St. Mary's 2024 FallI/Winter Magazine

Contributors:

Building for the Future

Dear St.Mary’s Community,

This is an exciting time to be at St. Mary’s: we are building our dreams while cultivating our students’ hearts and minds. I am happy to share our Fall/Winter Magazine that showcases our innovative curriculum, dynamic learning experiences and how we are building literally and figuratively for the future.

Father Sillers built St. Mary’s to be different. He created our school to be open minded and innovative. With that mindset, we broke ground in June on the Design The Future project. We will open next school year with a two-story building that houses our Early Education Center on the lower level and our stateof-the-art Design Center upstairs. This Design Center will be the first of its kind in Southern California. Our campus will also offer a 40,000-square-foot park-like space and an EEP playground where we can come together as a community for fellowship. I encourage you to explore these pages to see how these spaces will enhance learning experiences and how we will address the needs of both current and future learners.

Read about how our Grade 1 team took advantage of the campus construction to incorporate real-world application within their unit of study on structures. In Early Education, Ms. Harmon shares how her program is thriving in their new temporary home in The Village.

Spend some time reading about how we are formalizing service as action in Middle School. We deeply value service year and have created processes and programs to support our students’ dedication, compassion and commitment to making a difference in our local community, state, country and world.

From Intersession to grade level Field Studies, service is incorporated into our learning experiences.

As I walk the halls, peek into classrooms and stand on the sidelines, our Falcons are succeeding and trying new things. This year we already launched our first LEGO Robotics team and took to the waves with our inaugural Surf team. We continue to see record numbers of students participating in athletics, arts, ASB, enrichment, service activities and more. Our mission — world-sized hearts and world-class minds — is evident and actively modeled on every corner of our campus.

This magazine beautifully shares how actively engaged our community is and their dedication to our students. We are so blessed to have the support of our PTF, parents, grandparents, alumni and more. Our community is at the cornerstone of St. Mary’s especially as we build for the future.

From our mission to our values, from our Portrait of a Graduate to our six strategic pillars of success, every arrow of St. Mary’s curriculum consistently points in a singular direction — to prepare students’ hearts and minds to thrive in a complicated world.

Thank you for your support on this journey and please enjoy our Fall/ Winter Magazine.

Doug Patterson Head of School

Each year our academic team dedicates significant time over the summer to review test results, analyze parent survey data and engage in in-depth discussions with our teachers. These efforts help us determine a clear and purposeful focus for the upcoming school year. After careful consideration and reflection, I am excited to share that our academic focus throughout this school year is differentiation.

Last year we implemented several new initiatives to enhance our academic program which included:

• The introduction of new math pathways and placement tests along with parent education presentations to ensure clear understanding of these enhancements.

• Updates to our assessment and homework policies in Middle School, helping align expectations and improve student outcomes.

• Literacy Professional Development for teachers and refining our Balanced Literacy program in Lower School, ensuring stronger literacy foundations for our younger students.

• The integration of HSPT (High School Placement Test) preparation into the academic day for our Grade 8 students, as well as new Summer Program offerings to support student readiness.

• The launch of unit letters in Middle School, providing greater transparency into the content and learning goals of each unit.

• Benchmarking assessments during the first week of Middle School to provide early insight into student needs and tailor instruction accordingly.

These initiatives, alongside other updates, are examples of our ongoing commitment to ensure each student has the tools needed to succeed academically and thrive in their learning environment.

To build on last year’s successes, our focus this year is refining and enhancing our approach to differentiation. Our teachers work collaboratively to create grade-level norms and meet regularly to standardize expectations across subjects and grades. This creates consistency in how differentiation is implemented and strengthens our foundation of academic excellence.

Differentiation is about meeting each student where they are in their learning journey, providing the appropriate reinforcement or extension within our classrooms to ensure every student is challenged and supported in their growth. We believe by honing our approach to differentiation we will be better equipped to recognize and respond to the diverse needs and talents of all our students.

by Lauren Sterner Dean of Academics

Building Blocks of Academic Success:

Differentiation

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of St. Mary’s School. Board composition reflects the strategic expertise, resources and perspectives —past, present, future—needed to achieve the mission and strategic objectives of the school. As such, the trustees are volunteers from diverse backgrounds within and outside the St. Mary’s parent community. Individual members serve a three-year term and participate in ongoing trustee education, evaluation and board leadership succession planning.

Susan Choe

Susan Choe is a seasoned technology investor and founder of Katalyst Ventures and Visionnaire Ventures, early stage VC funds. Susan’s tech career spans founding funds and venture backed start-ups. Previous experience includes corporate development and executive roles at DLJ Direct in New York, Yahoo Global Corporate Development in Silicon Valley and NHN Corporation in Seoul (a leading search and media publisher in Asia), among others. Susan’s extensive operational and international experiences in tech reflect her cultural fluency with distributed teams worldwide. She serves on the boards of numerous companies.

As a frequent speaker, Susan provides business and technology commentary at events and in the media. Susan attended Columbia University and received her Masters of International Finance and her B.A. in Political Science with a focus on International Economics from UC Irvine.

Susan, her husband, Thomas and their daughter Delphine (Grade 5) are happy to be a part of the St. Mary’s community.

