ISSN Marian High School Network October 2014

International Servite Schools

The Network Marian High School

7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134

www.MarianHighSchool.net

Special Edition

October 2, 2014

2014 ISSN Conference Held at Omaha Marian

Mary Woodruff, Marian Student Delegate

E

ighteen high school students and 29 adult delegates embarked on a five day eye-opening International Servite Schools Network Conference this week at Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska.

There were student and teacher delegates from Australia, America, and France, plus adult delegates from London, Mexico and India. The theme of this conference was “Servite in the Classroom.�

The students and teachers were able to communicate the objectives that they would like to accomplish for Servite schools in the years to come and how they can take steps, as a whole, to better the Servite connection. Students were excited to share their Servite stories, write a Servite purpose statement, learn the differences of the schools, and create an action plan to better Servite in the future.

After arriving in Omaha on Sunday, Sept.28, students joined Marian host families and enjoyed activities with their teen hosts and families. Adults stayed at a local hotel or with host faculty members.

The members of the conference overcame the language boundaries with the aid of a technology and translators. The Spanish to English translator was Marian Spanish teacher, Mr. Andrew Bauer. The

Who are we?

Where do we come from?

What do we represent?

French translator was Sylvia Marloye from Belgium.

Teachers and adult delegates worked diligently with Marian Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Kim Remmick and Language Arts teacher, Mr. Luke Ostrander to plan this conference.

Many others in the local school community assisted in various ways from planning meals and shuttling delegates around town to supervising activites and preparing liturgies.

Our Lady’s Convent High School London, England 4 adult delegates

Marian High School Omaha, NE, USA 5 student delegates 8 adult delegates

Servite College Perth, Australia 4 student delegates 3 adult delegates

Servite Mexico Asst. to Prior General 1 adult delegate Servite High School Anaheim, CA, USA 4 student delegates 3 adult delegates

Blanche de Castille Paris, France 5 student delegates 6 adult delegates

Trichy Servite School Trichy, India 1 adult delegate

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ISSN Conference 2014

Servite Voices

Delegates reflect on the importance of this conference Marie-Anne Moreau Blance de Castille Paris, France

Mare Stevanovski Servite College Perth, Australia

Zach Meneses Servite High School, Anaheim, California

Brooklyn Venteicher Marian High School Omaha, Nebraska

Everything we can gain from this 5th ISSN conference is positive, whether it is for us or for our school. For the students taking part in this conference, it is an honor to represent our school and to be involved in the future of the network.

Because we are concerned by how the network progresses, the conference is also valuable to us because it gives us a chance to express our ideas as student representatives. It also gives us an opportunity to meet many other teenagers from all around the world, to discover their culture, and also to help everyone to have the possibility to experience a new life abroad, which is valuable to every single student, for this is such a thrilling and fulfilling adventure.

To me, this conference provided me with an opportunity to experience new things, and especially to experience what Servite life is like in a different school. It also gave me the opportunity to build my skill base and expand my network, so I feel that the conference really contributes and adds to you as an individual human being and also as a student from a Servite school.

We are here because we recognize that because the Servite order was founded on community, we need to strengthen the bonds between the international Servite community.

The conference is important because as Servites we are called to serve and together as an ISSN community we can effectively serve both on a local level and on a global level.

As I walk into the International Servite School Network (ISSN) Conference, I feel a world of opportunity at my fingertips. I would be granted with the chance to experience different cultures, meet foreign students, and create a Servite bond with the other schools present. This conference was the first time that so many students were able to participate and add their input on the development of the network.

This conference is of course also crucial for all the schools composing the network. From the ideas that will emerge this week, the values of the schools will become stronger and the relationships will grow more powerful. For example, together, the ISSN network can help those in need better than if each school acted alone. Combined actions and team work are the keys to a better radiancy around the world, a better system in which everyone, student and adult, is involved and has something to gain, and this conference is an open door to a better future.

