Principal Newsletter Archives

Dear St. Francis Families,

Welcome back, and Happy New Year!  It is hard to believe that we are in the second half of the 2019-2020 academic year. I know the two weeks of Christmas break probably passed by at a different pace, but now that school is back in session, a sense of normalcy should return to your households.  The remaining months of this semester are going to move quite rapidly, and it’s important that we remind our students to plan ahead, stay on target, and resist procrastination. 

As the pace of the semester picks-up, we also want to ensure that our Troubies utilize the various support systems that we have in place at St. Francis, such as asking teachers for assistance, signing up for tutoring, and working with Guidance and/or Wellness counselors to decrease some of the inherent anxiety that happens toward the end of the semester.

I look forward to seeing you at some of the upcoming premier events of the year, our annual Crab Feed on Saturday, February 1st, and Revelry Gala and Auction on Saturday, March 7th. 

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

Can you believe we are halfway through the 2019-20 academic year?  The past few months have flown by, and we are now all ready for a much needed break.  Since this will be the last Principal’s Newsletter of 2019, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2023, for successfully completing their first high school final exams! I know the whole process of taking final exams can be a little intimidating, but all of our Troubies showed their mettle and rose to the occasion, well done!

As we begin the Christmas break, I would like to remind you that St. Francis will be closed from the afternoon of Friday, December 20th through Monday, January 6th. School will be back in session on Tuesday, January 7th.  

On behalf of the St. Francis faculty and staff, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break with family and friends.

It’s hard to believe that it’s now December, and final exams are only a week away! During this time of the semester, it’s only natural for our Troubies to be nervous and perhaps a little anxious about the upcoming exams. Please encourage your student to plan ahead, study in a quiet and dedicated place, avoid digital device distractions, eat and hydrate appropriately, and most importantly, get adequate rest before finals week. Remind her that memorizing or cramming all of the material at once usually doesn’t bring about the best results. Finding balance is key, and students should reward learning with purposeful breaks to recharge.

Also, with finals looming, there may be an uptick in students feeling the need to resort to unwise study methods that do not meet our Academic Honesty standards.  My recommendation is that students use the resources available to them (i.e. teachers, tutors, parents, study guides, peer study sessions, etc.). This is the perfect time to strategize a study plan prior to final exams.

Know that we care about the physical and mental well-being of our students, and we want them to be successful!

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday next week, it’s important to pause and reflect on the many blessings we have in our lives. Sometimes we take for granted all that we have and don’t appreciate those things we cherish the most until they are gone.

As an acknowledgement of our patron saint and the life of humility and service he led, remember that our gratitude should be expressed in more than just words. It should be demonstrated by the actions and the life we live. 

I would like extend a heartfelt invitation to our annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Tuesday, November 26th from 10:30-11:45 a.m. It will be a great way to begin the holiday season.

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

For the past three years, I’ve been impressed with the talent, dedication, and work ethic that all of our Troubies bring to Homecoming week.  They’ve been working on their Homecoming class themes for the past three weeks now, and the final products displayed today showcase their collective vision for Homecoming 2019. 

Tomorrow is our last Homecoming activity, and I look forward to seeing our Troubies and their dates celebrating at the Homecoming Dance. I also know that our Troubies will represent St. Francis as they always do, with class, dignity, and positive behavior.

Additionally, as we prepare for the three-day weekend in observance of the Veteran’s Day Holiday, please remember the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our country. Honor their memory, and also pray for those currently serving in harm’s way.

If you have a family member, neighbor, or friend who has served or is serving, thank them for their service, personal sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to preserve our freedoms and the ideals of this great country.  

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

In the coming weeks, we have two major events taking place; Homecoming and Halloween. The energized anticipation of these two events is almost palpable.

Since Halloween will once again fall on a school night, and some early celebrations may be taking place this weekend and the next, please encourage your daughter(s) to be safe and to remain vigilant of her surroundings wherever she may be celebrating this popular holiday. Also, discuss with your daughter(s) the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and vaping. These substances have become too common place, and sometimes parents are surprisingly unaware of the choices their children are making regarding these controlled substances. 

I know some of you have heard this message before, but please talk to your daughter(s) about saying “no”, and don’t be afraid to ask the questions that will keep them safe: Who are you hanging out with? What are your friends’ phone numbers? Who are their parents? Will there be adults supervising? Where do they live?  Sometimes as parents, we have to be the “bad guys” and do things that aren’t considered “cool,” but we do those things out of love and for the well-being of our children.