Manna Kadar

Manna Kadar, an Asian-American entrepreneur and founder of Manna Kadar Beauty, was born in Paris and raised in California. Growing up in a challenging environment, she developed a profound appreciation for hard work and determination early on. At just 16 she took a bold step by acquiring her first cosmetics store, and by 17 she was accepted to University of Southern California (USC) where she pursued a degree in Finance and Distribution Management.

A visionary and natural entrepreneur, Manna expanded her cosmetics chain to seven stores within six years. In 2007 she launched a chain of salons and spas, creatively transforming the salon lobbies into beauty bars, which allowed her to introduce her original cosmetics line— Manna Kadar Cosmetics. This innovation became the foundation of Manna Kadar Beauty, a family of beauty brands that quickly gained traction and expanded into a multi-category beauty empire known for its high-quality, transformative products.

Over the past 13 years, Manna has been honored with numerous accolades, including recognition on the SBA’s Business of the Year, Forbes Inc. 1000 List, Top 20 Beauty CEOs Under 40, OCBJ’s Top Women in Business Award, among others.

Beyond her business achievements, Manna is committed to philanthropy. In addition to St. Mary’s, Manna serves on the boards of USC Marshall School of Business, Miracles for Kids and the Asian Hall of Fame (founding member). She generously donates 10% of her company’s profits to charitable causes. Balancing her role as CEO with her family life, Manna is a devoted wife and mother of two Falcons, dedicated to creating a legacy that promotes confidence, empowerment and innovation in the beauty industry for future generations.

The Board works to ensure all members are actively involved in the work of the Board and its committees. On behalf of the St. Mary’s community, we are incredibly grateful for the following Trustees’ years of service: Dennis Boyer, Susan Alger Chaney, Jennifer Farr, Chantal Manseau Guerdat and Michael Lawhead.

St. Mary’s is thrilled to welcome four new Trustees to our Board, including: Susan Choe, Chris Harmon, Manna Kadar and Chris Maloof.

Building for the Future

St. Mary’s Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members

Chris Maloof

Chris serves as Chief Executive Officer of Benevity, Inc., a leading global provider of social impact software and is an operating partner for HG Capital, a private equity firm that invests in software and services companies in Europe and the U.S. He most recently served as president of MeridianLink (NYSE: MLNK) and operating partner at Thoma Bravo. He attended Boston University’s College of Engineering and Harvard Business School. A passionate outdoorsman, Chris previously served on the National Parks Service “Made In America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. In his down time Chris can be found mountain biking, skiing and enjoying outdoor activities with his family.

Whether he is dressed up like a taco, getting chased around his neighborhood by a fire breathing dragon of a 4 year old or helping companies reach their potential, Chris is here for it. He believes St. Mary’s design thinking model is invaluable to our next generation. Learning to fail and persevere is a life skill he hopes all Falcons take with them when they graduate. Chris looks forward to using his expertise in technology and scaling organizations to help build a roadmap that will grow with St. Mary’s and allow it to achieve its vision.

The Maloof family joined St. Mary’s in 2017 commuting from Huntington Beach because of the warmth and love of learning St. Mary’s brought to their children. Dean’s (Grade 1) love for his “favorite school” in those early days made it impossible to think about having him anywhere else, and Gerard’s (EK) joy is echoed in his experience. Chris’s wife Rebecca has served as co-room mom and enjoys volunteering in the classroom. They truly feel blessed to have found their home in the St. Mary’s nest.

Chris Harmon

Chris Harmon is the founding partner of Chris Harmon Law, P.C., where he brings over 15 years of expertise in employment law and is known for his dedication to clients and strategic advocacy. Throughout his career Chris has been a trusted leader, representing organizations from small businesses to Fortune 100 corporations and is valued for his ability to secure favorable outcomes while offering guidance at every stage of litigation. His early work with an AmLaw 100 firm is where he sharpened his skills in complex cases, developed innovative solutions and built a reputation for excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris loves two things: his family and golf. After meeting his wife, Christina, at UC Irvine, they spent a decade in Los Angeles before settling in Orange County to start their family. Now, as active members of the St. Mary’s community, Chris and Christina find joy in supporting the school’s mission and are grateful for the warm, growth-oriented environment it provides for their son, Hudson (Grade 3), who absolutely loves being part of the St. Mary’s family.

The Harmons are deeply committed to helping St. Mary’s remain a nurturing and inspiring place for young minds.

by Shelly Harmon Head of Early Education

Early Education: Thriving in The Village

Versatile or able to adapt. The Early Education Program’s faculty and staff have been versatile throughout the Design the Future construction project. We adapted our summer programming and offered wonderful experiences to all our students. For the 202425 school year, we seamlessly transformed our temporary spaces (front parking area) into an enriching, creative and fun early educational facility fittingly called, The Village.

Innovative, taking a non-conventional approach to problem solving and finding novel, advanced and creative ways to address complex issues defines St. Mary’s. In Early Education we look for creative solutions to ensure uninterrupted learning opportunities for our students while construction is underway to improve infrastructure and provide facilities to support our outstanding curriculum and programming.

