Fall 2012 - St. Mary's Magazine

FOR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, ALUMNI AND SUPPORTERS OF ST. MARY’S SCHOOL

ST. MARY’S ENROLLMENT SOARS STEM IS KEY TO THEIR FUTURE FALCON PHILANTHROPY

FALL 2012

MAGAZINE

ST. MARY’S

the st. mary ’s story Mission Statement St. Mary’s is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School dedicated to inquiry-based academic excellence, developing well-rounded, confident children who flourish in a creative environment founded on Christian values.

School History Established in 1994 by Father Ernest D. Sillers and a handful of dedicated faculty and staff, St. Mary’s was built on the precept that we can all make a positive difference in the educational life of every child. Based on this educational commitment, the school grew to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) World

IB LEARNERS STRIVE TO BE: ❶ Inquirers ❷ Knowledgeable ❸ Thinkers

School with the purpose of educating our children while shaping their hearts and minds to be our next generation of global leaders.

❹ Communicators ❺ Principled

What is St. Mary’s position of faith?

It was Father Sillers’ vision to create a vigorous academic environment at

❻ Open-minded

St. Mary’s that is accepting of all faiths. St. Mary’s encourages students to realize that God’s unconditional love is a daily part of their world.

International Baccalaureate (IB).

Forty years ago, a group of talented teachers from international schools around the world created the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. What started as a single programme for internationally minded

❼ Caring ❽ Risk-takers ❾ Balanced ❿ Reflective

students has today grown to be three programmes for students aged 3 to 19,

www.smaa.org

experienced by half a million students from state and private schools in over 139 countries.

As the only private school in Orange County to offer the IB programme from preschool through grade 8, St. Mary’s mission embodies the importance of

The goal of the IB programme is to develop internationally minded

developing strong and capable leaders through programs that prepare students

citizens of the world who,

for positive interaction in a global setting. Through experiences in the classroom,

recognizing their common

field studies, participation in arts, music and athletic programs, and engagement in

humanity and shared

community service activities, students experience the fundamentals of leadership.

guardianship of the planet,

St. Mary’s is an IB World School and offers the Primary Years Programme

help to create a better and

and Middle Years Programme. Both programmes emphasize the

more peaceful world.

dynamic combination of knowledge, skills, independent critical thinking, and the appreciation for the richness of life through international awareness.

Currently St. Mary’s School serves 746 students from 23 cities throughout Orange County. They are taught, mentored and supported by 126 caring and committed faculty and staff members.

To learn more about St. Mary’s and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme visit our beautiful six-acre campus for a personal tour. During this appointment, your family will have the opportunity to tour classrooms and meet our faculty.

Contact the Admission Office: admissions@smaa.org or 949.448.9027 x319.

Students really love St. Mary’s. You can tell – it shows on their faces. But there’s an exception to the happy-face scenario. That’s when parents drop off their children for the first day at St. Mary’s.

It’s usually in preschool, but it can happen at any age.

Day one: mom is brokenhearted as she hands her crying sweetheart off to a caring but unfamiliar teacher. Mom heads back to her car, tearful and feeling like she has abandoned her fragile young child.

Day two: mom is even sadder when she drops her sweetheart off in his classroom, and he dashes off to play with his new friends without even saying goodbye, let alone giving her a hug. Mom walks slowly back to her car, now distraught and certain that her now-grown up child has abandoned her.

All of this in 24 hours. Still, despite the feelings of “loss” it’s wonderful knowing that your kids love St. Mary’s so much.

What ’sinside

Headmaster’s Message..............................................................................................4 Providing an Incredible Learning Experience from God’s Word .......6 A Rare Gift: Valerie Huffer, Our School Nurse ............................................8 A Worthwhile Journey: One Family’s IB School Story ............................9 Putting Technology to Work for St. Mary’s Students .............................10 Enrollment Soars: St. Mary’s Comes of Age ...............................................12 St. Mary’s by the Numbers ..................................................................................14 Falcon Short Stories................................................................................................16 Kind Campaign Finds a Receptive Audience at St. Mary’s ...................17 STEM is Key to Their Future .............................................................................18 Children are Natural Scientists .........................................................................23 St. Mary’s Athletics: Falcon Trifecta ................................................................24 Thank You Letter from the Headmaster and Board Chair ..................25 Eight Things You Need to Know About the Annual Fund ..................26 How the Annual Fund Impacts Life at St. Mary’s

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2011–2012 Annual Giving Report ...................................................................28 Around the World in 18 Holes!.........................................................................33 Alumni News, Notes and Photos .....................................................................34

HEADMASTER: John EDITOR: Kate

O’Brien

Rader

CONTRIBUTORS: Dennis

Arp, Noel Green, Tracy Kingston, Walt Linaweaver, Fiona May, Keely Ng, Lucy Truscott

DESIGN AND PRINT:

St. Mary’s Magazine is published three times a year for families, friends, alumni and supporters of St. Mary’s School.

We welcome your feedback.

Please address questions and comments to Kate Rader at kate.rader@smaa.org

ALUMNI: We enjoy hearing from you.

Please send us your latest news and notes: marketing@smaa.org Join St. Mary’s community online by becoming a friend on Facebook.

Noelle Marketing Group St. Mary’s School: 7 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, California 92656 • www.smaa.org • 949.448.9027

headmaster’s message

Dear St. Mary’s Families, As I wrote in a blog posting just prior to the start of the new school year, one of the themes we will continue to follow across all grades in our school involves the ongoing development of digital citizenship in our students. It’s a given that technology will only continue to exert an enormous influence in schools and in our daily lives, and while we want to embrace its benefits (and there are many), we also have an obligation to keep our children safe and to help them grow up to be responsible digital citizens, media savvy individuals, and interactive, compassionate human beings.

In his newest book, Talking Back To Facebook, author Jim Steyer, who is also the CEO of the nation’s leading “kids-and-media” organization, Common Sense Media, draws upon the observations of Harvard Graduate School of Education Professor Howard Gardner to describe the revolution in digital media.

Professor Gardner likens this revolution to the invention of the printing press in 1456

by Johannes Gutenberg “because of its extraordinary impact on the way we communicate, share information, and interact with other human beings.” Mr. Steyer goes on to point out that as parents and teachers, we need to engage with this new reality and help our children learn to respect it and use it in healthy and appropriate ways.

In order to assist us in our efforts to promote digital citizenship, we are pleased to announce that we have formally partnered with Common Sense Media. This partnership will also allow our parents direct access (through a link on the St. Mary’s website) to all the wonderful resources

JOHN O’BRIEN

OUR 10 BELIEFS ❶ We believe in media sanity, not censorship. ❷ We believe that media has truly become “the other parent” in our kids’ lives, powerfully affecting their mental, physical and social development. ❸ We believe in teaching our kids to be savvy, respectful and responsible media interpreters, creators, and communicators. We can’t cover their eyes but we can teach them to see. ❹ We believe parents should have a choice and a voice about the media our kids consume and create.

Every family is different but all need information. ❺ We believe that the price for free and open media is a bit of extra homework for families. Parents need to know about the media their kids use and need to teach responsible, ethical behavior as well as manage overall media use.

❼ We believe appropriate regulations about right time, right place, and right manner exist. They need to be upheld by our elected and appointed leaders. ❽ We believe in age-appropriate media and that the media industry needs to act responsibly as it creates and markets content for each audience.

❿ We believe in diversity of programming and media ownership.

John O’Brien

E M P O W E R E D

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

E N G A G E D

❾ We believe ratings systems should be independent and transparent for all media.

Sincerely,

We have an obligation to keep our children safe and to help them grow up to be responsible digital citizens, media savvy individuals, and interactive, compassionate human beings.

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❻ We believe that through informed decision making, we can improve the media landscape one decision at a time.

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they have available. I urge you to visit the Common Sense Media site www.commonsensemedia.org to see how helpful they can be to all of us. A good portion of our recent in-service day was devoted to digital citizenship training for our faculty, with the assistance of professionals from Common Sense Media.

Additionally, Mr. Steyer will join us as a speaker in our annual Speaker Series on Thursday, January 31, at 6:30 pm in our gymnasium. His talk will focus directly on the issue of developing digital citizens in our schools, our homes and our world. I had the good fortune to hear Mr. Steyer speak this spring to an audience of more than 100 California independent school leaders, and he was very impressive. He combines deep research knowledge with unbridled passion for this crucial work.

James Steyer I hope to see many of our families in attendance for his January presentation.

During my fall coffees we discussed these issues and our approaches to addressing them at St. Mary’s.

I invite you to contact me if you have questions or any further thoughts on the subject. God bless.

PROVIDING AN INCREDIBLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

from God’s Word

S T . M A R Y ’ S

S C H O O L

By Pastor Mark Chapman

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Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

MATTHEW 20:28

St. Mary’s School helps students develop the confidence and freedom to explore who they are and who they want to be by expanding their world with an

✟

IB education in a nurturing, faith-based community.

he beginning of this school year has already been amazing here at St. Mary’s. Our Christian Enrichment and chapels

provide an incredible learning experience from God’s Word.

We have been walking through the Bible starting in the Old

Students are introduced to Christian Enrichment in

Testament and studying some great kings who reigned, using

preschool where Christian values are taught through

them as positive examples of what happens when you ‘follow

song, reflection during circle time and weekly chapel.

Christian Enrichment in lower school centers around weekly chapel and a once-a-week Christian Enrichment class. The curriculum reflects faith-based values

who obeyed God and were successful in their reign over Israel.

The New Testament teaches that Jesus came to this earth to serve, and He was a great example for all of us. We have discussed Matthew 20:28 and what it means to serve in our

Weekly chapel in middle school includes a service

everyday lives – at school or home. We have been developing

learning component that helps students foster

the IB themes interactively, using Bible references, character

a commitment to civic involvement. Students also participate in a one-trimester Religion course

traits, and class discussion to help clarify each component.