A Servite connection is important because it is necessary and pivotal in expanding the Servite network and knowledge of the various Servite communities around the world. The Servite connection therefore allows us to feel a sense of community and belonging anywhere there is a chapter of the Servite order, and not just in our individual schools.

The conference is also really important because it is difficult for us to communicate because of language and distance barriers. This conference provides a rare opportunity for us to meet in person, establish personal bonds with each other, and plan so that we can most effectively create a culture of “Servite universality.� It is imperative for us to broaden our horizons so that we can identify the needs of the Servite community and serve them in the best possible manner.

The importance of this is significant because students are the ones who will be making connections throughout ISSN and their aid will help the network thrive. Throughout the conference, I have learned that students from the Servite schools truly value their education.

To be able to share this yearning for learning with fellow brothers and sisters is an extraordinary aspect of the Servite network and is shared over the remainder of the conference.

Typical School Days

What is your schedule?

More similar than we thought!

Even though more than 16,999* kilometers separate us, school is very much the same.

Servite High School ANAHEIM, CA, U.S.A. Blanche de Castille PARIS, FRANCE Leadership Priory* at 7 a.m.

School starts at 8 a.m.

First period (morning prayer over announcements first thing) Second period Third period 15 minute break Fourth period Fifth period Lunch (30 minutes) (everyone has the same lunch) Sixth period Seventh period (or sport) (optional for seniors)

Classes are 48 minutes each with 4 minute passing periods.

All classes are held on Monday and then a block schedule with odd and even days for the rest of the week. *Priory is student-led leadership in the classroom; fraternity, giving announcements, strengthening the community.

No uniforms, just dress code.

School starts at 8:20 a.m.

Most students have 8 classes a day 2 periods (1 period = 55 minutes) Break (15 minutes) -- homework/ socialize 2 periods Lunch (1 or 2 hours) -- long lines 2 periods Break 2 periods School ends at 5:30 p.m. (can vary depending on the day) *Activities- drama, swimming, sports, etc. (not associated with the school - extracurricular activities are associated with the town) *Summer = June/July through September *School week = Monday through Friday - half day on Wednesdays *No iPads or laptops at school No uniforms.

(*Omaha to Perth, according to online distance calculator)

[for the Americans, this is 10,562 miles, 1,212 yards 1 foot and 23â „32 inches]

Servite College PERTH, AUSTRALIA

Marian High School OMAHA, NE, U.S.A.

Get to school 8:10 Hang around lockers School starts: 8:45 a.m.

Contact homeroom until 9 Period 1 (55 minute classes) Period 2 Recess/Break 25 minutes outside Period 3 Period 4 Lunch/Break 2 is 25 minutes: Lunch Period 5 Period 6 End of school day 3:20 Lots of homework 2 - 3 hours

First bell rings at 7:50 (Rotating schedule of all 8 classes every day) Block A -- start the day with prayer and the pledge of allegiance -- (45 minute classes) Block B Home room -- for about 10 minutes -- socialize with friends and hear announcements Block C Block D First Lunch OR Block E (lunch depends on which class you have) Second Lunch OR Block E Block F Block G Block H -- school day ends at 3:10 p.m. *All students have iPads.

*All students have laptops.

Students wear uniforms.

Students wear uniforms.

QA

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ISSN Conference 2014

uestion & nswer

Interviews by Journalism I students

What is a typical weekend like for teens?

A

F C N

Hanging with friends, movies and the beach or job.

We mainly do homework on the weekends. Go to the movies or play extracurricular sports like soccer, rugby, tennis, and dance. There are parties, but not a lot.

Fridays in the fall we have school football with a student-led tailgate before the game and a trip to iHop or Denny’s after the game. On Saturdays, we hang out with friends, go swimming, shopping, go-karting, mini-golfing or sleep. Saturday nights we go to movies, and hang out with friends.