Location was the first thing we had to determine as we approached the construction project, and we were prompted to think outside the box–literally. We wanted a solution that allowed us to maintain our tight-knit community while ensuring the safety and comfort of our students. After deciding to move our 30-year-old modular buildings to the parking lot, the Oltmans Construction team worked tirelessly to ensure our program would have the same physical spaces and experiences, just in a new location (The Village). In late June, our EEP classrooms were lifted and craned to the parking lot. What a sight it was to see the buildings float through the air and placed back together seamlessly. Seven weeks later, the EEP team worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition and set up of The Village, including the indoor and outdoor classrooms and for the state licensing inspection, which we passed with no issues.

Layout, or the design and arrangement of the outdoor spaces within The Village, was a priority, as we needed to make every space usable, meaningful and purposeful. Through trial and error, outdoor spaces were defined. When entering The Village from The Maze, The Living Room is equipped with a couch, tables, books, manipulatives, games and puzzles. We then move to The Music Room, which consists of a marimba, glockenspiel, tongue drum, rain wheels and steel drums. The Fun Zone is a great space for running, jumping, rolling, climbing and spinning. The Play Room is the next space, offering dramatic play experiences for the students. Across is Lego Land, where students can build with Duplos on a mounted Lego Wall. One of the adjacent walkways leads to the infamous Messy Room, offering many sensory opportunities, including the sandbox, mud kitchen, bikes, painting and The Sillers Seeds Garden. The other adjacent walkway leads to The Dining Room, where classes can choose to have snack, lunch or offer outdoor, tabletop learning activities.

Academics and learning are embedded in everything we do in EEP, which has only been enhanced in The Village. For the children learning feels like play through exploration, games and hands-on activities. Students learn specific literacy, math, science, fine motor, gross motor, social and emotional skills. Each grade level in EEP has a comprehensive Scope and Sequence that identifies the skills taught as the children progress and develop. The Village provides many wonderful experiences, and the children are so happy in their new spaces. In fact, we witness children negotiating and crying because they don’t want to leave!

Grateful for the support our school leadership has provided. Grateful for the expertise Oltmans Construction Company has shared throughout this process. Grateful for the EEP faculty and staff and all the challenges they have overcome while persevering and continuing to offer the best programming to young children. Grateful to the families who have supported us throughout this transition as well as our efforts to Design the Future. The Village provides the perfect temporary home where learning and play can continue uninterrupted, and it has become a symbol of resilience and adaptability, proving with creativity and community support, even the most unconventional solutions can lead to success.

Ecstatic, the feeling of overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement. Our EEP faculty and staff are ecstatic to move into the new building. Until then, the sound of laughter and learning in The Village is a testament to St. Mary’s unwavering dedication to nurturing world-sized hearts and world-class minds, no matter the circumstances.

Our Grade 1 students were fortunate to be one of the first groups on campus to collaborate with Mr. Trent Jones, the Director of the Design Center, during their “How the World Works” unit as they built super structures. Students gained hands-on experience with the Design Process, learning about personas and developing empathy to create structures that met specific needs. To kick off the unit, each student worked with a persona—a farmer, artist or teacher—and designed a structure to support that individual’s unique requirements. This exercise provided an excellent introduction to design thinking, encouraging students to later choose their own user/persona and design a corresponding structure. Throughout the project, they reflected on the unit’s central idea that structures serve a variety of purposes, and they categorized their designs as frames, shells, human-made or natural structures.

As they progressed, students learned about prototypes and the importance of refining their designs through feedback and iteration. With guidance from Mr. Jones and their teachers, students used a variety of materials to build their structures. Their creations were diverse, ranging from famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Space Needle to natural structures like beehives, beaver dams and termite mounds. Some even built imaginative designs, such as underwater hotels and “kittycorn” castles. After constructing their models, students reflected whether their designs successfully met the needs of their personas. The project culminated in a Gallery Walk, where students proudly shared their design process with the school community. The Grade 1 team was impressed by the students’ deep understanding and their abilities to clearly communicate their learning. The students were thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments.

Additionally, this year was particularly special and unique as our students witnessed the construction of the new Design Center right outside our classroom doors. Students have been observing the entire process from the pouring of the foundation to the walls being assembled flat on the ground and then lifted into place by “Mr. Crane.” On the two momentous days we called, “The Walls Go Up,” smiles were infectious as 63 Grade 1 Falcons chanted, “Go Mr. Crane! Go Mr. Crane!” Mr. Keif, a Board member and parent in our community, enhanced their understanding by giving a presentation and discussing “Tilt-Up Construction.” He provided students with firsthand experience by bringing in materials from the construction site, including steel rods and concrete, for them to explore and analyze. Engaged and curious, the students asked insightful questions, demonstrating their inquiry and critical thinking skills as they learned more about the construction of our new building.

by Kimberly Komrosky Grade 1 Teacher

DesigNING SUPER STRUCTURES

As an IB World School, our PYP curriculum is rooted in transdisciplinary teaching, emphasizing the interconnectedness of knowledge. Six transdisciplinary themes are the foundation of our inquiry-based learning approach, facilitating exploration across various subject areas. Our Single Subject teachers are experts in their disciplines and excel at creating meaningful connections within the Primary Years Programme of Inquiry, transcending traditional subject boundaries. Our Lower School Art teacher, Roxanne Kane, not only connects her teaching to the units of inquiry and develops essential art skills, but also provides opportunities for our artists to gain recognition beyond St. Mary’s and within the broader community.