Students are enjoying (for the most part) maintaining a journal

a whole. Assignments encourage understanding

of their notes and reflections. It may surprise them in years

and tolerance of other cultures, religions and faith

to come what God was teaching them this year.

communities with the ultimate goal of helping students become global citizens.

student. Come by and check it out some Monday.

E M P O W E R E D

St. Mary’s Pastor Mark Chapman with his wife, Anne and their three daughters and St. Mary's students, Grace, Maddie Jo and Natalie.

Pastor Mark joined the St. Mary’s family in May 2011. He has quickly become a favorite of St. Mary’s students and their parents. He came to our school from Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Hills.

Pastor Mark is passionate about sharing the Word of God in general but he is especially fond of ministering to elementary school children.

Chapel is definitely a highlight of each week for every

E N G A G E D

designed to the development of the student as

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I N S P I R E D

while supporting IB Learner Profiles and Attitudes.

after God.’ Asa and Jehoshaphat are two of the outstanding kings

A Rare Gift:

Valerie Huffer Our School Nurse

By Keely Ng

I have always felt grateful for the resources that St. Mary’s School provides my two children, but it wasn’t until I was attending a class with a parent from another local private school that I realized just how rare some of those resources are.

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A parent in the class mentioned that she had just hired a nurse for her daughter’s school. Surprised, I asked, “What do you mean, you hired a nurse for your daughter’s school? “ She quickly explained that her daughter has a rare disease and would be unable to attend school if she did not have access to a full-time registered nurse. The school didn’t have one on staff, so in the interest of her daughter’s health and her education, the mom graciously provided one.

She then added, “I understand that St. Mary’s has an amazing nurse.

Your children are lucky to have her.”

After that conversation, I began to do some research about school nurses.

I was astounded by what I learned.

The state department of health suggests that there should be one registered nurse for every 750 students.

California has let that ratio slip to one nurse for every 2,187 students, making it one of the nation’s worst.

With chronic health concerns such as attention disorders, obesity, asthma and food allergies on the rise, it is shocking to learn that school nurses are becoming increasingly scarce.

Statistics from the National Association of School Nurses indicate that, “just 45 percent of public schools have a full-time nurse and 25 percent have no nurse at all.”

care, it is comforting to know that we have Nurse Valerie caring for our children while they’re at St. Mary’s.”

Valerie has more than seven years experience including time as an ICU nurse at Mission Hospital and six years as a pediatric home health nurse. She is currently pursuing an advanced degree to become a State of California credentialed school nurse.

With more and more children requiring medication to manage chronic health conditions, Nurse Valerie plays a critical role in ensuring that our children’s health is being managed in a timely appropriate manner.

Valerie Huffer, or Nurse Valerie as St. Mary’s students fondly call her, commented that during a recent class at the Orange County Department of Health, she was one of nine attendees out of 55, who is a registered nurse.

The other attendees included PE coaches, secretaries and even a head of school.

Another St. Mary’s parent shared her thoughts about Nurse Valerie, “I work at a school where our nurse is only available one day per week. Being a mom of a student who needs medical

Valerie has two children, the youngest of whom is a St. Mary’s alum.

When asked about the school, Valerie shared, “St. Mary’s truly cares about the welfare and success of each child.

I am honored that parents and staff put their trust in me when it comes to their most precious gifts.”

We bring our children to school trusting that their health and physical wellbeing are being cared for as much as their minds. It is comforting to know that St. Mary’s exceeds all expectations when it comes to school health care.

INQUIRERS THINKERS COMMUNICATORS RISK-TAKERS PRINCIPLED KNOWLEDGEABLE REFLECTIVE BALANCED OPEN-MINDED CARING

A Worthwhile Journey

By Lucy Truscott

The Truscott family moved to the USA from England more than six years ago. Their three children all attend St. Mary’s.

Olivia is in fifth grade, Charlie in third grade and Hugo in preschool. They live in Corona del Mar, making the daily commute to and from St. Mary’s. We caught up with Lucy Truscott, who explained why St. Mary’s is worth the journey.

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I am a big fan of St. Mary’s preschool program. It is My family moved around the world a lot when I was developmentally appropriate, rather than being completely growing up. My brother, sister and I all went to school in different countries, and as a result we all had vastly different academic. I also love the sense of community at St. Mary’s.

That’s another reason Hugo, my youngest son, comes educational experiences. My brother went to school in here for preschool three days a week. In the public school England, and graduated from an English high school. system, I would have three kids at three different schools When I was in junior high we moved from London to for several years, which would be hard on all of us. Here, Paris, so I switched to an IB school in Paris, and returned they all enjoy being part of the same school ‘family.’ As to England to study at Bristol University. My parents then a library helper, Olivia delivers books to the preschoolers, moved to New York, where my sister attended high school so she and Hugo see each other during the day, too. and stayed in the USA for college. My experience in Paris James and I enjoy the community too. He is a member of underlined for me the value of an IB education, which I the Gentleman’s Committee, which gives him opportunities believe instills lifelong benefits. to network, and I have made many good friends.

When we came to California, Olivia went to public school in Newport Beach for kindergarten and first grade. The school was fine; she It was the IB programme that led me to bring my children here in the learned everything she needed to know and first place. After we arrived we realized that there is so much more – made some good friends. But the curriculum did not ask any more of the children than the it is nurturing and comfortable, yet also stimulating and challenging. basics. There was no scope for individual achievement – the lessons were always taught Hugo, dad James, Charlie, mom Lucy and Olivia Truscott in one way to the class as a group. I thought back to my own education and how we were asked to think.

I remembered my history lessons in England – lots of rote learning, dates, names, events and very dull. Contrast that with the way history was taught at the IB school in Paris. It was thought provoking, stimulating and connected to the present – so much so that I chose to study economics and history at college.

I heard about St. Mary’s and its IB program from St. Mary’s parent Lisa Vogel. As soon as I set foot on campus I knew it was the right place for my children. I now see Charlie and Olivia learning in a way I enjoyed. They are stimulated to think laterally, to be inquisitive and to make connections.

They are not given the answers, instead they learn the process of getting to the answers, and gain so much along that journey. The environment at St. Mary’s is caring and nurturing, but ambitious too. The teachers give students purpose and challenge them to find direction as individuals.

H E L P I N G S T. M A R Y ’ S S T U D E N T S B E C O M E S A F E , R E S P O N S I B L E

Mr. Galarpe Puts Technology to Work

By Fiona May access to a huge resource of information and support. We also developed several innovative distance learning programs.

Later I moved to the Brentwood School in Los Angeles, teaching grades K–6, while working on my master’s degree. When I graduated, I went into consulting for a year but I missed teaching and seeing the light go on in a child’s head when he gets it. That led me to St. Mary’s.

How do you teach technology?

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For St. Mary’s Students Mr. Glen Galarpe joined the St. Mary’s community this summer as technology teacher. St. Mary’s Magazine caught up with him as the school year began.

How and why did you become a teacher?

I was a political science major at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles and started working with the IT department during my sophomore year. I always had a passion for technology and built my first computer when I was in fourth grade! I was offered a full-time position at LMU after graduating. We started using technology in some really innovative ways. For example, we formed live networks with professors at the University of Texas, Cal State Fullerton and LMU, giving students

I don’t teach pure technology to the students, a notion that resonated strongly with Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Mojaddam and Mr. Linaweaver. We all believe that technology has to serve a purpose – to fill an educational need for students. It’s not about buying the latest hardware and software and letting students loose. My role is to teach children about process – how to use technology responsibly and efficiently to foster learning. The technology has to be an enabler, helping the teachers to impart knowledge and helping students absorb that knowledge – to work with information, think around issues and reach conclusions.

In middle school we are using Google Apps for Education, which is also being used in many colleges.

Google Apps is cloud-based and can be accessed from anywhere by students. It is platform agnostic, meaning it can be used on PC or Mac. Of course, students need to understand the basics, like using a word processor or creating a presentation, much of which is covered in lower school.

A N D S U C C E S S F U L D I G I TA L C I T I Z E N S F O R T H E 2 1 S T C E N T U RY

What key skills do students need?

To use technology safely and effectively, students need to know certain fundamentals. They need to know about digital organization – how to structure files and keep track of things.

They also need to understand the principles and importance of password safety. A password is the “door” between their data and the outside world, and that door must be kept secure.

together online. Mrs. Williams can also access their work, post comments and corrections, and observe if and how the students implement suggested changes. She can direct them back to the online text books, or if they have really missed some salient points, she can structure her lesson plans to revisit the material. Lab work, analysis and report-writing become dynamic, interactive and constructive learning opportunities, through intelligent, safe use of technology.

Software and platforms change but the fundamentals of planning, organizing, creating and producing quality end-products will remain the same.

The partnership with Common Sense Media reinforces St. Mary’s commitment to train safe, responsible

Of course, but I think most, if not all, careers now are technologyrelated. To become a successful doctor, scientist, lawyer, project manager, marketing specialist or creative writer, to name just a few, students must have sound technology skills.

That’s why teaching processes is so important. Software and platforms change but the fundamentals of planning, organizing, creating and producing quality end products will remain the same.

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E M P O W E R E D

A great example is eighth grade science where Mrs. Williams’ students are using Google Apps to create lab reports. The platform allows them to share with each other and work

What does the new partnership with Common Sense Media mean?

Would you encourage your students to consider technology careers?

E N G A G E D

Can you give examples of how this works in middle school?

Later this year, middle-schoolers will begin to create their own personal online portfolios of work, something often now done in high school and college. They’ll also have opportunities to learn new technologies. In art classes students will use Bamboo Connect tablets and other digital tools to create a website and express their creativity.

To achieve this goal we need parental involvement and open communication. It is almost impossible for parents to keep their children completely safe online, so a big part of our approach with Common Sense Media is to encourage transparency within families: share passwords and monitor; talk about what you and your children experience and discover online. Open dialogue is the key, so that questions and issues are placed in context and do not become problems.