Let us pray that all of our children will be safe this upcoming weekend (and always).

 St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us! 

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

Yesterday we celebrated our 8th Annual Day of Giving, Thankful Thursday. The donations collected provides scholarship assistance to the more than 30% of our students who rely on financial support in order to attend St. Francis Catholic High School.  

We received a surprise visit from Good Day Sacramento, and they were able to capture some of the great energy and enthusiasm early Thursday morning during student drop-off. Please follow the link to see the short 3 ½ minute video. It’s great to be an SF Troubadour!

 St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us! 

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

In the upcoming week, we will be closing out the 1st Quarter of the fall semester. It is a good time to check in with your daughter(s) to ensure they are caught-up and submitted any work or assessments that need to be completed by Thursday, October 3rd. Keep in mind there’s still time left in the semester to improve a final course grade/s.  This is also the perfect time to realign priorities, and set new goals for the remaining weeks of the semester. If you have any questions or academic concerns, please reach out to your daughter(s) Guidance counselor.

Also, in the next three weeks, you will be receiving additional emails and seeing more social media traffic around our 8th annual day of giving, Thankful Thursday, which is on October 10, 2019.  This is incredibly important because all the funds raised on Thankful Thursday support the tuition assistance needs for 30% of our Troubies.

At St. Francis, our commitment as an institution is to educate young women to live full, responsible, and meaningful lives, and to inculcate a love for God’s creations, while helping to create a better and more peaceful world. We obviously could not do what we do without your support, involvement, and dedication to sustain this wonderful educational experience for our Troubies. 

Please support our mission, and give opportunities to those who seek the St. Francis experience.

 St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us! 

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

I want to provide you with an additional reminder that tomorrow, September 14, 2019, is the date for this year’s Holy Bowl. This is an annual tradition in which we support almost five decades of respectful athletic competition between Jesuit High School and Christian Brothers High School.  It is a family event, and I welcome you all to attend with your daughter(s) to celebrate our Sacramento area Catholic high schools.

Dear St. Francis Families,

We have had a busy start to the school year. I’m happy to report that our Troubies are quickly acclimating to their daily routine. Some of the feelings of angst that may have been experienced initially should be subsiding. If they are not, please have your daughter/s reach out to the Guidance and/or Wellness Department. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

As you are aware, we live in a world surrounded by digital media, where a Twitter, SnapChat, Instagram, Finsta or Facebook post can quickly take on a life of its own. As useful and indispensable as our digital devices may be, these do have the potential to harm others in a very tangible way. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

It is hard to believe that the summer break is quickly coming to an end, as we are only a few days away from the start of the 2019-20 school year. The faculty and staff returned this week, and we are eagerly anticipating the return of our 1,093 Troubies.

Dear St. Francis Families,

Dear St. Francis Families,

Dear St. Francis Families,

As the Easter Break officially begins this afternoon, I hope all of our Troubies are able to enjoy a restful and relaxing break. I know the next two weeks will most likely fly by. The return to school on Monday, April 29th, will bring some trepidation, as our students realize the end of the academic year is only a few weeks away.

Dear St. Francis Families,

The month of March has felt quite long, and your daughters have probably commented about when Easter Break is going to get here. Well, after this week, that well-deserved break is only two weeks away, ten school days left!

We know that during second semester, emotions run high due to a multitude of reasons. The realization the end of the school year is only 30 days away, which does not help. Please encourage your daughters to seek help if they need it from a teacher, Guidance or Wellness counselor, as well as our Administrative team. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

We had another busy week at St. Francis! We had four days of course verification, during which our Guidance Counselors review students’ course requests for accuracy, as well as to verify placement into the appropriate course/s. In addition to that process, our Campus Ministry Department managed to run three amazing Freshman Retreats, helping our Troubies grow in their faith journeys. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

At St. Francis, our philosophy is based on a belief in God and our commitment to the values of our Catholic Faith.  Inherent in this philosophy is the development of our young women to become forces for “peace and goodness.”  