This summer the Orange County Board of Education selected several St. Mary’s students’ art in the county-wide art contest that chooses works from thousands of student submissions across public, private and parochial schools. St. Mary’s Lower School had a strong showing with nine works selected from our entries. These pieces were displayed at South Coast Plaza last spring, with five advancing to the Festival of Arts at the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach over the summer.

As part of the annual “Imagination Celebration” hosted by the Orange County Board of Education, this contest invites schools in Orange County (Pre-K through Grade 12) to submit three pieces per grade level for adjudication. Submissions are first photographed and sent digitally, and if selected they are physically submitted to the Board. Judges, including faculty from local colleges and art institutions, review thousands of entries. From this around 30 works per grade level are chosen for display at South Coast Plaza, and approximately 10 pieces per grade level are selected to be featured at the Festival of Arts Young Artists Showcase at the Pageant of the Masters.

by Keri Del Conte PYP Coordinator

PYP Transdisciplinary Learning In The Arts

Our school’s holistic approach, grounded in the IB curriculum, nurtures each student’s unique interests, passions and talents across all disciplines. This approach provides a safe and supportive space that honors diverse learning styles and promotes the development of the whole child. Through this commitment, we empower students to thrive academically, creatively and personally.

We are thrilled to congratulate Ms. Kane and our talented Lower School student artists on these achievements. Their hard work, passion and commitment to excellence in the arts are inspiring, and their accomplishments reflect the strength of our collaborative, transdisciplinary approach. Together, we celebrate these successes and look forward to the continued growth and exploration of our students’ creativity and talents.

For Kindergarten’s Who We Are Unit of Inquiry, students explored the role of responsible citizens as essential members of a community. They learned about various community helpers and the dedication these individuals bring to their work. Inspired by this, each student created a unique wax-resist portrait of a community helper who has inspired them.

In the Grade 2 Unit of Inquiry, Where We Are in Place and Time , students looked into their family history, cultural symbols and traditions. In Art, students listened to the tale titled, “Tar Beach,” by award-winning African American artist Faith Ringgold. The story details, in a most imaginative way, the artist’s childhood in New York City. Students were asked to envision their families in any chosen setting, and in a multi-layered endeavor, they created mixed-media pieces displaying their unique visions! 2GRADE

In the Grade 4 Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves , students explored how individuals express their life experiences and emotions through the creative arts. In Art students were asked to create an abstract or naturalistic self-portrait featuring their unique personalities or reflect on a life experience that evoked strong emotions. They viewed Marsden Hartley’s Portrait of a German Soldier, a painting that tells the story of a friend of the artist through symbols. They also explored Picasso’s naturalistic portrait of the famed literary figure, Gertrude Stein. They were asked to use mixedmedia to create an abstract or naturalistic portrait of themselves. 4GRADE

1GRADE

During Grade 1’s Unit of Inquiry, Where We Are in Place and Time , students explored the central idea that maps are created to represent and understand the world. In Art they began the unit learning about the tumultuous relationship between artists Pablo Picasso, the father of “Cubism,” and Henri Matisse, the master of color application, who was called a “Fauve,” the French word for “wild beast,” due to his unusual use of bright colors in his creations. The artists were good friends but eventually developed a rivalry as they were equally famous but jealous of each other. Students studied the use of icons in cartography (mapmaking) and viewed Matisse’s use of simple, symbolic shapes, much like map icons, in his paintings. They crafted wax-resist paintings featuring simply designed leaves and took risks with daring color choices and paint applications inspired by this Fauvist pioneer.

In the Grade 3 Unit of Inquiry titled, Who We Are , students explore how traditional children’s games are played in all cultures. While designing game boards, students learned about artists M.C. Escher and William Morris. Escher invented the tessellation, the repeating pattern of shapes that fit together perfectly without any gaps or overlaps, and Morris became famous for intricately patterned fabric designs. Artists produced a 12x18” mixed-media, repeat design that might be a suitable base for a board game! 3

In the Grade 5 IB Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works , students explored how space exploration has led to discoveries that have shaped and impacted our world. Artists revisited the life and works of French Surrealist Henri Rousseau, whose colorful, dreamlike paintings revealing the flora and fauna of the world’s jungles and rainforests brought fame to the artist even though he never left Paris and had no formal art training. Students were asked to create imaginative visions of outer space although they have never actually soared through the cosmos. They worked in tandem or alone, producing lively mixedmedia visions of space!

5GRADE

GRADE

by Leila Volkmann Grade 7 Science Teacher

YOSEMITE FIELD STUDY Grade 7

Forest Protection:

Students removed conifer saplings in a selected area to decrease the amount of coniferous trees and decrease competition with oak trees that provide food (acorns) to multiple species of animals in the park. Smaller trees were removed around trees that are biological and cultural keystone species, specifically California black oak and the giant sequoia.