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It is vital that they learn the importance of creating a responsible online persona, protecting it and maintaining it. Students have to understand that nothing they do, say, post or create online is private. They need to know and use technology etiquette, which involves simple concepts such as courtesy and writing thoughtful, considered comments, posts and emails. They need to know about threats such as cyber bullying and how to recognize and avoid them.

I also teach students the steps of the creative process. That process can be applied to any project in school and beyond. They learn how to research subjects, how to set project parameters and then develop and implement their project through the final stages of evaluation and assessment.

digital citizens who are prepared for success in the 21st century.

(See Headmaster’s Message, page 2)

Coming of Age St. Mary’s Prepares to Take the Next Big Step in Its Development

By Dennis Arp

Director of Admission Jennifer Risner may spend most of her day talking to parents about St. Mary’s School, but it’s obvious that she is equally comfortable visiting with St. Mary’s students.

T

E N G A G E D E M P O W E R E D

Seventh graders Giana and John with their mom Pam Pellizzon

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o a six-year-old, the rainforest can seem too distant to comprehend. But for St. Mary’s firstgraders, it’s as close as their classroom. Not only do they grasp the concept of deforestation, but they often feel inspired to do something about it.

Giana Pellizzon became motivated when she learned that the rainforest is where we turn for many of our medicines. She engaged her classmates and together they developed a plan to sell Band-Aids sporting special animal designs, with the proceeds going to rainforest causes.

“She presented her idea with the conviction of a seasoned advocate,” Pam Pellizzon said of her daughter, now a seventh-grader. “One of the things I like best about St. Mary’s is that teachers inspire students to participate and demonstrate their learning in ways that are meaningful. It’s not likely that you will ever hear a St. Mary’s student ask, ‘Why do we have to learn this?’ They have a keen sense of why what they’re learning is relevant and how it affects the world.”

There are many ways to measure success in education. The St. Mary’s way goes beyond preparing young people to meet and exceed life’s many tests. It also means giving them the tools to stretch, to explore and to build the courage to lead.

At St. Mary’s, stories of profound engagement resound across classrooms in all of the grades, from K-8. And the news of student success There’s a growing awareness is spreading, as evidenced by the school’s continuing growth. in the community about our With St. Mary’s having launched its 19th school year this fall, families have been gathering in the courtyard each morning, and Headmaster IB programme. Parents love Coffees have been drawing standing-room-only crowds. Over the the global perspective and the past three years, when most private schools have experienced cross-disciplinary teaching. declining or at best stable numbers because of the JENNIFER RISNER, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION challenging economy, St. Mary’s enrollment has risen nearly 25 percent with missionappropriate families.

“There are a number of reasons why this year alone 112 new families have chosen St. Mary’s,” says Headmaster John O’Brien. “Marketing efforts, word of mouth and admission events have spread word of the school’s high-quality, rigorous, balanced program well beyond our home base of Aliso Viejo. As a result, we now have bus service that brings students from Newport Beach (with others traveling to St. Mary’s from 23 cities throughout Orange County).”

But at the heart of the St. Mary’s success story is its commitment to Christian values – students pray each day and attend chapel weekly – coupled with its International Baccalaureate (IB) approach to learning.

ST. MARY’S 19

BY THE NUMBERS

750

years educating future global citizens

3 foreign languages taught as core subjects

students in 12 grade levels (early preschool through grade 8)

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(Chinese, French and Spanish)

second or third languages spoken by students (Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese)

15 countries represented in student enrollment

(Argentina, Australia, Canada, Dominican Republic, England, France, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and Spain)

“There’s a growing awareness in the community about the IB approach,” said Jennifer Risner, director of admission at St. Mary’s. “Parents love the global perspective and the cross-disciplinary teaching.”

Mr. O’Brien explains that the IB approach doesn’t dictate content to teachers but instead inspires them to foster creativity, critical thinking and collaboration among their students.

“Instead of facts memorized and given back, there’s a far deeper level of inquiry,” the headmaster said. “Everything students learn is put in the context of what’s happening in the world.”

So when eighth-graders study the American Civil War, they learn more than the facts and figures or even the underlying causes. They explore similarities with current global conflicts in places like Libya and Syria, drawing parallels that lead to useful insights.

“They learn that events in our country don’t happen in isolation,” O’Brien said. “And they take the extra step – a search for solutions to resolve differences without going to war.”

O’Brien is a champion of the IB approach at St. Mary’s, which he joined five years ago, moving west from his previous role as headmaster of Saddle River Day School just outside New York City.

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religions represented in student enrollment (Baptist, Eastern Orthodox, Episcopal, Greek Orthodox, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Lutheran, Methodist, Mormon, non-denominational Christian, Seventh Day Adventist, Presbyterian, Sikh and Roman Catholic)

12 art techniques are taught to students throughout all grades (acrylic, watercolor and gouache painting; techniques of sculpture and working with three dimensional materials; ceramics; drawing and printmaking; simple graphics; collage techniques; photography; and mixed media)

18 musical instruments are played

(acoustic guitar, alto and baritone saxophone, bass, cello, clarinet, electric bass, electric guitar, flute, keyboard, percussion, piano, trombone, trumpet, tuba, ukulele, viola, and violin)

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sports teams fielded each year, teaching skills, sportsmanship and leadership (basketball, cheerleading, flag football,

14 county championships in music and sports

lacrosse, soccer, softball, track and volleyball)

1,000 alumni making a difference in the world (in drumline,

and football)

Numbers as of 10-22-12

“The first thing that struck me was a feeling of joy that was palpable – among the students, the families, the faculty, everyone,” he said. “I could see St. Mary’s was a grounded place, with a lack of pretense and a strong commonality among students and families. It was also sort of a hidden gem – not particularly well known, even in Aliso Viejo. There was an opportunity to take it from the phase of entrepreneurial startup to the next logical level in its development.”

The school’s warm atmosphere and grounded feel stem from its visionary founder, Father Ernest D. Sillers, whom O’Brien got to know before the legendary educator passed away at age 99 a few years ago.

Father Sillers’ vision for the three local schools he started – St. Margaret’s, St. John’s and St. Mary’s – was to create a welcoming but educationally rigorous environment that would accept students and families of all faiths and backgrounds. As an IB World School, St. Mary’s is the epitome of this vision.

And now that O’Brien has had a chance to connect more deeply with the culture of St. Mary’s, he couldn’t feel more committed to the school’s mission and expansion of its influence.

Neil and Julia with mom Cathy and dad Alexander Messmer who moved to Orange County from France

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“I’ve worked at six schools, including Phillips Andover Academy in Massachusetts and Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California, and the passion and dedication of the faculty and staff here is beyond anything I’ve experienced,” he related.

That dedication was evident recently when a new middle school student for the first time had to learn a world language. She struggled to keep up in her Spanish class. The student’s teacher recognized the difficulty and immediately reached out to her parents, offering a plan to speed her assimilation. Within a few weeks, the child had caught up, and her mom was so impressed that she volunteered to serve on one of St Mary’s support committees.

“After the committee’s first meeting, the mom followed me out and went straight to Admissions to see about enrolling her other two children,” O’Brien said.

Cathy Messmer is also a new St. Mary’s parent – one who moved to Orange County from France and sought out the school for its IB approach.

“When I went to my first appointment in the Admission Office, I immediately had a great impression,” Messmer said. “I just knew it was the right school for my kids. I also knew that with the IB programme, Neil (sixth grade) and Julia (first grade) would be able to go back to France – or anywhere else in the world – and enroll without the risk of having to repeat a grade.

“Both are motivated and come home with a smile.

They just love the school.”

Pam Pellizzon has many reasons to love St. Mary’s. Her children, twins Giana and John, have the same enthusiasm in seventh grade that they did in first, she said.

“There are so many ways for students to find their passions, from the award-winning track club, drumline and jazz band to the theater productions, robotics classes and Applied Science Club – and so much more,” Pellizzon said.

She also singled out service learning opportunities and the exchange program with the International School of Milan as examples of how St. Mary’s builds character and bridges cultures.

O’Brien agrees. “Because the world has shrunk, business partnerships and other engagements are more likely than ever to be multinational,” he said. “It’s critical that we help our students develop an understanding and appreciation for cultural and religious differences.”

Looking to the future, headmaster O’Brien sees St. Mary’s becoming the elementary school of choice in Orange County. “Our significant growth over the past three years shows that we are clearly headed in that direction,” he remarked.

Ultimately, he and many others would like to help realize Father Sillers’ dream of a high school at St. Mary’s.

But first things first; there’s the matter of finishing the build-out of the southern end of the current campus, “so we can have top-notch facilities for our preschool and add additional space for our fine and performing arts programs, as well as a designated chapel area and more classrooms.”

As St. Mary’s prepares to exit its teenage years, it has become readily evident that the school is ready to realize the full measure of its potential.

Just like its students.

O

n Saturday, September 15, a group of St. Mary’s students participated in the 27th Annual International Coastal Cleanup Day, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy in Laguna Beach. Miss Bratcher and Mr. Fragasso led the team on their eco-conscience mission. Representing St. Mary’s were middle and lower school students, including members of Miss Bratcher’s and Mr. Fragasso’s Advisory Groups, along with their parents.

O Equipped with plastic gloves and bags, students cleaned the beach of discarded bottle caps, plastic cups, cigarettes and other trash. According to the Ocean Conservancy, more than 9 million pounds of trash was collected in last year’s cleanup by 600,000 volunteers worldwide. More than 5,000 cleanup events were planned for this year to remove debris that endangers the coastal environment and the health of humans and wildlife.

Covering a distance of more than one mile, from Main Beach to beyond Cleo Street, the St. Mary’s team was a visible force in their spirit wear! Following the cleanup, the team spent more time bonding with a long walk through Laguna Beach to local landmark, Wahoo’s, for a group lunch.

Students were thanked throughout the day by Laguna Beach residents for their efforts to keep our beautiful Orange County beaches clean!

Maths Quest

n Wednesday, October 17, St. Mary’s School preschool and JK students had a very special visit from the firemen of Fire Department Station 57 in Aliso Viejo. The firemen presented a fire safety program addressing the special fire safety needs of preschoolers. After the presentation the children had an opportunity to tour the fire truck, test equipment and ask questions.