As we begin the month of March, we look ahead to the coming week in which we prepare for the Lenten Season. If you are able to, please consider joining us for Ash Wednesday Mass on March 6th, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m., and start Lent in the proper spirit. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

This was a short week and it is hard to believe we are approaching the end of February, along with the end of the 3rd Quarter on March 1st. We are cognizant that this time of year brings some added stress, as Christian Service hours are due on Thursday, February 28th, and the end of the grading period is quickly approaching. Please reassure your daughters there is still time to improve their overall grade/s, and meeting with teachers now is better than waiting until the end of the semester. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

As the first full week of February comes to an end, and Christmas break seems like a long time ago, the remaining weeks of the spring semester are going to accelerate pretty quickly. There are 13-weeks remaining in the school year, and plenty of work to do in the meantime. Please encourage your Troubie(s) to keep their eyes on the prize and not lose sight of the finish line, whether it be graduation or completing their current grade level. Summer break will be here before they know it.

Dear St. Francis Families,

We had another fantastic week at St. Francis! Your daughters are tackling the new year with positive energy and optimism. While looking ahead to the remaining months of this semester, they’ve already begun to hear about the course registration for the upcoming academic year. Obviously, our seniors are slowly starting to realize their time at St. Francis is quickly coming to an end, and they are anxiously looking ahead to new experiences and adventures. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

Welcome back and Happy New Year!  It is hard to believe that we are in the second-half of the 2018-19 academic year. I know the two weeks of Christmas break probably moved at a different pace, but now that school is back in session, a sense of normalcy should return to your households.  The remaining months of this semester are going to move quite rapidly, and it’s important that we remind our daughters to plan ahead, stay on target, and not to procrastinate. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

As this week comes to a close, I would like to recognize the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice our Troubies have shown throughout this fall semester. I know their efforts to plan ahead, prioritize, and study will be rewarded in the upcoming week of final exams. 

Please encourage your student(s) to study wisely over the weekend, and to get adequate rest on Sunday night. 

I offer the following prayer as our students begin their preparation for final exams.

Dear St. Francis Families,

As November comes to a close, and we prepare ourselves for Advent and Christmas, don’t forget to pause and think about the true meaning of the season.

Dear St. Francis Families,

I hope you had a bountiful Thanksgiving Day, and I hope you enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. There have been a number of tragic events this November that remind me just how much we have to be grateful for as a school community.  I am personally thankful for each of you. May God continue to bless you and be ever present in your lives during times of personal challenge and joy.

St. Francis of Assisi pray for us!

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday next week, it’s important to pause and reflect on the many blessings we have in our lives. Sometimes we take for granted all that we have, and we don’t appreciate those things we cherish the most until they are gone.

Given the devastation caused by the Camp Fire, I think it is an opportune time to take stock of our many blessings. Let us express our gratitude to our family members, friends, neighbors, or those silent contributors that support us each and every day. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

As we prepare for the three-day weekend in observance of the Veterans’ Day Holiday, let us remember the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our country. We also pray for those currently serving in harm’s way.  May God bless them, watch over them, and return them safely home to their loved ones.

Dear St. Francis Families,

As we finish Homecoming week, I am amazed by the talent, dedication, and work ethic that all of our Troubies exhibited this week. They have been working on their Homecoming class themes for the past three weeks, and the final products showcased their collective vision.  The amount of school spirit and pride was certainly displayed at our Homecoming Rally today.

Dear St. Francis Families,

Dear St. Francis Families,

Dear St. Francis Families,

I can’t believe we have completed the fifth week of instruction! The first month of school has flown by, and our Troubies are settling into their routine. 

Dear St. Francis Families,

I have spoken with a few parents and received additional emails inquiries about PowerSchool. Let me first reassure you by saying that we are working diligently to provide you with seamless access to your student’s grade portal.

When we were transitioning from our previous Student Information System (SIS) over the summer, we were under the impression PowerSchool would be able to communicate with our previous Learning Management System (LMS). That was not the case. Additionally, we wanted to provide you with a single-logon option, but due to some unforeseen technical issues, and limitations in the platform, we were not comfortable rolling out PowerSchool in the format we envisioned.

I want to reassure you that we are still working with the vendor to ensure your experience is user friendly. We don’t want to make the logon process confusing and/or cumbersome. In the upcoming week, you will be receiving an email with logon instructions and you should be able to access  your student’s grades and attendance.

I apologize for the delay and thank you for your patience while we implement this new SIS.  In the meantime, please have your daughter’s login to her PowerSchool Learning (Haiku) account and show you her current grades.  

