Principal Newsletter Archives

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 Junior and Senior Parents,

I’m happy to share with you that on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, your daughter will be hearing from a renowned pro-life and chastity speaker, Ms. Patricia Sandoval, who travels internationally retelling her story of loss, struggle, and redemption. Her message has inspired thousands and is focused on God’s love, healing, and mercy.  We are excited to host Ms. Sandoval at St. Francis, as this is the only high school in the region she will be speaking at, given that she is this year’s keynote speaker at the 15th Annual Walk for Life West Coast event in San Francisco, January 26, 2019.

St. Francis of Assisi pray for us!

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),

Elias Mendoza
Principal

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,

As we take time next week to be with loved ones and give thanks for all that we have, I offer this prayer for you on Thanksgiving:

O Gracious God, we give you thanks for your overflowing generosity to us. Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat and especially for this feast today. Thank you for our home and family and friends, especially for the presence of those gathered here. Thank you for our health, our work and our play. Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence. Open our hearts to your love. We ask your blessing through Christ your son. Amen. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

From Celebrating Faith: Year-round Activities For Catholic Families, by Mary Cronk Farrell

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

On Wednesday, 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,

Last Wednesday, while 10th and 11th graders were taking the PSAT, our 9th graders attended three workshops aimed to improve their academic experience at SFHS. The three workshops, given by our own faculty and staff members, were “Multiple Intelligences,” ”Creating a Positive Digital Presence,” and “Study Strategies.” A survey given to our 9th graders showed that they overwhelmingly felt that the sessions were useful and engaging. The girls gave us some great feedback, including the following: “Finding my learning strengths is going to help me become a better student in the future…” “I realized that we have a lot of support from numerous people to help us out when we need it.” “I learned a lot about online safety and actions that are important in ways we don’t realize daily.” We were happy with the feedback and know that our 9th graders gained some valuable tools and resources to ensure their success.  St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Next week Pope Francis will be in the United States for his historic first time visit. During his visit to Washington, D.C., he will be celebrating the canonization Mass of Father Junipero Serra, the Spanish missionary priest who founded the California missions. It is an exciting time for us as several members of our school community will be present to celebrate such a momentous occasion. President Margo Brown, Director of Campus Ministry, Stephen Tholcke, and eight Troubies– Emily Bartylla, Clare Brennan, Victoria Castillon, Sidney Clymer-Engelhart, Maya Solis, Julianna Tanjuakio, Brooke Uhlenhop and Emma Vance– will be representing SF . During their visit, our Troubies will be memorializing their experiences via our SF Facebook and Instagram accounts so you can keep track of their exciting adventures. Please pray for their safe travel and for a grace-filled, “Papa Francis” experience.  St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!  

Dear Families,

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!

Dear Families,

As we continue our Lenten journey, I’d like to share something a colleague passed on to me.  It is a list of “Lifelong Lenten Observances.”  I will share a few of the 75 that are on the list.  It is great food for thought as we look to renew ourselves in Christ this season.

• Talk to God daily.
• Savor simple things.
• Every day, be kind to a stranger.
• Learn to be silent.
• Bless your money so that as you use it, it will bless others.
• Go to Confession, especially if you can’t remember the last time you went.
• Strive to become holy.
• Don’t be hard on yourself.
• Be humble.

Our Lord invites us to come back to Him in a deeply personal way this season.  May your Lenten observances do just that.  St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Every first Friday, our faculty and staff come together for Mass in our chapel. It is a wonderful time for us to gather in community, celebrate Eucharist, and pray for the needs of our school. In addition, on first Fridays, we offer Eucharistic Adoration from 9:15 to 3:00 PM. This is a gift we have been given, and I know that many graces have come to our community as a result of having Adoration. During this Lenten season, I would like to encourage you to join us any time next Friday to sit in the chapel for Adoration, a perfect time to be with Jesus and lift our community up in prayer. If you cannot make it to campus, encourage your daughter to sit in the chapel during her free time for the silence, reflection and time with our Lord. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Thank you to our community, especially our Parent Guild, who helped make Staff Appreciation Week a success.  Our faculty and staff loved the coffee and the wonderful treats you shared with us this week.  

It is hard to believe that Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday.  Please join us for our school-wide Mass on February 18th at 10 AM as we begin this 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  We love having our families join us for Mass!  I hope to see you there. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

As we end National Catholic Schools Week, I’d like to share some interesting facts about Catholic education from the  Alliance for Catholic Education out of the University of Notre Dame:  

• The achievement gap is smaller in faith-based schools.
• Students in Catholic and other private schools demonstrate higher academic achievement than students from similar backgrounds in public schools.
• Latino and African American students who attend Catholic schools are more likely to graduate from high school and more likely to graduate from college than their public school peers..
• The “multiply disadvantaged” benefit most from Catholic schools.
• Social class effects on educational achievement are significantly lessened in Catholic schools.
• The poorer and more at-risk a student is, the greater the relative achievement gains in Catholic schools.
• Graduates of Catholic high schools are more likely to vote than public school graduates.
• Graduates of Catholic schools are likely to earn higher wages than public school graduates.
• Catholic schools tend to produce graduates who are more civically engaged, more tolerant for diverse views, and more committed to service as adults.