The children had fun while learning four important lessons:

• • • •

Firefighters are our friends Stop! Drop! And Roll!

Crawl low under smoke Keep away from matches and lighters

After the visit, each child received a fire hat and sticker badge from their special guests!

Many of us first met Cole Cherney, Matthew King, Isabelle Odgers and Jackson Odgers when they appeared on the cover of the inaugurial issue of St. Mary’s Magazine earlier this year. The St. Mary’s middle school students were the winners of the prestigious Maths Quest, international math competition in Paris, France. The St. Mary’s team, led by math teacher Nancy Qushair (Simoes), was the only American participant in the competition.

Plans are already underway for a new St. Mary’s team to participate in Maths Quest 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany. Watch for updates in a future St. Mary’s Magazine.

You may have noticed the victorious team in St. Mary’s ads that have run in several Orange County publications. The students are back at St. Mary’s where we were able to catch them for a photo between classes.

From left, Matthew King, Jackson Odger, Nancy Qushair (Simoes), Isabelle Odgers and Cole Cherney with the Maths Quest trophy.

“Finding Kind is powerful because it allows students to see how their behavior and words affect others. The film has created a buzz in our students who want to continue the message of being kind. It will be exciting to see how they inspire our community.”

DEAN OF STUDENTS JIM COX

Finds a Receptive Audience at St. Mary’s School

By Walt Linaweaver, Head of Middle School cards. A short message can make a big difference. We are currently trying to encourage kind, supportive behavior with our own ‘Kind Cards.’ Hopefully, these cards will spread kindness across our campus.”

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and within a society that often promotes less virtuous characteristics, humanity and kindness are sometimes lost. Films such as Finding Kind and students like Shannon are the solution.

They provide exposure, vision and worthy direction.

On Thursday, September 20, the Finding Kind video was shown once again. This time, it was to an enthusiastic audience of more than 200 St. Mary’s parents and community members. After the video, many attendees lingered to informally discuss how the film could serve as a point of discussion between parents and their children on what everyone agreed was a timely, important topic.

E N G A G E D

Finding Kind was the first in the 2012–2013 St. Mary’s Speakers Series. The second event, on November 8, featured Richard and Linda Eyre, noted authorities on parenting and family-strengthening. An article highlighting their presentation will appear in the next issue of St. Mary’s Magazine.

The final two events in the speakers series take place on January 31 and March 14, 2013. (See calendar on back cover.)

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I N S P I R E D

On Friday, September 14, our seventh and eighth grade students viewed the acclaimed documentary, Finding Kind, which provides an in-depth look at girl-on-girl bullying across the United States. The film’s producers and directors Lauren Pasekian and Molly Stroud, introduced the film and led a discussion following it.

The film’s emphasis on kindness, empathy and respect resonated with students, as did the philosophy that every member of our community has the responsibility to protect against the mistreatment of others. The filmmakers did not incorporate a religious or spiritual focus in the documentary, but the overall message is clearly consistent with St. Mary’s non-denominational Christian heritage and our holistic educational focus.

One student who was inspired by the film is eighth grader Shannon Cleary, who said, “The Finding Kind Campaign and video had a huge impact on me. I am more aware of the problems of secrets, rumors, judgments and other manipulative actions that hurt all of us and I now know what steps we can take to eliminate such behavior. Part of our assembly was to write apology cards and thank you

E M P O W E R E D

MATHEMATICS

ENGINEERING

TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE

By Fiona May

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is an often-heard acronym today, and many politicians and business leaders recognize the need to increase focus on education in these areas to grow the innovators of the future.

{

“Over the coming decades, today’s young people will depend on the skills and knowledge developed from learning math and science to analyze problems, imagine solutions and bring productive new ideas into being.” Carnegie Institute for Advanced Studies

S

St. Mary’s IB programme puts a strong emphasis on teaching science, math and

technology, encouraging critical thinking and cross-discipline connections. A key goal of the science department is to encourage students’ curiosity about science through inquiry and engagement.

“We believe that hands-on experiments are essential in science teaching. We encourage students to take risks in their learning, and to think and reflect about concepts to become knowledgeable.” Erin Bratcher, Middle School Science Chair At St. Mary’s, serious science study starts early.

Opened in 2011, the Marta and Raj Bhathal Lower School Science Lab (with resident bearded dragon Izzy), is visited by more than 380 K–5 students each week.

Katie Hobbins, the dedicated lower school science teacher, conducts 18 classes each week, using a curriculum that links closely to the IB units studied in homerooms.

“Working in the science lab truly embodies IB principles,” explains Miss Hobbins.

“The children are encouraged to solve problems through exploring and experimenting.

For example, the fourth graders are currently studying displacement. The science module links to their humanities unit on the California Gold Rush, and they use mathematical principles to calculate weights, volumes and densities of various substances.”

19

MATHEMATICS

ENGINEERING

TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE

Junior Kindergarten class performing the Book Stack/Egg Crack experiment

{ 20

“The critical lack of technically trained people in the United States can be traced directly to poor K–12 mathematics and science instruction. Few factors are more important than this if the United States is to compete successfully in the 21st century.”

NATIONAL ACADEMIES

L

Later, fourth graders will explore electricity, using trial and error to (safely) understand circuitry, and will conclude the unit by wiring a model house themselves. Fifth graders explore robotics, using their science and technology classes to build and program robots as part of a unit on space exploration.

This early exposure to hands-on science prepares the students well for middle school. “Our students are learning fundamental skills such as the scientific method and lab behaviors at an early age,” explains Miss Bratcher. “They have fun, but they are also learning about the importance of process, and about how producing quality work through trial, error, analysis and reevaluation can take time.”

“Patience is particularly important,” elaborates seventh grade life science teacher Leila Volkmann.

“For example, a core grade 7 unit covers Genetics.

Guppies are crossed in classroom fish tanks and students predict the phenotype of the offspring based on our studies of dominant and recessive genes. We live in a fast-paced, instant world, but our science projects teach that knowledge and progress result from patient, diligent study.”

In middle school, students cover an extensive curriculum including Earth Science in grade 6, Life Science in grade 7 and Physical Science in grade 8.

How many books will it take to crack the eggs?

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“If America is to maintain our high standard of living, we must continue to innovate. Math and science are the engines of innovation. With these engines we can lead the world. We must demystify math and science so that all students feel the joy that follows understanding.”

DR. MICHAEL BROWN, FORMER NOBEL PRIZE WINNER FOR MEDICINE

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“We cover a lot of material, which is easier with students who were well prepared in earlier grades.

That, of course, leads to better preparation for the challenges of high school science,” says eighth grade teacher Jocelyn Williams. “Our eighth graders are challenged to create a science fair project relating to a real-world problem. All their previous years of IB learning come into play, since we expect them to integrate technology and math principles, as well as humanitarian and environmental considerations.”

NAME: Izzy SPECIE: Bearded SCIENTIFIC NAME: COMMON NAME:

Dragon

Pogona Vitticeps

Bearded Dragon

DATE OF BIRTH: June

2011

ST. MARY’S HOME:

Lower School Science Lab NUMBER OF WEEKLY VISITORS:

380 K – 5 students 24-HOUR CAM:

http://www.smaa.org/teachingand-learning/science/izzy-cam

Outside the main curriculum, St. Mary’s students have many other opportunities to experience and enjoy science.

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On February 7, 2013, the entire St. Mary’s community is invited to Family Science Night. “Our theme is Global Environments,” explains Miss Bratcher.

“We will explore the Earth through multi-media presentations written and directed by middle school students, and many hands-on experiments and activities taking place in our science labs.”

Middle-schoolers can join the Applied Science Club, now in its third year, which meets at lunch. This year, participants will design, research, test and evaluate a science project of their choosing, and enter competitions such as the OC Science and Engineering Fair in Costa Mesa, and Physics Quest organized by the American Physics Society.

Younger budding scientists can join the after school Wild About Science programs, for grades K–2 and 3 – 5. These students become “science ambassadors” for Miss Hobbins, helping in the lower school science lab, taking care of the animals, and starting and tending gardens at school. They will also spearhead a soon-to-be-launched, schoolwide composting project to recycle lunch-time waste. They also plan to explore alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energies.

The Summer School program offers an exciting Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) program, with students using science to solve crime scenarios.

“Our science program is innovative and comprehensive,” concludes Miss Bratcher. “We engage and enthuse our students so they will develop an interest in science that grows beyond St. Mary’s. We also recognize that science is a dynamic subject that links ever-more closely with many other subject areas. Across all our grade levels, we always strive to stay in tune with changing times, in what we teach, as well as how we teach.”

Lower school students traveled through different stations using various tools to model how birds have specialized bills to help them survive in their environments.

SAVE THE DATE Family Science Night Thursday February 7, 2013 St. Mary’s School

MATHEMATICS

ENGINEERING

{

TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE

By Tracy Kingston

“Pablo Picasso once declared: ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.’ Well, something similar can now be said about scientists. According to a new study in Cognition led by Claire Cook at MIT, every child is a natural scientist. The problem is how to remain a scientist once we grow up.” JONAH LEHNER, AUTHOR, HOW WE DECIDE AND IMAGINE: HOW CREATIVITY WORKS.

ecent studies have shown that even toddlers form and test their expectations through experimentation – which is probably obvious to parents. The IB programme at St. Mary’s fosters this natural inclination.

Each year Junior Kindergarten students are assigned to teams with middle school students during the IB Unit of Inquiry into the Natural World and Its Laws.

Together the students learn through observation and investigation to discover: living things, earth and space, materials and matter, and forces and energy.

JK students also spend several weeks visiting Mrs. William’s middle school science class and spend time in a fully functioning science lab.

Middle school students mentoring JK students The JK students gain skills to identify similarities and differences, explore buoyancy, gravity and forces in nature and an understanding of the lifecycle of plants and animals. Then, they use their experiences and new understanding of scientific principles to host a Science Faire for 8th grade students.