Enjoy the upcoming Labor Day holiday with your families, and cherish the quality time you spend together. If you are traveling this weekend, be safe, and we’ll be waiting for you on Tuesday, September 4th.

St. Francis of Assisi pray for us!

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

Welcome to the 2018-19 school year! We are blessed to have many new and returning families with excited Troubies back on our campus. It was a pleasant sight, seeing all the enthusiasm and energy they brought to our school this week.

Dear St. Francis Families,

We are only a few days away from the start of the 2018-19 school year! The faculty and staff returned this week, and we are eagerly anticipating the return of our Troubies.

I am also happy to share with you that after a lengthy search and thorough interview process, we were able to hire a new 9th and 10th grade Assistant Principal. Dr. Jason Javier-Watson joined the Administrative team this week, and we are happy to have him.

Dr. Javier-Watson joins us from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was an adjunct professor and postdoctoral fellow.  He has a wide breadth of experience working with middle/high school teachers in training around issues of pedagogy, curriculum, and diversity. Over the past few years, he has trained over 1,000 educators from across the country on diversity issues in public, charter, independent, and higher education institutions. Prior to being in academia, he was also a secondary school teacher in Philadelphia, teaching Spanish 1/2 and English Language Arts (ELA) for 7 years.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Jason Javier-Watson to our school community. Parents will have an opportunity to meet him at Back-to-School Night on August 23rd, and the entire community is invited to meet him at our St. Francis Day Celebration on Saturday, September 22nd.

Let us extend Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness) to Dr. Javier-Watson.

St. Francis of Assisi pray for us!

Sincerely,

Elias Mendoza
Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

This past Wednesday was our Commencement Ceremony at Memorial Auditorium, and it was a beautiful and holy event where we honored the graduating Class of 2018!  It was the culmination of an amazing four years of faith, excellence, leadership and service. Our 247 graduates, crossing the stage in their white robes, was validation for all of their hard work and perseverance. I am proud of all they have accomplished, and know they will leave St. Francis being models of Pax et Bonum, as they embark on new adventures. Congratulations to the Class of 2018 and their families!

While this may be my last newsletter for the academic year, the entire St. Francis faculty and staff look forward to welcoming your daughters when they return in the fall. 

Whatever your summer plans may be, and wherever your travels take you, may God watch over you and bring you safely home.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),    

Elias Mendoza
Principal 

Dear Families,

Last night was our Commencement Ceremony at Memorial Auditorium which was a beautiful and holy event where we honored our Troubies in the Class of 2017. It was the culmination of an amazing four years of  faith, excellence, leadership and service. Watching our 244 graduates cross the stage in their white robes, I was moved by their joy and sisterhood. I am proud and confident that they will leave SF and live the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, being models of Pax et Bonum in the world. Congratulations to the Class of 2017 and their families!

This is my last newsletter as Principal as I move move full time into the President’s position. We have appointed a new Principal, Mr. Elias Mendoza, and we warmly welcome him to our community. Read more.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

As we enter into the spring season of proms, balls and graduation parties, I would like to ask you to talk to your daughters about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Most parents are woefully unaware of the choices their children are making regarding these substances. Please talk to your children about saying no, and don’t be afraid to ask the questions that will keep them safe: Who are you hanging out with? What are your friends’ phone numbers? Who are their parents? Will they be supervising? Where do they live? Children need parents who are willing to set boundaries, even though kids push against them. Sometimes doing the right thing doesn’t always feel good, but out of love and concern for the safety and well-being of our kids, sometimes we have to be the “bad guys.”  Let us pray that all our children will be safe this season. 

We head into the second week of AP testing.  Please pray for our students who will be taking these high stakes tests.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Our students are off on Easter holiday for two weeks, but faculty and staff are working for another few days next week.  We will be sending another newsletter on Wednesday before school closes for the break.  If you and yours are traveling this holiday, we wish you safe travels and joyful times with family and friends.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

March has been a long month without a break. The days are longer.  It feels as if Easter will never be here. During this season of Lent, let us remember that our God calls us to joy, despite the facts. Our model is Jesus who suffered, died and was buried, yet He rose again. We cannot have the Resurrection without the Crucifixion. So when the days become long and weary, remember that our Lord has a plan, and joy is, and will be, a part of it.  We trust that all things work for good. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

