Bragging Writes: News from our

campuses

San Francisco/Oakland

In November 2008, Saint Anthony-Immaculate Conception eighth grader Carina Melara packed her bags and headed to San Jose, California to a four-day leadership conference sponsored by the National Young Leaders State Conference. She was given a leadership “tool kit” to help her strengthen her skills to succeed in school and act upon her dreams of making a difference in her community. There is no doubt that she will be successful in fulfilling her dream! On December 2, 2008 Saint James School community enjoyed an all-school field trip to the new California Academy of Sciences, via chartered bus thanks to a loyal friend, Irene Scully. This field trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that the children will never forget!

Fourth and fifth graders with Mrs. Lori

Regalia, Instructional Assistant.

Saint Elizabeth Elementary School celebrated its 115th birthday last October with a gathering of Friars, friends, alumni, teachers, students and neighbors in the Garden of Learning. Each class prepared a healthy snack. Student entertainment included a new percussion group, another tribute to the Dominican Schools Music

Program! It was a tremendous success and a fitting way to celebrate so many years of service to the parish and Fruitvale area of Oakland.

"Whenever I see President Obama’s face, I see hope." — Narcelito Guinto, fifth grader, posing with stand-ups of our new leaders at Saint Elizabeth’s Inauguration Day celebration.

South Central Los Angeles

Saint Michael

is very excited about having two music programs start this school year. Fifteen students from the Guitar Club, started in October by Mrs. Diaz, performed at the Christmas Program with several donated guitars. Mrs. Marisol Gaytan’s school wide music program will cover all

aspects of music. Students are looking forward to experiencing music and showing off their talents. Two

Saint Frances X. Cabrini

seventh graders were invited to participate in the Junior Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC over spring break! These girls will share their experience with the student body and challenge others to strive to be Catholic leaders.

East Los Angeles

Los Angeles Councilmember José Huizar recognized

Santa Teresita School

seventh graders Mabel Rafael and Jean Chairez for excellence in education at the 5th Annual Adelante Awards Gala held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Los Angeles City Council District 14 honored students in the district who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and commitment to their community.

Saint Ignatius

School’s very strong Falcons team stormed the football field again this year.

Leading the Falcons this season from the 8th grade were: Lionel Escajeda, Nicholas Arce, Christian Quezada, and Anthony Carrillo. The Falcons record for 2008-2009 was 9 wins, 2 losses. With all the practice, team work and enthusiasm of not just the players, but also all the Falcon supporters, the team went all the way to another division first place. Soar high, Falcons! At

Sacred Heart School

the Student Council creatively converted the schoolyard into a campsite where they and their moderators spent a weekend building leadership and team spirit at “Camp YAHOO” (You Always Have Other Options). In addition to planning activities, the campers practiced logical thinking tasks in teams where ommunication and compromising skills had to be used effectively. The Y.A.H.O.O.

acronym serves as a reminder of the options for solving problems that may arise.