JK teacher Ms. Nguyen especially enjoys this unit.

She explains, “Students learn through hands-on inquiry, so this unit is fun and exciting for students. I love watching them come up with answers to the questions they posed themselves.” She adds, students work with and learn from the ‘big kids.’ Having a big kid buddy teach and show them so much is exciting!”

The older and younger children work together performing experiments and evaluating the results to test their ideas. The younger children benefit from observing the patience and methods of their older peers. The older children glean new questions from younger minds, and reinforce their own understanding through instruction and observation.

St. Mary’s parent Quynh Lau has experienced the program with her now-first grade son, Owen, and looks forward to her younger son Noah’s participation. Quynh says, “The experience made quite an impression on Owen. He remembers the theme of protecting the ocean by helping to keep it clean, as well as the songs the

Young woman from Mad Science teaching JK students middle-schoolers taught them. Owen was particularly concerned with the ocean animals who were hurt by pollution. One of his favorite parts of the collaboration was a recycling game students played. The children sorted ‘trash’ items into waste or recycle baskets.

Everything was interactive, fun and age-appropriate.

It’s a unique opportunity for older children to mentor and help young children build a sense of responsibility.”

The cooperative effort between JK and eighth grade students is one of the many ways St. Mary’s strives to provide students opportunities to learn and broaden their perspective in an environment that fosters a love of learning.

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FALCON TRIFECTA

FALCON ATHLETICS

By Noel Green, Director of Athletics

Falcons are soaring in athletics!

That’s because they are learning, working hard and having fun. As a significant part of our community, the Falcon Athletic program seeks to grow by leaps and bounds. The program had a strong start as we had record numbers in our team summer sports camps and academies. This strong showing highlighted the desire of our student-athletes to participate and improve their skills.

Coaches also started fall sport practices a little earlier this year to provide our athletes with a competitive edge as the season began. Our early start will continue next year as we teach and prepare our athletes to the best of our ability.

Our program is unique in that we offer athletic opportunities for students in grades K–8. Although all of our lower school students may not participate in our school league, we have engaged in partnerships with private leagues and created intramural opportunities that allow them to learn and compete. NFL Flag Football is a great example of our young Falcons in action. This year we fielded six boys teams, grades K–4 and they are having a blast. Next year, we hope some of our girls will play!

This year, Falcons will compete in flag football, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, track, soccer and cheerleading. We are fortunate that more than 90 percent of our coaches work at St. Mary’s. That means we have knowledgeable coaches who know our kids. Of course our entire program is supported by a wonderful parent community who is committed to helping our children grow in any way they can.

Participation is something Falcon families know well. It has been great to see the large number of fans at Falcon home and away games. Many have been attracted by the exciting atmosphere since the games have become more interactive, especially for our parents. Some parents have won t-shirts and other prizes by demonstrating their athletic skills – while embarrassing their kids in the process!

We are blessed to have such a wonderful athletics program. Very few life activities outside of athletics offer a more effective platform for teaching young people to be responsible, to work hard, and to commit to something bigger than themselves.

Dear Friends, It is with our deepest thanks that we recognize the generous support from the following individuals, families, corporations, foundations and organizations who made gifts to St. Mary’s during the 2011– 2012 school year.

John T. O’Brien

Dave Kinney

We are delighted to report that the 2011–2012 Annual Fund campaign generated close to $347,000. This incredible generosity helped the St. Mary’s community raise over $760,000 across all funds for the school’s programs this past year.

Academic vitality depends upon financial health. Our community’s philanthropic support has a measurable impact on the level of our school’s excellence in educating our students.

Your gifts to St. Mary’s make it possible for the school to continue to grow as an institution and to provide our students with exceptional academic programs, faculty, and facilities. They also enable our children to experience a truly unique education, characterized by offering the only accredited preschool – grade 8 International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme in Orange County. Our IB programme inspires inquiry-based learning and helps foster a well-rounded, global education in a Christian environment for each of our students.

The collective support of St. Mary’s parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends enables the school to live its mission of promoting lifelong learning, leading and serving to prepare our students for the world. This goal is at the heart of all of our endeavors. The school relies on, and greatly appreciates trustee, parent and alumni volunteers, who give of their resources, time and talents to help create an enriched experience for our students.

As we enter our nineteenth year, the future for St. Mary’s is indeed bright. Our new strategic plan will guide us as we move our school forward to the next logical stage in its evolution.

Paramount in our plans is: to have our school continue to be further recognized throughout all of Orange County; to increase participation in our development programs; to ensure a sustainable business model for years to come; and most importantly, to continue to provide the best preschool – grade 8 educational experience in Orange County.

We are proud to serve such a wonderful community. God bless.

With sincere gratitude, John T. O’Brien Headmaster

Dave Kinney Chair, Board of Trustees

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❶ The Annual Fund is the primary fundraiser at St. Mary’s School.

That’s why we ask for 100 percent parent participation.

8 things you need to know

❷ Our 2012– 2013 goal is to raise $425,000 in pledges and gifts by January 31, 2013 with pledges being paid anytime by June 30, 2013.

❸ Contributions to the Annual Fund directly support all the necessities that make St. Mary’s an outstanding IB World School:

about the 2012–2013

• Visual and performing arts • Athletics • Science and technology • Field trips • Faculty salaries and professional development

Annual Fund

❹ Because St. Mary’s is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your gift to the Annual Fund is 100 percent tax deductible. Think of how few opportunities there are to make a charitable gift that directly benefits your own children.

❺ Many employers will match an employee’s gift to a school.

Any matching gift will be combined with your personal gift to determine the giving level at which you will receive recognition. Please contact your employer or St. Mary’s Development Office to see if your company offers this benefit.

❻ There are opportunities to participate at various giving levels:

2012 – 2013

• • • • • •

ANNUAL FUND COMMITTEE Joe and Chris Barry Annual Fund Chairs Genny Boccardo-Dubey 26

Kathy Brandenberger Tiffany Ensign Natalie Fanticola

Visionaries Circle: $25,000 and above Headmaster’s Circle: $10,000 – $24,999 Falcon’s Club: $2,500 – $4,999 Benefactors: $1,000 – $2,499 Friends: Up to $999

❼ There are many ways to give:

Marisa Gallegos

• • • • •

Tracy Grove Melissa Harris Leslie Heard Kris Martinez Laura Oliver

Write a check payable to St. Mary’s School Make a pledge now to be paid in full by June 30, 2013 Set up recurring monthly payments Make a contribution by credit card online at www.smaa.org/give Donate appreciated stock

❽ When EVERYONE gives, EVERY CHILD at St. Mary’s receives!

Dawn Wharrie

Revenue 2011 – 2012 Student Activities $1,370,028 12.8% Annual Fundraising $938,096 8.8%

All contributors will be recognized at their giving level in the Annual Report. Annual Fund donors of $2,500 or more will be invited to a donor recognition event in the spring.

Leadership Circle: $5,000 – $9,999

Other $139,958 1.3%

Tuition & Fees $8,247,428 77.1%

Expenses 2011 – 2012 General & Administrative $889,096 8.7%

Fund Raising $174,428 1.7%

Student Expenses $1,110,310 10.9% Bond Costs $488,300 4.8% Facility $853,432 8.4%

Salaries & Benefits $6,676,093 65.5%

General

how

the annual fund does

impact life at st. mary’s

• IB training for faculty and annual dues to continue offering the K–8 IB curriculum that sets St. Mary’s apart from all other school in Orange County

• Increased safety on campus through the addition of a security guard, security cameras, field fence extension and green widescreen

• New VOIP Phone System • Veracross Student Information System with Parent Portal • New synthetic turf for the playground area

Preschool • Whimsy playground renovation • Opportunity for Junior Kindergarten to attend Spanish class twice a week and preschool and Junior Kindergarten to attend music class once a week

• Addition of IB-themed boxes that contain books, materials, manipulatives and CDs/DVDs to create a multi-layered interactive learning experience

• Flip cameras, student friendly digital cameras, preschool keyboards, interactive light tables and CD listening stations for preschool classrooms

• Supplies for the Growing Garden, which teaches nutrition, health and life cycle • Easels and sensory tables for outdoor activities

Lower School • Additional aides in grades K–2 allowing 11 to 1 ratio, with plans to increase aides in grades 3–5 next year

• • • • • •

Interactive whiteboards in 1st and 2nd grade classrooms Complete renovation of the lower school technology lab Microphones and headphones in lower school classrooms Additional math resources for all lower school classes Battle of the Books Club and Competition for 4th and 5th grade Field trip transportation and admission fees

Middle School If you have questions, comments

• Increased teaching staff – five teachers this year

or would like to learn more about

adding new courses and reducing class sizes

the Annual Fund, please contact Christine Downie, Director of Development at 949.448.9027 x324 or Christine.Downie@smaa.org.

Donations to St. Mary’s Annual Fund can be made at www.smaa.org/give.