Monarch Butterfly and Milkweed Restoration Project:

Monarch butterflies are rapidly headed toward extinction–the western population of monarch butterflies is down 99.4% from the 1980s. These beautiful butterflies and several species of bees that occur in Yosemite are “threatened” or “endangered.” Our students collected seeds of milkweed to be planted during spring. Many Yosemite Valley meadow sites are challenged with non-native, invasive grasses that provide no habitat or food for pollinators. Many of these plants were intentionally introduced as forage for stock animals decades ago. We now know what plants should occur at these sites and which native plants will provide habitat for monarchs and hundreds of other species of pollinators. Habitat protection and restoration in critical breeding sites, such as Yosemite Valley, are necessary for the survival of the species. We can ensure when a monarch makes it to Yosemite Valley, it has the opportunity to thrive, breed and enrich the larger population.

Wetland Restoration:

The Yosemite park is working to restore wetlands in Ackerson Meadow by planting native plants and seeds, filling erosion gullies and re-establishing hydrologic processes. Our students collected seeds of Dogwood, a native tree to California that is drought tolerant and somewhat fire resistant. Our students collected one seed from a cluster of five. Park rangers will plant these seeds in the meadows during spring. Smaller trees are removed from these meadow areas to promote plant and wildlife biodiversity, increase water quality, store carbon and improve flood control.

GALAPAGOS FIELD STUDY Grades 6–8

As part of our Intersession program, we embarked on an International Field Study to the Galapagos. While on this service based trip, St. Mary’s students worked on a farm and in the surrounding areas, including reforesting and eradicating invasive species such as wild berries, and creating a suitable living environment for the reintroduction of the Galapagos Giant Tortoise. Some of the projects include working with the local community and other organizations on the island. Students helped maintain the farm’s organic garden, milked the cows and helped with composting and collecting products from the farm.

As part of our service, students collected and planted seeds of Scalesia spp., an endemic species to the highlands of San Cristobal. Some of the zones where this plant is located are threatened by the introduction and spread of invasive species. The Galapagos National Park works in conjunction with the University of San Francisco Quito (USFQ) to restore the habitat of the Scalesia spp. in the Galapagos. Our students took part in this tremendous effort to increase Scalesia’s forests in the Galapagos Islands. Our students’ service expanded to the reintroduction of another plant species, Lecocarpus darwinii; an endemic flowering plant only found in the Galapagos Islands. St. Mary’s students also visited Santa Cruz Island, the natural habitat of the Galapagos Giant Tortoises where we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station, an international non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research and to promoting and securing conservation of Galapagos.

COSTA RICA FIELD STUDY Grades 6–8

The Costa Rica Field Study offers students a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful service learning while connecting deeply with local communities and environments. This immersive experience emphasizes collaboration and hands-on contributions through a series of projects and activities. Students work alongside community members to create lasting positive change while gaining valuable insights into sustainability, conservation and education in general. Here are a few examples of service in action:

• The highlight of the program is the partnership with Monte Sion School, located in the Cabecar and Bri Bri indigenous communities. Here, students work alongside teachers, parents and community members on essential projects, including: building, restoring and painting classrooms, play areas, dining spaces and greenhouses to enhance the school’s infrastructure; donating school supplies, sports equipment and clothing gathered by students to support the education and well-being of schoolchildren and their families.

• While on the trip at Rancho Margot, a sustainable eco-lodge, students gain hands-on experience in planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables. This activity not only demonstrates sustainable farming practices but also underscores the importance of environmental responsibility and food security. The harvested food is then used by the kitchen at Rancho Margot to feed all guests and the staff.

• Students engage in environmental restoration by participating in coastal cleanup projects at the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park. These initiatives focus on protecting Costa Rica’s pristine ecosystems, home to diverse marine and wildlife species and highlight the role individuals can play in environmental preservation.

• In partnership with our Grade 1 students, we collect and deliver food and medicine to donate to the Jaguar Rescue Center, an organization dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured or orphaned wildlife. This project blends conservation with community care and human compassion.

CATALINA FIELD STUDY Grade 6

Composting:

Students composted in the garden at Howland’s Landing and learned about how residents of Catalina Island practice conservancy to positively impact the local environment.

ALISO CREEK CLEAN UP Grade 7

Our students helped clean Aliso Creek to protect the wildlife that live in and depend on the creek for food, water and shelter. Trash removal from creeks improves the water quality and reduces the risk of health issues related to plastic. We also helped preserve the natural beauty of the creek and educated the public on the importance of waterway clean up.

ADVISORY PROJECT: HELPING HANDS Grades 6–8

Our students rotate through their Advisory groups to give a hand of help in our Green Family Commons. Students work in groups to assist in the clean up of our lunch area. Students report with their advisor after lunch to clean tables, sweep the floors and tidy up our cafeteria. Their example helps model service in action for our younger Falcons.

MERCY WAREHOUSE

We have started a service partnership with the Mercy Warehouse to support our local community. Our Middle School faculty used Professional Development time to kick start this relationship by sorting, loading and unloading donations.

Service at St. Mary’s creates an environment of kindness. The concept of service as action is a fundamental part of the MYP and at St. Mary’s. Our curriculum provides multiple opportunities for our students to engage in action where every effort they make, big or small, nurtures a positive atmosphere. The spirit of service creates a positive effect throughout the school. This year we embraced the values of service, and our students’ dedication, compassion and commitment are making a difference in our local community, state, country and world. Our Middle School students and faculty have already actively engaged in meaningful service projects this school year. Here are a few highlights of their world-sized hearts in action.