On Monday, March 13th, students do not have school due to faculty and staff participating in a Lenten Retreat.  During this time, we will come together as a faith community for renewal and refreshment.  Please keep our faculty and staff in your prayers as we ask for God’s grace to grow in holiness, continue our important work of educating your daughters, and advance God’s kingdom.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Next week our Troubies will attend a Wellness Assembly and hear noted national speaker, Rochelle Whellams. Rochelle is a speaker, educator, and youth leadership trainer. Rochelle’s speeches, workshops and retreats have inspired, educated and entertained young adults across the Western United States for over 10 years. Most of her programs center on individual accountability, action, and attitude. She will emphasize to our students the importance of being aware of oneself, choosing a deliberate course of action, and having a “GET TO” (Giving everything to the opportunity) attitude.  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

What a great week this was!  Thank you for joining us for SWAP Day today and experiencing a day in the life of a Troubie!  We loved visiting with you and celebrating our SF community.  As we end National Catholic Schools Week, we reflect on the many gifts we have been given, especially the gift of an all girl Catholic education in which we graduate young women who change the world.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Next week is National Catholic Schools Week, a time when we celebrate the gifts we have been given through Catholic education. We have many activities and events planned for next week:

• Monday and Tuesday:  Special gifts for parents in the parking lot!
• Tuesday: Pax et Bonum Mass (Families are invited. Be sure to remember to bring your envelopes to contribute to our SF Scholarship Fund.)
• Thursday:  Special student assembly to honor our guest, Sr. Martha Kello, principal of our sister school in Ghana, Africa.
• Friday:  Switch with a Parent Day

We look forward to a wonderful week ahead filled with joy as we honor Catholic education and show gratitude for the gift of a St. Francis Catholic High School education!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Happy New Year!  Applications for new students for the 2017-18 school year are due on Thursday, January 12th.  If you know young women who would be great additions to SFHS, please share your positive Troubie experience with them and encourage them to apply.  (All information and applications materials can be found here.)  We are encouraged by our wonderful applicant pool so far.  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

We made it through finals- almost!  Due to the power outage yesterday, we needed to move the Theology final to January 4th.  Please see the online calendar for the new class schedule for the first week back. We have posted the Principal position, so if you know of anyone who would be a great candidate, please direct him/her to our website.  This position will be posted until the end of February.  On behalf of all of us at SFHS, I wish you and yours a beautiful and holy Christmas holiday.  May the gift of Jesus bring peace and joy to all of us and all the world!  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Next week our students will be taking finals.  During this stressful time, I encourage you to remind your daughters to eat well and get rest to maintain good mental health and wellness. If you would like specific tips on how to help your student deal with test anxiety, please come to another Parent Education Night on Tuesday, December 13th at 7 PM in the CLC where our own Resource Specialist, Joan Biller, will be presenting information to help parents understand the underlying causes of test anxiety, its physical and mental effects, and how to support students with scientifically-researched and teacher-vetted practices to help students take control of fear. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

I wish you and yours a joy-filled Thanksgiving.  I offer this prayer written by Harry Jewell for our community:

Our Father in Heaven, 
We give thanks for the pleasure 
Of gathering together for this occasion. 
We give thanks for this food 
Prepared by loving hands. 
We give thanks for life, 
The freedom to enjoy it all 
And all other blessings. 
As we partake of this food, 
We pray for health and strength 
To carry on and try to live as You would have us. 
This we ask in the name of Christ, 
Our Heavenly Father. 

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Today at our DUI Court assembly, our Troubies witnessed the sentencing of a young woman who was arrested for driving under the influence. Students were allowed to ask questions of the judge, the District Attorney, and the young woman.  All who witnessed today’s assembly were moved by the stories and information shared about the dangers of driving while intoxicated and distracted. I encourage you to talk to your daughters about what they learned today. This is an important message for all of us.  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

On Friday, November 11th, we honor our Veterans for their service to our country.  This week I urge you to say a prayer for our Veterans, past and present, who have sacrificed their freedoms to help keep ours.  I offer this prayer for them this week:

God of all nations, you are our Strength and Shield. We give you thanks today for the devotion and courage of all those who have offered military service for this country:

For those who have fought for freedom; For those who have laid down their lives for others;

For those who have borne suffering of mind or of body; For those who have brought their best gifts to times of need. God, in your mercy and love, we thank you for their lives.