• • • •

Extended library hours for middle school students Increased online resources for students Additional class sets of iPads Plans to expand the middle school art room with an outdoor space

• Legacy Awards program now in its 11th year

• New uniforms for athletic teams

27

2011–2012 Giving Annual Fund Campaign

Ken Martinez and Megan Klett

Travis and Laura Oliver

Richard and Susan Bridgford

Reed and Nicole McMackin

Matt and Susan Paroly

Rebecca Briggs

Glen and Elizabeth Olsheim

Kelly Pieropan

Kristen Brinkema

David and Donna Sears

Tracy and Valerie Price

HEADMASTER'S CIRCLE

James Seat and Jennifer Shigei

Kevin and Kirsten Rabe

Joe and Suzanne Bucaro

Anonymous (2)

Toyozo and Kristin Shimano

Paul Reardon and

Shawn and Christine Bullock

Scott and Karen Green

Thomas and Katherine Stellar

Norah Johnson

Aleksas and Alison Burggren

Anthony and Veronica Jacobson

Tom and Lisa Traylor

Michael and Helen Rodriguez

Michael and Dana Buttlar

Adam and Jana Williams

James and Lucy Truscott

Valeriu and Adriana Roman

Mark and Christine Byra

Donald and Denise Walsh

Sami and Leslie Shihabi

David and Virtue Byrd

PARENTS VISIONARIES CIRCLE

S C H O O L

Christian and Sutton Stracke

S T . M A R Y ’ S

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

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and Lisa Stevens

Reza and Laura Shirangi

Charlie and Reid Carter

Anonymous

BENEFACTOR'S

William and Katherine Sieck

Andrew and Denise Cassidenti

Shawn and Keri Baldwin

Anonymous (3)

Tracy and Peggy Snyder

Bobbi Caves

Carl and Michele DiNicola

John and Paula Baldwin

Matthew and Jill Stewart

Mark and Anne Chapman

Curt and Tiffany Ensign

Chris and Marci Bates

Greg and Mary Anne Sviland

Bahman and Niloofar Fakhimi

Kimberly Bennett Mittelholtz

Gary and Christine Teichrow

Curt and Nona Grayson

Ed and Gigi Bourke

Carlo and Candace

Dave and Stacey Kinney

James and Eleesha Brant

Scott Lester and

Cary and Alisa Breese

David Wilson

Jane Rowen Lester

Mark and Kristina Burkhardt

Scott and Tami Wingate

Arthur and Ginger Ong

Anthony and Mary Caldarone

Peter and Pam Pellizzon

Melvin and Akiko Chiba

FRIENDS

Joseph and Sloan Purcell

Anthony and Lizabeth Codet

Anonymous (8)

Sholeh Sadri

Jeff Coyne and

Aziz Abaha and

Ed and Lisa Vogel

Tiffany Blackburn Coyne

Van den Bosch

Marianna Pellissier

Peter DeCarlo and Semira Bayati

Farrokh and Sara Alemzadeh

Rod Dubitsky and

Catalina Areyan

Sanford and Lily Chen

Hossein and Azita Amir Arjomand

Tony and Louisa Chin

Sam and Pamela Auriemma

Matt and Joanna Ellis-Escobar

Bryce and Shelly Angel

Richard and Julie Cherney

Joe and Chris Barry

Christian and Natalie Fanticola

Kamal and Mary Arafeh

William and Helen Chionis

Geoff and Kory Blum

Scott and Patti Frazier

Jeff and Liana Augustini

Don Christensen and

Mark and Kathy Brandenberger

Todd and Julie Gillespie

Sasan and Hena Aval

Chang Family

Armond and Elena Hairapetian

Denise Bader

Paul and Victoria Cleary

David and Xiaokun Chew

Dave and Nancy Harris

Glenn and Laura Ballantyne

Suzanne Cobb

Joseph Dominguez

Ronen and Joanne Hazarika

Rick and Kerri-Anne Barbee

Donald and Cheryl Coker

Marc and Kathy Fanticola

R. Bruce and Mickie Hezlep

Edward and Claudia Batlle

Jaime and Leilani Colley

Frank and Kay Fernandez

Philip and Michele Kempik

Adam and Christina Bays

John and Kimi Corris

Richard and Summer Fish

Rafer and Tracy Kingston

Bryan and Cynthia Blattman

Jim and Alison Cox

Michael and Kathy Gabrielian

Joseph King and Cody Leng

Kenneth and Melissa Blye

Brian and Jennifer Craycraft

Michael and Kelly Green

Jeremy and Dana Matteson

Harold and Caroline Boerlin

Michael and Emily Crume

Richard and Leslie Heard

Ryan and Jamie Murphy

Michael and Nicole Boice

Craig and Wendy Cullen

Andrew and Sheila Hoffmann

Jeff and Keely Ng

Spring Bowles

Paul and Leslie Deakin

John and Kim Ireland

John and Elizabeth O’Brien

Tracy and Robin Brandt

Patrick and Keri Del Conte

Sean and Julie Kelly

John and Teresa O’Neill

Rodney and Linda Brenneman

Scott and Stacy Dillow

FALCON’S CLUB Vito and Tiffany Antoci

Brigitte Posch

Selena Knight

Robert and Laura Dolan

Todd and Melissa Holritz

John and Lisa Marking

Dr. K. Sun and Dr. D. Porch

Bruce and Stephanie Dosier

Marc and Stacy Horton

Chris and Kristin Martin

Eric and Claire Poulsen

Paul and Marilyn Drysch

Kevin and Sharon Howard

Michael and Zyda Martinez

Lance and Susan Powell

David and Kathleen Dumain

Chris and Jennifer Hubbard

Jay and Ahndi Marx

Richard and Kim Principale

Keivan and Roxana Edalat

Kathleen Hublitz

Ari and Jasmine Master

Derek and Danielle Purcell

Jesse Elizalde and Claudia Rendon

Brian and Valerie Huffer

Scott McAlister and

Michael and Megan Quigley

Matthew and Rebecca Emes

Alexander and Michele Isaly

William Engelbrecht and

Monica and Jennifer Jackson

James and Tracy McConkey

Jeff and Kate Rader

Marie Doulaverakis

Hossein and Sanaz Jahangiri

Jeffrey and Jody McElroy

Peter and Marisol Richardson

Kevin and Jennifer Engleman

Fitzgerald and Brennan James

Royal McMackin and Karlee Getty

Phil and Carolyn Rodas

Terry and Lori Evans

Roland and Adriane Jenster

Jim McNamee

Larry and Michele Rogers

Nathan and Michelle Evenson

Ross and Kristin Jones

Patrick and Heidi McNenny

Craig and Cathy Rooney

Kevin and Janet Fellenzer

Dean and Heather Kaese

Bjorn and Manuella Melchert

Jacqueline Rousseau

Mark and Lorna Fenton

Kyle and Dawn Kane

Erik and Sondra Michelsen

Mark and Janice Sakabe

Dave and Karen Firestone

Iksoo and Jeanne Kang

Hamid Minai and

Robert and Natalie Saman

Lori Dutton-McAlister

Nancy Qushair (Simoes)

Marcellus and Lissette Fisher

Christine Kashkarian

Geralyn Flanagan

George and Cynthia Kateyiannis

Dustin and Tracey Mittelsteadt

David and Carol Schillne

Andrew and Lucila Foerster

Sam and Claudia Kechejian

Wayde and Debbie Morales

Laura Sextro

Joseph Francis and Carolyn Lennan

Donald and Vivian Keena

Thomas and Natalie Moran

James and Amanda Simpson

April Fronczek

Thomas and Sandy Kelly

Amir and Atoosa Mozafari

Anthony Sindoni and Julie Passo

Joseph Fudali and Jennifer Levine

Malek and Gina Khouri

John and Gabriella Muri

Brian and Lisa Stanton

Chris and Toni Fuentes

Frank and Bethany Kirchhoff

Matthew and Christine Musial

Michael and Maxine Stephens

Timothy and Jane Gannaway

Michael and Shannon Knotts

Rick and Sinqui Musto

Rory and Sylvia Stewart

Tina Garcia

Steven and Amy Knuff

Angela Natale

Nancy Stoddard

Michael and Katie Gargano

Kimberly Komrosky

Annabelle Nenninger

Julian and Brooke Tafreshi

Jim and Sheila Gonzales

John and Colleen Kordich

Greg and Cynthia Newman

Jeff and Amber Tatch

Roger and Evelyn Gonzalez

Brian and Melissa Lane

Mark and Stephanie Nielsen

Mel and Sharon Taylor

Thomas and Victoria Gorski

Trevor and Mary Lattin

Steven and Emily Odgers

Paige Tecca

Raymond and Sofia Gottschalk

Tim and Quynh Lau

Grant and Sandy Palenske

Ronald and Priscilla Tedesco

Donald and Deborah Grimes

John Le and Thuy Nguyen

Christos and Kelly Parissis

Michael and Pokey Thompson

Scott and Tracy Grove

Jeffrey and Angela Lemieux

Mark and Melissa Pearce

Terry and Jennifer Tullis

Lewis and Marianne Gryziewicz

Larry and Heather Lewis

Norman and Marcy Pearson

Arturo and Kristin Valdez

Atul and Vaishali Gupte

Leslie Gould and Stacey Lindberg

Bill and Mary Phillips

Arne and Anne Marie Valum

David and Barbara Gwynn

Karl and Kristen Lindegren

Jonathan Phillips and

Michael and Janet Vandenburg

James and Cynthia Harkins

Colin and Danielle Logan

Martin and Kari Herrington

David and Laura Lowrie

Robert and Jan Pickering

Dave and Lola Vautrin

Chad and Andrea Hett

Doug and Siobhan Makowecki

John and Rosie Pla

Alex and Debby Verde

Afsoon Najmolhoda

Krista Nicholds

Michael and Kelli Santley

Anthony and Lori Vasquez

Dave and Tiffany Viale

Kerstin Dracolakis

Dustin Mittelsteadt

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Brian and Natalie Villanueva

Rebecca Emes

Erfan Mojaddam

Sam Auriemma

Brian and Mercy Walker

Maureen Falcy

Kimberly Moraitis

Shawn Baldwin

Arnold and Linda Wensinger

Lorin Finch

Dick Mortimer

Mark Campaigne

Cindy Wetmore

Dan Fineberg

Jacqui Murray

Mary Beth Dougherty

Jim and Dawn Wharrie

Ludivine Forte

Angela Natale

Paul Drysch

Kandy Williams

Peggy Fowler

Catherine Nguyen

Scott Green

Michael Williams

Christine Fox

John O’Brien

Rush Hill

Michael and Erin Williams

Heidi Galloway

Carolyn Ochs

John Ireland

John and Charlotte Wurth

Tina Garcia

Doug Patterson

Julie Kelly

Joe and Kim Yezbak

Katie Gargano

Julie Patterson

David Kinney

Susie Yun

Anne Goudreau

Danell Puetz

Scott Lester

Nimi and Mimi Yogaratnam

Marna Graham

Tim Quinn

Nicole McMackin

Jonathan and Kristal Zacharias

Amy Gritters

Nancy Qushair (Simoes)