I usually go to Prep’s Friday night football game like most other Marian girls and can sometimes see the cheerleaders or dance team from Marian perform. On Saturdays I usually spend my time hanging out with friends, either at their house or at the movies or out to eat. Sundays are spent finishing my homework from the past week.

What about sports? sports, NAS (Northern Associated Schools) - competition, basketball, rugby, A School volleyball, badmitton.

F

We choose one sport to do all year in school and it’s two hours a week.

C

We are a huge football school, each game has a different theme for the student section. We also go to baseball games (the Angels) and college football games on Saturdays, like USC or UCLA.

N

I like to watch soccer on TV, sometimes football. Unlike the usual Marian student, I like rugby.

What about curfews?

A

It depends on parents, my mom does not care how late I’m out as long as I tell her where I am.

F C

My curfew is usually midnight. If I go to a party, then I don’t have a curfew.

The state law is that when you start driving, you can’t be out past 11 p.m. But most parents set curfew.

N

I cannot drive yet, so I don’t have one implied in my household. Most Marian students is around 11-11:30.

Enjoying a world famous attraction A few Marian students join the ISSN delegates from Anaheim and Australia at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, recently ranked the No. 1 Zoo in the world by TripAdvisor. The group took a fast tour of the Lied Jungle, the Desert Dome, the Expedition, the Scott Aquarium, the Hubbard Gorilla Valley and the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit. “The zoo was exhilarating. It was really fun. I got to experience what Omaha had to offer for typical weekend activity. The primate exhibit was my favorite part,” Aaron Zamarron, Servite High School senior from Anaheim, said.

Special thanks to the Marian Journalism students for putting together this brief newspaper to commemorate the 2014 ISSN Conference.

A

Brooke Stoer Australia

F

Tanouir El Amri France

C

Jacob Steins California

N

Maggie Gerards Nebraska

What about movies or the theatre?

A

We have school productions every year. Last year it was an adaptation of a Shakespeare play. I enjoy going to movies with my friends.

F C

I like action, science fiction and thrillers. My favorite movie is Dead Poet’s Society (even though that’s not action or thriller).

N

I watch a lot of comedies. We also have drive-in movie theaters. Movies are pretty popular.

I prefer to watch movies at my home, usually romantic comedies.

What about shopping?

A

Go to the city, out to dinner and shop.

F C

I like shopping, usually on weekends, at stores like Zara, H&M, and Brandy Melville.

N

Jack’s Surf Shop, Tillys, Urban Outfitters, Active Ride Shop, Vans Store.

I usually buy clothes online, but if I go to the mall I enjoy shopping at Gap. Westroads and Village Pointe are popular Marian girl malls.

What about driving? can’t drive until 17 in Australia. We can get a learner’s permit at 16. My family A We has enough cars that I will not have to buy a new one.

F C N

You can’t get your license until 18 in France. You can drive with a parent at 16.

Not a lot of people drive because we use trains and buses or travel on foot.

During bad traffic, 91 freeway is one of the busiest highways in the country and it is right by the school. We can get permits at 15 and a half, which we keep for 6 months.

I cannot drive yet, because I am not 16, but once I am, I will drive my sister and I to school like most Marian girls do.

Do you have a job? How do you get spending money?

A F C N

I had a job at a jewelry shop, but the store closed. I had a lot of money saved up that I use for spending money.

I don’t have a job and don’t have time. My father gives me money and I get some for my birthday and Christmas.

Jobs are not very common, but many do get summer jobs lifeguarding, etc. We don’t have a lot of spending money.

I referee soccer and enjoy babysitting to earn money.

American School Spirit ISSN delegates joined the Marian student body in cheering for the Crusader Varsity Volleyball game on Tuesday evening, Sept. 30. Rain canceled the tailgate party and the softball game, but the fans had no problem going in to the gym to celebrate a victory over the city rival, Papillion-LaVista Titans. The Marian spirit theme of patriotism helped the international students get a taste of some American high school competition. Students spend many of their non-school hours in athletic endeavors, whether playing a sport or cheering on their favorite teams.

