
Wheeler Zamaroni
Wright Contracting
*list accurate as of 9/15
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