These efforts foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect while providing students with an opportunity to directly impact the lives of others.

INTERNATIONAL BEACH CLEAN UP DAY Grades 6–8

Our Middle School students, parents, faculty and staff participated in the International Beach Clean Up Day on Sept. 21 in three different locations of our coastal areas. We collected pounds and pounds of trash to help the conservation of marine life, promote a safer environment and reduce toxic chemicals in the water. This service as action project promotes community awareness and engages communities in environmental stewardship.

2024-2025 PTF Board of Directors

President

Carey Tushin-Vile

Vice President

Maggie Liu

Parliamentarian

Mahdis Bormand

Secretary

Brock Weaver

Communications Director

Laura Clifford

PTF Events Assistants

Simeen Nabavi & MaryAnn Samuel

EEP Room Parent Director

Alisha McCullough

Lower School Room Parent Director

Mingying Gu

MS Grade 6 Director

Beth T’Kindt

MS Grade 7 Directors

Shiva Manoucheri & Joy Wang

MS Grade 8 Director

Missy Arman

Outreach Directors

Kim Davenport & Michele Hull

Care and Compassion Directors

St. Mary’s Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF)

At St. Mary’s every parent is a valued member of our Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF). Together, we strengthen our community by organizing meaningful events and volunteering to make a difference on campus. Becoming involved in PTF is a wonderful way to connect with others and become a vital part of the St. Mary’s experience. Our PTF Board is a dedicated team that leads our efforts to enrich the school’s educational, cultural, physical, spiritual and fundraising goals. Board members play an essential role in making St. Mary’s a thriving environment for all. If you’re interested in exploring a leadership role with the PTF Board, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to ptf@smaa.org.

Priscilla Colwell & Stacey Marriott

Volunteer Director

Ellie Price

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Director

Megan Roshan

Social Events Coordinators

Mariko Nordhoff & Heather Senner

ST. MARY’S community Foundation of Our School Culture

by Kristie Kender

Parent Engagement & Events Manager

WE ❤ OUR ROOM PARENTS!

Room Parent Kick-Off

Room parents are the heart and soul of classroom support, acting as essential links between teachers and families. They play a key role in building a warm, welcoming classroom community and keeping everyone informed of special school events and classroom celebrations. They also help organize classroom volunteers. Their contributions foster a strong sense of unity and make each student and family feel connected, valued and engaged in school life.

On September 19 our PTF Room Parent Directors, Mingying Gu and Alisha McCullough, held a training session for all our Room Parents to meet and share best practices for classroom communications and activities. Thank you to all our Room Parents for your amazing work throughout the year!

2024-2025 Room Parents

Cara Abrahams

Sarah Baker

Kimberly Bender

Erika Brown

Casey Brown

Lindsay Carmona

Polina Chebotareva-Mudrick

Tracy Chen

Lindsay Dickhout

Ashley Forman

Jen Furst

Christina Harmon

Anne Hepworth

Katy Levering-Jahangiri

Cen Li

Anna Lubrano

Athena Merage

Maggie Minhas

Alyssa Monroe

Sarita Murillo

Melissa Murphy

Jesse Page

Jen Pangborn

Sophia Qiu

Aimee Reed

Jessica Simonoff

Kamri Spanos

Maggie Stamelman

Stephanie Steinhafel

Alex Sutty

Yassi Tavakoli

Nicole Turk

Carey Tushin-Vile

Jessica Wolf

Maryam Yamin

St. Mary’s Family Baseball Night

On Saturday, September 14, the St. Mary’s community kicked off the school year with a memorable Family Baseball Night at the Angels game! Families gathered in the stands, creating a sea of Falcon spirit and enjoying an exciting evening together. From cheering on the team to sharing laughs and snacks, it was a night of bonding, energy and joy for all who attended. The event drew a fantastic turnout, and it was wonderful to see both new and familiar faces connecting and celebrating the start of another great year.

26th Annual St. Mary’s Golf Classic: A Day to Remember!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 26th Annual St. Mary’s Golf Classic on November 4 at Aliso Viejo Country Club! With great weather, impressive drives and friendly competition, the day was a true celebration of community spirit. From laughter on the greens to standout shots, your energy made this tournament one for the books!

A special shoutout to our Golf Classic committee, sponsors and dedicated volunteers, as well as our incredible Golf Chair, Kathryn Mayes, for leading the way to another remarkable event. Congratulations to our best-dressed foursome—Sean Brown, Bob Koury, Ryan Gill and Andy Bohu—and to our putting contest champion, Henry Lee! Cheers to our winning teams: Men’s Group–Chris Harmon, John Massa, Alex Cotraviwat and Eugene Suh; Women’s Group–Kathryn Mayes, Bree Mahoney, Michelle Tolmie and Heather Wilkins; Mixed Group–William McCullough, Alisha McCullough, Sean Ganey and JP Ackerman. Your skills and sportsmanship were fantastic to witness.

Thank you all for making this event a standout! We’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament and another round of fun, friendship and competition with our amazing St. Mary’s community. Until then, keep practicing those swings, and we’ll see you on the green!