On our behalf, oh God, many have entered into danger, endured separation from those they love, labored long hours and born hardship in war and in peacetime. God, in your mercy and love, we thank you for their lives.

We ask today that you would lift up by your Spirit those who are now at war; encourage and heal those in hospitals or mending their wounds at home; guard those in any need or trouble; hold safely in your hands all military families and bring the returning troops to joyful reunion and tranquil life at home.

Give to us, your people, grateful hearts and a united will to honor these men and women and hold them always in our love and our prayers until your world is perfected in peace and all wars cease.

Through Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen. (Written by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Phillips)

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Homecoming Week is upon us!  Next  week is an exciting one for our students as they prepare for their skits, class competitions, and the Homecoming Dance.  In the midst of this energy and the temptation to be swept away by competition, let us help our girls to be positive and gracious in all their activities.  Let us help our Troubies to focus on the fun, not rivalry, because Homecoming is a time to build school spirit.  In light of the dance, let us remind our daughters that they are beautiful creations of God who do not need to dress immodestly to show their beauty.  Let us encourage them to wear attire that is both festive and age appropriate for a high school dance and remind them about how a young man is supposed to treat them- with manners and respect.  We look forward to a wonderful week of spirited fun and school bonding!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

This Sunday, October 9, we host our annual Open House for prospective students and their families from noon to 3:00. This event highlights our wonderful faith community, academics,  sports, arts, and student clubs. Faculty, staff, current parents and students are all here to answer questions and share their experiences with new families. If you know someone who might be interested in attending our school, encourage her to come for a visit. Click HERE for more information about Open House!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Next week is a short week for our students but there are some great activities on campus for you to attend.  I encourage you to come to our Parent Education Night on Monday, September 19, and learn how to empower your children to make positive choices. In addition, we have our Season Sampler for the Arts on Wednesday, September 21, an evening that highlights all the upcoming visual and performing arts events.  There are always great things happening at SFHS!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

On Tuesday, September 6th, we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8 AM to 3 PM in our Chapel. This is a time that we encourage, staff, students and parents to spend some quiet time with our Lord. I encourage you to come to campus and pray for the needs of our school family. It is a wonderful way to unite with our community, to be with Jesus, and to receive the many graces He wants to share.  May you and yours enjoy a safe and joyful Labor Day weekend.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

It is hard to believe that we have ended another school year. As I watched our 252 beautiful Troubies cross the stage at our commencement ceremony Wednesday night, I was reminded of each and every one of you– parents, community members, benefactors, coaches, faculty and staff– who have contributed to our graduates’ success. Thank you all for making it a great year, supporting our community, and praying for all of us. I wish you and yours a joyful and relaxing summer break!  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

As we enter into the spring season of proms, balls and graduation parties, I would like to ask you to talk to your daughters about the dangers of attending parties where drugs and alcohol are present. Most parents are woefully unaware of the choices their children are making while attending these parties. I sent a letter to our juniors and seniors this week, reminding them about our behavioral expectations on and off campus, that they are Troubies wherever they go. I ask that you talk to your daughters about safe and healthy choices. I encourage you to ask the questions that will keep them safe: Who are you hanging out with? What are your friends’ phone numbers? Who are their parents? Will they be supervising? Where do they live? Children need parents who are willing to set boundaries, even though kids push against them. Doing the right thing doesn’t always feel good, but out of love and concern for the safety and well-being of our children, sometimes we need to be the “bad guys.”  Let us pray that all our children will be safe this season.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Throughout all of next school year, our faculty and staff will be working on our WASC/WCEA accreditation process in which we will be gathering data and writing our self-study report. Please support our efforts by completing the parent survey below by April 29. Your feedback provides valuable data as we reflect on our accomplishments and plan for the future. It takes only 15 minutes, but you will be given TWO parent service hours for your help. Thank you in advance for your time.