John O’Brien

Jacek and Janine Zdzienicki

Martin Guisar

Kate Rader

Pamela Pellizzon

Craig Zimmerman and

Jamie Hahlbohm

Jennifer Risner

Donna Sears

Karen Sue Naylor

Shelly Harmon

Lynn Rollison

Matthew Stewart

Bernard and Cecile Zovighian

Katie Hobbins

Janice Rucktenwald

Lisa Vogel

FACULTY AND STAFF

Amy Hoffman

Roxanne Kane Scruggs

GRANDPARENTS

Brooke Armer

Valerie Huffer

Jamie Lynn Scuticchio-

Raj and Marta Bhathal

Sharon Benedetto

Madlen Hulme

Christman

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Burke

Kathy Bennett

Jillian Jacobs

Karen Sexton

Robert and Carolyn Clifton

Vida Bonakdar

Kellie Jelic

Cathy Smith

LeRoy and Arleen Cox

Brandy Bounds

Aileen Kay

Sherri Sprague

Bruno and Eileen Delfino

Maryruth Bracken

Claudia Kechejian

Maxine Stephens

Kris and Linda Elftmann

Erin Bratcher

Matt Keil

Lauren Sterner

George and Leslie Ellis

Lynda Burchill

Amy Knuff

Carol Stipes

John and Lindy Glassco

Dan C’deBaca

Kimberly Komrosky

Faith Sun

Raymond and Estella Gutierrez

Olivia Chang

Lydia Kucich

Sharon Taylor

Kenneth and Patricia Martinez

Mark Chapman

Melissa Lane

Elizabeth Tierney

Brandy Clark

Christine Le

Arturo Valdez

Diana Clark

Sheri Lowry

Juli van Eizenga

Jim Cox

Walt Linaweaver

Leila Volkmann

Lisa Dennis

Stacy Lindberg

Jocelyn Williams

PARENTS OF ALUMNI

Tim Dennis

Cathy Lundberg

Carrie Zulanas

Hazem and Salma Chehabi

Christine Downie

Kimberly Mansfield

Carl and Donna Nelson Sherwin Ng Roseanne Olsh

Steve and Kristi Ormonde

ALUMNI STUDENTS

Derek and Danielle Purcell

Margarita Arcenas ’07

Craig and Cathy Rooney David and Donna Sears

CORPORATIONS & FOUNDATIONS

2011 Golf Classic Jay and Sherrie Cunningham, Golf Co-Chairs

Barbara Shaffer

Anonymous Bank of America Capital Group Companies Edison International Fidelity Charitable Fluor Foundation

SPONSORS

Fisker Automotive

Dennis Shaffer

Jay and Sherrie Cunningham

Tanner Foust

Reeza and Laura Shiranghi

Joseph Dominguez

Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers

Thomas and Lucy Truscott

Frank and Kay Fernandez

HomeTurfLawns.com

Fisker Automotive

Hoyt Archery

Todd and Leslie Landreth

In-N-Out Burger

California Vein Specialists

Irvine BMW

Ken Martinez

The Newman Family

The Matteson Family

Noble Ale Works

The O’Brien Family

Paulo Prietto /

Parking Space Fundrasier Sam and Pam Auriemma

Morgan Stanley

Geoff and Kory Blum

Pacific Life Foundation

Carl and Michele DiNicola

Pardee Properties

Christian and Natalie Fanticola

Verizon

Richard and Summer Fish

Wells Fargo

John and Dana Hausman

Western Digital

Anthony and Veronica Jacobson Peter and Pam Pellizzon Matt and Jill Stewart Christian and Sutton Stracke Ed and Lisa Vogel Adam and Jana Williams

Restricted Gifts

John and Dana Hausman Hausman Family Foundation Thomas and Sandra Kelly Malek and Gina Khouri Royal McMackin and Karlee Getty

Sindoni Consulting &

The Pellizzon Family

Management Services, Inc. The Stellar Family – Morgan Stanley Smith & Barney

Powell’s Sweet Shop The J. Purcell Family Sage’s Sweet Shop Cupcakes

Law Offices of Jeff Tatch

Bryan Webb

The Wensinger Family

Yard House

Yard House FUND-A-NEED

Apollo Printing & Graphics

Jay and Sherrie Cunningham

Clif Bar Community Outreach

Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water

Dave and Stacey Kinney

CytoSport, INC.

The Blum Family

Todd and Leslie Landreth

Kris and Linda Elftmann

Blue Sky Sports

John and Elizabeth O’Brien

Lala Smoothies

The Cunningham Family

Valeriu and Adriana Roman

Jonathan Phillips and

Easton Baseball

Christian and Sutton Stracke

Krista Nicholds

Jeffrey and Amber Tatch

Mark Risner

Ed and Lisa Vogel

Margaret Rist

Arnie and Linda Wensinger

Bob and Angie Rowe Michael and Pokey Thompson

James and Cynthia Harkins

Patron Spirits Company

Sam and Pam Auriemma

Sprouts Farmers Markets, LLC

Gerri Flanagan

Solag Skim School

The L. Powell Family

DONORS AND UNDERWRITERS

Janice Davis Kevin and Jennifer Engleman

The Pellizzon Family

In-Kind Gifts

Cary and Alisa Breese Paul and Marilyn Drysch

Exile Skimboards

Carol Shaffer

GE Foundation

Other Giving

Easton Technical Products The F. Fernandez Family

Abbott Allergan

Jim and Phillis Easton

31

2012 Spring Gala

First Republic Bank

Matthew and Coral Heslin

Dana Sharron

Roland and Adriane Jenster

Andy and Sheila Hoffmann

Kathryn Smith

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU KID

David and Shelly Kim

John and Kim Ireland

Matthew and Jill Stewart

Emily Crume, Co-Chair

Konica Minolta Business Solutions

Anthony and Veronica Jacobson

Christian and Sutton Stracke

Patti Frazier, Co-Chair

Lugano Diamonds

Fitzgerald and Brennan James

Jeff and Amber Tatch

Dennis Murchison,

Dean and Heather Kaese

Ronald and Priscilla Tedesco

Anthony and Alice Kalomas

Arturo Valdez

Bob Nenninger, Mix Marketing

Phil and Michele Kempik

Ed and Lisa Vogel

Travis and Laura Oliver

Mary Kessler

Michael and Erin Williams

Saddleback College

Rafer and Tracy Kingston

John and Charlotte Wurth

Bellydance Troup

Dave and Stacey Kinney

Jay Yosenick and Carol Kaminskas

EVENT SPONSORS John and Sonya Bauer Matt and Serena Benson Marcellus and Lissette Fisher Desi and Cory McGuire Planet Beauty, Fakhimi and Sadri Family Progressive Orthodontics Christian and Sutton Stracke FACULTY AND STAFF UNDERWRITERS John and Paula Baldwin

MezzCap Partners

Dave and Lara Simmons

Trevor and Mary Lattin

Southern California

Timothy and Quynh Lau

GENTLEMEN’S COMMITTEE

Scott Lester

Sam Auriemma

Agency-Mass Mutual

Chris and Kristin Martin

Shawn Baldwin

FUND-A-NEED

Michael and Kimberly McCarthy

Cary Breese

John and Paula Baldwin

Tom and Natalie Moran

Matt Ellis-Escobar

John and Sonya Bauer

Rick and Sinqui Musto

Curt Ensign

Ken and Melissa Blye

Mark and Stephanie Nielsen

Marcellus Fisher

HERE ARE THREE EASY WAYS TO RAISE MONEY FOR ST. MARY’S SCHOOL: • eScrip (3–15% rebate, varies) Register your Vons, Pavilions, Macy’s, debit and credit cards for use in the program. Every time you use them at selected retailers, eScrip will make a contribution to St. Mary’s.

Sign up by visiting www.escrip.com (St. Mary’s ID 137122061).

• Ralph's Card (4% rebate) St. Mary’s receives contributions based on your purchases at Ralph’s when you enter your Club Card number or phone number at the cash register. Register your Ralph’s card at www.ralphs.com click on Sign In, click on My Account and click on Community Rewards.

• Target (1% rebate) When you use your Target® Visa® or Target Guest Card® St. Mary’s receives a contribution.

Visit www.target.com/redcard/tcoe/home, or call 1-800-316-6142 to designate St. Mary’s School.

Shawn and Keri Baldwin

Mark and Kathy Brandenberger

John and Elizabeth O’Brien

Scott Grove

Curtis and Tiffany Ensign

Edmond and Gigi Bourke

John and Teresa O'Neill

John Hamilton

Steve and Jackie Gleason

Cary and Alissa Breese

Matt and Susan Paroly

Andrew Hoffmann

Scott and Tracy Grove

Mark and Christine Byra

Norm and Marcy Pearson

John Ireland

Richard and Leslie Heard

David and Virtue Byrd

Peter and Pam Pellizzon

Alex Keighley

Michael and Kim McCarthy

Bob and Judy Cristiano

Luke and Jacque Perisin

Sean Kelly

Amir and Atoosa Mozafari

Mike and Emily Crume

Bill Phillips and

Dave Kinney

Peter and Pam Pellizzon

Cliff and Christine Downie

Jonathan Phillips and

Matt and Joanna Ellis-Escobar

Jonathan Phillips and Krista Nicholds

Richard Masson

Marcellus and Lissette Fisher

John and Rosie Pla

Mark Nielson

Gerri Flanagan

Joseph and Sloan Purcell

Glen Olsheim

Scott and Patricia Frazier

Derek and Danielle Purcell

Arthur Ong

EVENT UNDERWRITERS

Steve and Jackie Gleason

Kevin and Kirsten Rabe

Peter Pellizzon

Anonymous

Tom and Victoria Gorski

Jeff and Kate Rader

Ramzi Sliheet

Blue Sky’s Studio

Curt and Nona Grayson

Val and Adriana Roman

Matthew Stewart

Cigar Oasis, Wayne Richards

Shelly Harmon

Craig and Catherine Rooney

Christian Stracke

Brian and Jennifer Craycraft

Alan Miller and

Robert and Natalie Saman

James Truscott

David and Donna Sears

Adam Williams

Krista Nicholds James and Lucy Truscott

Matt and Joanna Ellis-Escobar

Pamela Henrici-Miller

Mary O’Toole-Phillips

Trevor Lattin

We apologize for any errors or omissions to this list. Please contact Christine Downie at 949-448-9027 X324 or Christine.Downie@smaa.org if your name has been misspelled, placed in the wrong category or omitted.