ST. MARY’S community

St. Mary’s PTF Pickleball Mixer: A Smash Hit!

On Saturday, October 5, the St. Mary’s PTF hosted an unforgettable Pickleball Mixer at the Newport Beach Pickleball Club, uniting our school community for an afternoon filled with friendly competition, laughter and camaraderie. The event welcomed players of all levels from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned pros who impressed with their skills. Congratulations to all who participated, especially our novice players for stepping up to the challenge and making it such a fun-filled day. A special thank you to Cliff Downie, our Pickleball Lead, for his exceptional organization and leadership and to everyone who joined in to make this event a fantastic success!

Celebrating

A Memorable Founder’s Day

Celebrating Connection at St. Mary’s Grandparents & Special Friends Day

On November 22 Grandparents and Special Friends gathered at St. Mary’s for a heartfelt morning of learning, laughter and lasting memories! Kicking off the day, guests explored student-led exhibits, discovering hands-on projects showcasing themes like “How the World Works” and “Sharing the Planet.” Each grade-level exhibit offered a unique glimpse into students’ creativity, curiosity and critical thinking—from Kindergarten’s “Sense of Touch Challenge” to Grade 5’s impressive rover designs.

Following the exhibits, guests enjoyed a memorable program beginning with a warm welcome from Head of School Doug Patterson, followed by a range of student performances and presentations. Students also shared inspiring insights into service learning, creative arts and entrepreneurial projects—all celebrating our school’s commitment to academic excellence and compassionate leadership. Guests then enjoyed a personal tour with their students, who proudly showcased their work and classrooms. Thank you to all the faculty, staff and volunteers who made this special day possible!

On Friday, September 27, St. Mary’s Field came alive with the joy and spirit of our annual Founder’s Day celebration! With over 500 attendees, this festive event was alive with music, games and fun activities honoring our cherished founder, Father Sillers. Guests enjoyed a lively DJ, a dunk tank, inflatable soccer and basketball, obstacle courses, ASB carnival games and a crowd-favorite cake walk! Families captured memories at the photo booth, while Tacos & Co., Sgt. Pepperoni and Zydeco Snow Shaved Ice food trucks served up delicious bites, adding to the fun. Thank you to all who attended, volunteered and contributed to the food donation drive in support of Coast Hills Church. Special thank you to our PTF Event Assistants Simeen Nabavi and MaryAnn Samuel as well as our PTF Outreach Directors Kim Davenport and Michele Hull for their invaluable contributions. This Founder’s Day was a true celebration of community, tradition and Falcon spirit!

Mark your calendars for A Glamorous Night in Old Hollywood at our 2025 Gala, a spectacular event you won’t want to miss! On Saturday, March 8, join us at the beautiful VEA Hotel in Newport Beach for an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment and connection, all in support of our students and community. Here’s why you should be there:

A Night of Glamour and Fun: Step back into the Golden Age of Hollywood and enjoy live music, gourmet dining and a few surprises. It’s a night to dress up, unwind and celebrate!

Support St. Mary’s Mission: All proceeds directly benefit our school’s programs, resources and unique learning experiences. Your participation ensures we can continue to offer the very best for our students.

Saturday, March 8, 2025

VEA Hotel Newport Beach

Make Lasting Memories: This is a rare opportunity to connect with fellow parents, faculty and community supporters in a festive atmosphere. Strengthen friendships and make new connections that will last long after the night ends.

Exciting Auction Items: From exclusive getaways to unique experiences, our live and silent auctions offer one-of-a-kind items you don’t want to miss!

Our Gala Co-Chairs are Lindsay Dickhout and Casey Brown. Secure your tickets early and get ready to make a difference while enjoying an unforgettable evening. Join us to make this gala a night to remember!

ST. MARY’S GALA

A Glamorous Night In

St Marys gala 2025

Building Our Future Together:

St. Mary’s Early Education & Design Center Take Shape

Have you noticed a little noise on St. Mary’s campus this year? That’s the sound of our future coming to life. In less than a year, the St. Mary’s community will be working, playing and creating inside our new home. Students will soon be tucked into nooks, thinking through their next projects. They’ll be testing their theories—asking hard questions, generating innovative ideas, trying new approaches and, if those don’t succeed, trying again. Together, they’ll work with state-of-the-art equipment bringing their ideas alive.

This time next year community members will gather in our sunny coffee shop sharing a fresh roasted brew served by a barista while spending time in conversation. Our youngest students, guided by their boundless energy and limitless imaginations, will explore the outdoors using equipment designed with their own unique needs in mind.

This dynamic new center reflects the full cycle of the design thinking process. We stepped inside our students’ small shoes imagining what their everyday lived experiences feel like. What furniture helps them focus? What classroom configurations foster collaboration? What spaces spark curiosity? What equipment nourishes creativity? Every element, from the center’s open architecture to its colorful details,will enable our students to thrive. When the center opens next fall, it will not only be the culmination of three years of work, but 30 years of forward thinking. It’s a structure that embodies who we are and will profoundly shape who our students become. We invite you, in these next few pages, to step inside. Your child’s future is about to arrive.

by Marrie Stone

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

– Winston Churchill

Innovation is Woven into our DNA

Thirty years ago, Father Ernest D. Sillers founded St. Mary’s on an innovative idea—prepare students to inhabit a world that is culturally diverse, technologically interconnected and perennially in flux. He understood education isn’t a static enterprise. Schools should be built to adapt. A student-centric curriculum guided by childrens’ developmental needs must drive every decision. In other words Father Sillers encoded innovation into St. Mary’s DNA.