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ISSN Conference 2014

Service in Servite Name - Habitat Build 2014

ISSN Group Build The International Servite Schools Network Conference student delegation spent their Wednesday afternoon sharing their skills with a Habitat for Humanity build in North Omaha. The students were able to bond while gaining construction skills and making a small difference for the lives of a family in the local community. Together they were living one of the main Servite core values of Service. “During the day we were able to put all differences aside and come together for a good cause,” Mary Woodruff, year 12 Marian student said.

Would you like to work with wood? Julia Armenti, year 10 from Australia, demonstrates her woodworking skills as she cuts wood for the framework of the house.

Measure Twice, Cut Once Australian year 11 student, Brooke Stoer explains to Marian teacher, Mrs. Jen Christen about the measurements on the plywood for the walls.

“My favorite part of the day was the mud. It was fun getting the opportunity to work with other students,” Stoer said.

Core Values

Servite College, Perth, Australia

How do we live the Servite mission?

Blance de Castille, Paris, France (Similar ideas to Marian’s core values) • Service • Community • Compassion • Empowerment • Marian Identity • Spirituality

Selma Kerroux

How do we live them out?

One day a year instead of buying lunch all the students donate their lunch money and eat a bowl of rice instead.

The money goes to the Servite school in the Congo.

We have a chapel at school that is open to everyone all day with sisters and a priest in it during the day that you can talk to.

During our sophomore year, we have to do one week of volunteer work.

We have a school-led food drive.

Servite High School, Anaheim, California • Primacy of Faith • Centrality of Christ • Mastery of self • Necessity of the other

Aaron Zamarron

How do we live them out?

We apply them to everyday life. We try to apply them not just at school, and not just when we are wearing the Servite crest. We try to model our lives around the values when we are at home and out in our communities.

Servite isn’t for only four years, it’s forever.

Do you think about living them out conciously?

They come naturally to Servite men, we don’t really have to think about them too often.

Credo Ut Intelligam “Forever a Friar”

Marian, Omaha, Nebraska • Service • Community • Compassion • Empowerment • Marian Identity • Spirituality

Erica Dunham

How do we live them out?

We do lots of service at retreats, service sites, and in everyday activities such as helping other girls with their homework. Every year, girls go on retreats with their classmates and take part in a class Mass. These are opportunities to bond and show a strong sense of togetherness.

At every Mass, we hug for the sign of peace. Our Big Sister/Little Sister program creates relationships between all Marian girls. Both students and teachers are compassionate individuals, and we all love when the Sisters come visit us during school.

Our slogan is ingrained in our way of thinking, and every Marian girl can tell you that she is a “confident, independent, thinking leader.” We model our lives after Mary by showing a faithful spirit and participating in ISSN. Spirituality is an important aspect of our lives. We have monthly allschool Masses, and there are clubs and activities dedicated to prayer.

• Marian Identity • Holistic education • Community • Evangelization Melissa Colalillo • Universality • Service • Compassion for the poor • Openness & respect How do we live them out?

We live out the values by service learning hours. There are two types: normal service hours (like helping grandparents) and marginalized hours (like helping disadvantaged people). Also we pilgrimage to India. I went on that -- we ended up donating a lot of money! We do fundraising events throughout the year, such as jeans days and Philip’s day.

For community, we have priories.

This means that the school is split into six groups, which are named from components of Servite history.

It allows you to expand and provides a personal support network of peers and staff.

For openness and respect, we have to show respect to each other. We have zero tolerance for bullying, and we don’t answer back to teachers, that kind of thing.

We practice evangelization by accepting other cultures. For example, you don’t have to be Catholic to come to our school.

When we embody Marian identity, we are taught to serve others and be selfless and say “yes” to people. We feel it is important to give to those who are less fortunate.