Click here to take WASC PARENT SURVEY – Complete by April 29

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Since we will be on Easter break next week and will not be sending out a newsletter, I’d like to wish you and yours a very happy and holy Easter season!  We’ve spent the last 40 days fasting, praying, almsgiving, and preparing for the greatest feast on the Christian calendar. Let us lift our voices together and proclaim as a community, “Christ is risen!”  Jesus’ death and resurrection assures us of the promise of new life, in this world and the next.  May this holy season bring you and yours a stronger realization that Jesus Christ died for us so that we might live anew in Him.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

We are moving into the fifth week of the Lenten season.  I pray that this has been a beautiful time of conversion for you and your families.  I offer this prayer by St. Ambrose of Milan from the fourth century:

O Lord, who hast mercy upon all,

Take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.

Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore Thee, a heart to delight in Thee, to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ’s sake, Amen

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Don’t forget that Wednesday is our Fourth Annual 24/24/24 Day of Giving! Lent, a time of fasting, praying and almsgiving, is the perfect time to share our blessings with others. We are asking members of our entire community to donate just $24 (or more!) to support students at our school who are in need of financial support.  I can’t think of a better way to help those in our own school be able to continue their fine St. Francis education. Please support our mission and give opportunities to those who seek the beautiful St. Francis experience!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday. We invite you to join us for our school-wide Ash Wednesday Mass on February 10th at 10:00 in the Gym. Lent is a beautiful time for us to grow in relationship with God, and as we enter these next 40 days, let us ask God to transform our hearts and renew our spirits! Next week is also Staff Appreciation Week in which we show our gratitude to those who work on campus to support our mission. If you have a moment, drop a note or email to your favorite faculty or staff members, letting them know how much you appreciate them and all that they do to make our community great.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Spring semester is a busy time at SFHS, with athletics, arts, academic events, and retreats happening every week. I have had the privilege of attending several SFHS retreats and have loved my experiences with our Troubies. Our retreats give participants an opportunity to step away from their busy lives and reflect on themselves and their relationship with our Lord. Faith is one of the pillars of our school and so important in our life journey. Our campus ministry team does an amazing job of fostering this pillar in our staff and students. The impact retreats have on our participants is profound, giving people a new sense of community and purpose. I would like you to encourage your daughter to attend a retreat every year. I promise you, she will not be disappointed!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Finals week is upon us, and as our girls prepare for their tests, let us keep them in our prayers. We pray that the Lord bless them with diligence to study, knowledge of the content, wisdom to know their boundaries, and peace in knowing that God is in charge. We also pray for our teachers who are putting in late nights, preparing and grading final tests and projects. The ending of the first semester and the beginning of the Christmas season are cause for great joy. As we enter the Christmas season, I pray that you and your families share relaxing and holy times together. And may the new year bless all of us with energy and a desire to follow the Lord with renewed zeal. God bless you. Merry Christmas!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

In this month of Thanksgiving, we give thanks for all that God has blessed us with.  I am especially thankful for our school community and all those who help to make it a vibrant place of faith and learning.  I encourage you this month to reach out to those in our community and send them a note of gratitude for what they do and how their work has contributed to your daughter’s life and well-being.  May we all be reminded of the many blessings in our lives.  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

In an effort to build community and bring an understanding of our faith tradition, we invite you to our first ever “Catholicism 101,” an evening of Q and A  and discussion on how we can help you and your family feel at home in our Catholic community.  What are the Mass, Theology classes, retreats, and our patron Saint all about?  Join Campus Ministry, Theology Department Chairs, and Fr. Arnold Parungao for a fun and educational night! This evening is open to parents and students. “Catholicism 101” will be held in the CLC on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 7PM. Click here to RSVP. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

We are all excited about Spirit Week next week.  This is a time when we gather as a community to celebrate and have some fun.  It is also a time of class pride, friendly rivalry and great creativity as we watch our amazing students compete in games, build sets, and create skits.  Please make sure that you check the schedule this week for special daily schedules.   May this week bring us all closer as we celebrate our vibrant Saint Francis Catholic community.  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

We are just a week away from our highly anticipated St. Francis Feast Day which is on Saturday, October 3rd from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  I want to encourage you, your families, your neighbors, alumnae, and future Troubies to join us as we celebrate our patron’s feast day and 75 years of educating young women who change the world.  We will have a live band, food and beverages, fun games, and activities for all ages.  Admission is free!  Let’s celebrate the gift that is our community!  Please RSVP to www.stfrancishs.org/rsvp75.

I look forward to seeing you there.  St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families and Friends of St. Francis Catholic High School,

Our Assistant Registrar, Maria Fernandez, accepted a position at the University of California. Maria worked at St. Francis for eight years, starting her tenure in the Advancement Department and then moving into her most recent position. Maria was a bright light in the front office, and her loving and kind presence will be missed. We wish her well in her new endeavor.