St. Mary’s 15th Annual Golf Classic!

AROUND THE WORLD IN 18 HOLES !

❶

❷

❸

❹

❶ Headmaster John O’Brien (center) with first place men’s team Arnie Wensinger, Dan Kupfer, Todd Landreth, Jay Cunningham ❷ Golf Chairs Susan and Lance Powell. ❸ First place women’s team Pam Pellizzon, Susan Powell, Carmela Phillips and Eileen Keighley. ❹ International Style award winners John and Rosie Pla and John and Teresa O’Neill

W

ith generous support from families, corporations and community sponsors, St. Mary’s School exceeded its goal and raised over $38,000 at the 15th Annual Golf Classic – Around the World in 18 Holes on Monday, September 10, 2012 at El Niguel Country Club.

A huge thank you to the Golf Committee, chaired by Lance and Susan Powell, who put in countless hours over the summer to make the golf classic a fun and successful event for St. Mary’s School. The committee brought the theme alive for the golfers who had a great time traveling the world along the golf course.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be used to purchase tools to integrate technology into the teaching and learning of St. Mary’s world languages: Chinese, French and Spanish.

This program will provide our students (preschool through grade eight) with access to digital multimedia, language software, web-based programs and a mobile language lab that will propel our Language B program to a higher level.

SPONSORS AND UNDERWRITERS Red and Robyn Alinsod Anaheim Hills Jewelry & Coin Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water Sam and Pam Auriemma John and Paula Baldwin Hassan and Celina Bader Ed and Gigi Bourke Mark and Kristina Burkhardt Jin and Judy Chang Neetu Dhillon Matt and Joanna Ellis-Escobar

Bahman and Niloofar Fakhimi Fisker Automotive Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village Fresh and Easy Scott and Tracy Grove John and Kim Ireland Marbella Farmer’s Market Dr. Ken Martinez Reed and Nicole McMackin John and Elizabeth O’Brien Neurology & Pain Specialty Center

FUND-A-NEED DONORS Sam and Pam Auriemma Matt and Serena Benson Cliff and Christine Downie Scott and Tracy Grove Rush Hill Ben and Joni Kante Jeff and Angela Lemieux Ken and Patti Martinez Tom and Natalie Moran John and Elizabeth O'Brien

John and Teresa O'Neill Matt and Susan Paroly Peter and Pam Pellizzon John and Rosie Pla Joseph and Sloan Purcell Jeff and Kate Rader Phillip and Carolyn Rodas David and Lola Vautrin Arnold and Linda Wensinger Michael and Erin Williams

Michael Newcombe Brian and Jennifer Niccol Matt and Susan Paroly Peter and Pam Pellizzon Bill and Michele Pillette John and Rosie Pla Planet Beauty Portos Bakery Richard and Kim Principale Joseph and Sloan Purcell Residential First Mortgage

GOLF COMMITTEE Susan Powell (Co-Chair) Lance Powell (Co-Chair) Bob Fiorentino Gerri Flanagan Julie Gillespie Tracy Grove Eileen Keighley 33 Greg Newman Matt Paroly Susan Paroly Bill Pillette Michele Pillette Pam Pellizzon Jennifer Shigei

Robert and Angie Rowe Sholeh Sadri David and Donna Sears South Coast Urogynecology Stadium Brewery Swim Spot Taco Bell TRC Financial Insurance Services Ed and Lisa Vogel The Yard House

S T . M A R Y ’ S

S C H O O L

alumni news, notes and photos

34

CLASS OF 2004

CLASS OF 2007

BRYCE HIRSCHBERG

EMILY CHADWELL

Congratulations to Bryce. His film Counterfeiters was nominated for the highest honor at the Loyola Marymount University Film Outside the Frame Awards, LMU’s annual film festival. See the summer 2012 issue of St. Mary’s Magazine for an article about Bryce.

Congratulations to Emily for being one of 55 Student Athletes on the First-Year Academic Honor Roll at the University of Alabama, where she is a member of the rowing team. To read about Emily visit: http://www.rolltide.com/sports/ w-rowing/spec-rel/071212aaa.html.

CLASS OF 2007 MADELINE “MADIE” CHADWELL Congratulations to Madie who was named the September Student of the Month at Mater Dei High School where she holds a 4.3 GPA. Madie has been a member of the Associate Student Body Alumni and Advancement Commission for two years. She is serving as Head Commissioner for the 2012–2013 school year.

She is part of California Scholarship Federation, Sailing Club and Renaissance Club. Madeline’s volunteer commitments include Boys Town, Special Olympics, O’Neill Regional Park, Operation Help a Hero, and Working Wardrobes. Madie was a delegate at the California Girls State this summer. To see Madie’s video, visit: www.materdei.org/sotm.

JOEY KIMPLER Joey is a student at the University of Maryland where he plays on the lacrosse team.

DREW PHILLIPS Drew returned to campus this summer to help coach our annual St. Mary’s Football Camp. (See photo on page 35.) Drew is entering his sophomore year at Northeastern University in Boston.

CLASS OF 2008 JACQUELINE ADAMS Jacqueline graduated from Mater Dei High School in 2012. She was a jumper on varsity track, senior class secretary and captain of the mock trial team. She was a counselor for the Special Camp for Special Kids for three summers and at Camp Recreation, a camp for special needs adults. Jacqueline would like to teach special needs children or be an attorney representing them. Jacqueline graduated second in her class and is a freshmen at UCLA where she is in the honors program.

ERIN FLANAGAN Erin graduated from JSerra Catholic High School in 2012 with a life membership in CSF. She belonged to many organizations including the Haiti Club, Make-a-Wish Club and Lions for Africa. As a member of the Peru Club, she did missionary work building houses and providing food and clothes to the local people. Erin was active in her church and danced ballet at the Defore Dance Center. She attends New York University, and hopes to study abroad in the future.

We would love to hear from you. Email

JONAVAUGHN WILLIAMS

your notes and photos to alum@smaa.org

Jonavaughn attends the University of Nevada-Las Vegas where he is on the football team.

CLASS OF 2009 DARREN CHEN Congratulations to Darren on being named a 2012 National Merit Semifinalist. Darren attends Sage Hill School.

CHRIS KATEYIANNIS Congratulations to Chris on being named a 2012–2013 National Merit Semifinalist. See the summer 2012 issue of St. Mary’s Magazine for an article about Chris.

CLASS OF 2010

RYAN SIMMONS Ryan is proud to be one of five sophomores on the Santa Margarita Catholic High School varsity football team. He was recently featured in an LA Times article as one of the top high school long snappers in Southern California.

CLASS OF 2012 CARISSA ADAMS Carissa is a freshman at Mater Dei High School where she is an ASB Cub Commissioner and on the JV cheer team.

NICHOLAS ADAMS

NICK BEGG

Nicholas attends Mater Dei High School where he is junior class vice president and a member of NHS, CSF and the varsity lacrosse team.

Nick is a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and will graduate in 2013. Then he is off to Arizona State University where he will play football.

CLASS OF 2011 MYLES ANGEL

I N S P I R E D

Myles is a sophomore at Santa Margarita Catholic High School where he plays snare in the Eagle Regiment Marching Band’s Drumline. “This is my second year in drumline and I love it as much as I did at St. Mary’s.”

DAVID FICE AND JOSEPH FICE

Back row left to right: Nicolas Valdez, Ashlyn Underwood, Señor Valdez and Amanda Ong

ASHLYN UNDERWOOD AND NICHOLAS VALDEZ Amanda, Ashlyn and Nicholas returned to campus this summer to help Senor Valdez with his Spanish Language Camp, part of St. Mary’s Summer Resort.

E M P O W E R E D

AMANDA ONG

E N G A G E D

David and Joseph joined Drew Phillips ’07 this summer to help coach at our annual St. Mary’s Football Camp.

David and Joseph are entering their sophomore year at Santa Margarita Catholic High School where they play on the lacrosse team.

Annual St. Mary’s Football Camp

35

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Laguna Niguel, CA Permit No. 1091

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL 7 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

www.smaa.org

ST. MARY’S

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS SERIES THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013 • 6:30 PM James Steyer Talking Back To Facebook: A Common-Sense Guide to Raising Kids in the Digital Age James Steyer’s new book, Talking Back To Facebook explores how social media and cellphone technology have transformed the lives of today’s young people in very dramatic and surprising ways.

James Steyer

James is one of the nation’s most respected experts on children’s media and education. He is founder of Common Sense Media, a leading organization dedicated to improving media and technology choices for kids and families.

Headmaster John O'Brien recently announced a partnership with Common Sense Media, which will allow St. Mary’s parents direct access to all the resources available through Common Sense Media. (See Headmaster’s Message on page 2 of this publication for more details.)

Is Your Teen at Risk?

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 • 6:30 PM This community education workshop presented by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department focuses on current street drug trends, substance abuse, teen driving and internet safety. This is not designed to be a “scared straight” kind of event but rather one where we create a dialogue between parents and their teens on topics that are often difficult, but necessary to discuss.

SAVE THE DATES

For more information visit www.smaa.org

●

Book Fair – NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1, 2012 • BARNES AND NOBLE, ALISO VIEJO

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K– 8 Christmas Concerts – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

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18th St. Mary’s Gala – SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013 • ST. REGIS MONARCH BEACH