For more information, click here. 

Thank you, parents, for sending us your beautiful daughters and for supporting Catholic education.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Today, at our school assembly, we hosted Catholic speaker and singer/songwriter, Emily Wilson. Emily’s message to our girls was one of hope, reminding them that they are perfectly made in God’s image. She challenged them to find their own identity without looking outside of themselves (not the culture, not the media, and not boys) to find out their worth and figure out who God is calling them to be. Emily shared her own story and personal choices and led our girls in song and prayer. It was a beautiful reminder to all of us how God loves us into existence and created us in His image. I hope you can talk to your daughters about their “take-aways” from Emily’s talk! St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families, 

The ending of first semester, a respite from school, and celebrating the Christmas season are all reasons to be joyful!  On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration, I want to wish you and yours a very holy and peaceful holiday.  May this Advent and Christmas season birth in all of us a hunger and zeal for our Lord, Jesus Christ!  Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Happy Advent! Advent should be a season of great joy and anticipation as we await the coming of Christ. However, as we move more deeply into the holiday season, it seems that the stress mounts. Mary DeTurris Poust, author of Everyday Divine, shares these simple tools for relaxing during this most special season.

1. Stop multi-tasking now. Doing too many things at once can diminish the simple pleasures of life.
2. Seek silence daily. In today’s noisy, technology-driven world, make time for moments of solitude because it is often in silence that God speaks to us most clearly.
3. Find the divine in the mundane. Strive to make even the most tedious chores an act of prayer.
4. Practice daily self-examination. Take stock of all your thoughts and actions and look for ways to improve.

If we, the adults in our girls’ lives, practice these simple tools, perhaps our daughters will start doing what we model. I pray that this Advent season be a time of great joy and peace for you and yours. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Please join us for our school-wide Mass on Monday, December 8th, at 10 AM for a celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, and we would love to see our families in attendance.

Dear Families,

On Tuesday, 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.
• 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 ~

Dear Families,

We are all excited about Spirit Week next week!  This is a time when we gather as a community to celebrate our classes and have 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 St. Francis Catholic community.  

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Next Saturday, October 18th, is Revelry, a most amazing event and SFHS’s biggest fundraiser of the year.  I want to encourage you, if you haven’t done so already, to join us for fine dining, conversation, live auction and community-building.  You also won’t want to miss how the Revelry decorations committee transforms our campus to adhere to the theme, which this year is “A Night in the Museum: Behind the Ropes.”  Tickets can be purchased on our website.  I look forward to another joyful event with all of you!  And a very special thanks to the many parents and staff members who have worked for MONTHS to make this event memorable.  St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Next Friday we celebrate our annual St. Francis Day in which we come together as a school community to honor our patron, St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis converted from a life of self-indulgence to a life of total obedience to God’s will. Francis learned to rejoice in the overwhelming beauty of God’s creation–a beauty signifying God’s love–yet he did not desire anything of the material world for his own fulfillment. On this day, we remember St. Francis’ life and his contribution to the Church. During this day of sisterhood, fellowship, and fun, we celebrate Mass and reflect on this year’s theme of “Cultivate Peace; Protect Creation.” Each year, our Campus Ministry Department raises funds on St. Francis Day for a particular organization that reflects our theme. During Mass we are asking for donations to the Northern Valley Catholic Charities and Sacramento Catholic Charities, which will benefit the victims of  the Northern California wildfires. Please encourage your daughters to contribute to this fund. St. Francis Day is a short day, taking place from 9 AM to 1 PM. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Dear Families,

Today we surprised our community by unveiling the dining hall and using it for the first time!  Our maintenance staff and Epicurean employees put in many hours yesterday to prepare the dining hall for today’s celebration. It was a delight to witness our students’ happy faces as they walked into their new dining facility for the first time.  Balloons and cake greeted them, in addition to our regular fabulous food, prepared lovingly in our state-of-the-art kitchen by our food service company, Epicurean.  Father Roland provided a prayer before lunch and blessed the dining hall.  We are so fortunate to have such a supportive community who made the dining hall a reality- our benefactors, alumnae, leadership, faculty and staff.  Today is a day for the history books!  It was a wonderful day at St. Francis High School.  St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!