Dear Families,

What a wonderful turnout we had for our Back to School Night last night! Thank you for your attendance and support of our amazing school. September 4, 2015, is the first Friday of the month and a late start for students. It is a time when faculty and staff celebrate Mass in our chapel and lift our community up in prayer. On this day, and every first Friday of the month, we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 9 AM to 3 PM. This is a time that we encourage staff, students and parents to spend some quiet time with our Lord. I encourage you to come to campus and pray for the needs of our school family. It is a wonderful way to unite with our community, to be with Jesus, and to receive the many graces He wants to share. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

After 35 years of dedicated service to our school, Ms. Jane Trippet, beloved teacher in our Physical Education Department, has decided to retire, a decision that was not easy for her. Jane’s love and concern for our school community these many years showed in everything she did. Her compassionate heart and big smile made her a favorite among students and staff.

We thank her for her 35 years of service to our community and wish her well as she moves into this next golden chapter of her life. Blessings to Jane on the journey ahead!

Dear Parents of the Class of 2019,

I welcome you and your daughter to the 2015-16 school year!  We are so happy that you have chosen to be part of our Troubie family.  We will make every effort to ensure a smooth transition for your daughter, including keeping you informed of all school events.

Dear Families,

Please pray for our students who will be attending Junior Prom tonight and Senior Ball tomorrow night. We pray for the safety of our girls before, during and after these events. We pray they make good choices, remembering that they are daughters of God and always Troubies on and off campus. Please remind your girls– as Dean Cost has many times–that their poor choices will earn unhappy consequences in the last days of school. Thank you for your prayers and communication. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

This week we hosted the “Every 15 Minutes” (EFM) program, a two-day assembly that educated our students about the dangers of drinking and driving. Students witnessed a mock crash scene and its gruesome results. They saw their classmates and beloved teachers pulled from classes every 15 minutes to symbolize deaths due to drunk driving, and they listened as parents and students read letters of loss about their “dead” classmates and children. While this week was emotionally heavy, I hope our students did not miss the essential truth about EFM, which was not about death. It was about LIFE. It was about making healthy choices to be the best people God is calling us to be. We have a God of hope, and it is in praying to that God that we ask for help in becoming the people that we are called to be. As we head into the junior prom/ senior ball/graduation season, I ask that you talk to your children about choosing LIFE, one decision at a time. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Watch the Video from EFM 2015 Here  (contains graphic simulation)

Dear Families,

College acceptance letters have been sent, and students across the country are either elated about or lamenting their options.   In this highly competitive college admissions world, I offer you the following from Jeffrey J. Selingo author of, “Forget Harvard and Stanford.  It really doesn’t matter where you go to college” from The Washington Post. He discusses the undue stress and competition elite schools put on students and adds that where their degree comes from doesn’t determine future success.  He writes, “A college alone doesn’t make a successful graduate. Sure, top college provides a peer network that greatly helps both while students are on campus and afterwards as alumni. But someone with grit and ambition can succeed at many different types of schools.” Some of our Troubies may not have gotten into their first choice schools, but I know that SF has molded these young women to have grit, ambition, and faith, who will be successful- no matter where they end up. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!  (For full article, click here.)  

Dear Families,

I pray that these two weeks off will bring rest and rejuvenation to our staff and students.  I want to wish you and your families a beautiful Holy Week and blessed Easter!  May the joy of the Easter season cause us to shout for joy that our Lord has risen!  St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

On February 23, 2015, SFHS hosted the chairperson of our 2012 WASC/WCEA accreditation team, to follow up on our progress mid-way through the six- year term. After reviewing our report and interviewing staff, students and parents, they were impressed by our many accomplishments in the last three years:

• Implementation of a new schedule in 2012-13
• One-to-one iPad roll-out
• Implementation of regular, ongoing faculty/staff evaluations and yearly goal-setting
• Collaboration of faculty via Professional Learning Communities
• Construction of the new Dining Hall
• Acquisition of the Armory
• Improved Communication

At this time the visiting committee does not recommend the addition of any further action plan goals as good progress is being made on the goals that have been established. We are pleased with their assessment, which affirmed all the hard work of the last few years. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!