“Father Sillers built St. Mary’s to be different,” says Doug Patterson, Head of School. “He built the school to be open minded and innovative.”

We’ve proven our commitment to responsible adaptation ever since. In the early 2000s, we began our journey to become one of the first premiere International Baccalaureate (IB) institutions in Orange County. In 2016 we made a significant investment in our existing educational facilities to align with our forward-thinking approach. From our mission to our values from our Portrait of a

Graduate to our six strategic pillars of success, every arrow of St. Mary’s curriculum consistently points in a singular direction—to prepare students’ hearts and minds to thrive in a complicated world. Soon, our facilities will too.

By creating an inspiring environment, we encourage wonder and curiosity. By dedicating spaces to collaborate and practice empathy, we nurture world-sized hearts. By offering dynamic workshops and well-equipped labs, we cultivate world-class minds. A hands-on environment prepares students to thrive in a complex world. Providing students with state-of-the-art spaces and sophisticated equipment to practice design thinking builds compassionate leaders equipped to solve practical problems.

This new facility weaves Father Sillers’ steadfast vision into our walls. “This project is so deeply connected to who we are,” says Patterson. “This building reflects the next chapter in St. Mary’s long story.”

An Overview of the Project

The two-story building provides more than 28,000 square feet. It will house our Early Education Center on the lower level and our high-tech Design Center upstairs. This Design Center will be the first of its kind for a Lower School in Southern California. Our campus will also offer a 40,000-square-foot park-like playground and several outdoor community spaces.

“It’s important to note this project and the new spaces will not lead to an expansion of enrollment,” says Chief Advancement Officer Sharon Taylor. “St. Mary’s thrives with 720 students, and our focus is on enhancing and enriching the programs that make our children’s experiences so special. Rather than increasing capacity, this

project is about deepening the impact of what we already do so well.”

The Early Education Center will include two Early Preschool classes, three Preschool classes, three Early Kindergarten classrooms, three Kindergarten classrooms, six collaboration rooms and a learning hub. In addition the first floor will offer an inviting lobby and a well-equipped coffee shop for community gatherings.

The upstairs Design Center will accommodate the Empathy Lab, Idea Lab, Garage, Falcon Workshop, Tool Shed, Studio and Gallery. Each area is extremely large, providing plenty of room for students to innovate, build, test, and interact with their inventions.

The outdoor areas will provide a picturesque, park-like setting designed to bring our community together while also offering dedicated spaces for outdoor learning. Additionally, we are creating a specialized Early Education playground featuring a new play structure, ample shade, a bicycle track and basketball hoops, ensuring a vibrant and engaging environment for young learners.

“Our indoor and outdoor spaces are intricately tied to the curriculum,” says Jen Staudenbaur, Executive Director of Advancement.

“We have dedicated Early Education faculty who have been inspiring young minds within 30-yearold modular units. Now, we’re providing them with exceptional spaces to further enrich our youngest students’ learning experiences. This new building will embody the skills our students are already practicing—collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking—and serve as a model of design thinking in every aspect.”

Innovation in Action: The Current Model

Since 2007 St. Mary’s has been a fully accredited IB school, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and make sense of the complexities of the rapidly changing world. We’ve also remained at the forefront of technology, offering our students responsible access to the 21st-century tools they need to compete.

Adrienne Bononi, Director of Technology and Innovation, curates these innovative and dynamic experiences. “All our innovation programs— which include robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, augmented/virtual reality, cybersecurity and digital safety—are created and designed with intention,” she says. “They all connect to IB units of inquiry and pair with our current curriculum. We embed these technologies into the subject matter and curate the experience to enhance the work we’re already doing in the classroom.”

Bononi estimates students will experience at least five different types of robotic interfaces by the time they graduate. One such example is the LEGO Robotics Team which began this year. The competitive team, available to students in Grades

4 through 8, will be complemented by the Falcon Workshop’s Lego Wall.

“Students are coming to understand the nuances and limits of working with robots versus humans,” Bononi says. “We partner with Lower School science to create interactive and immersive experiences through augmented reality and virtual reality to teach these distinctions.”

All our programs will be enhanced by the Design Center. It will give students limitless opportunities to make connections with their current units of study. It will also enable them, during their unstructured time, to work on passion projects, have a maker moment, engage in tinker time and participate in STEAM-skilled learning.

But as technology continues to play an outsized role in our everyday lives, St. Mary’s remains committed to its thoughtful and responsible use on campus. That’s reflected in our digital citizenship program, known as “The Social Institute” intended for students in Grades 3 through 8. Lower School students encounter these lessons through their IB units and in Middle School it’s part of their Advisory program. Consistent with these values, we’ve also introduced a no-cellphones-on-campus policy this year.

Recognizing our responsibility, St. Mary’s is committed to making the Design Center available to students from the greater community through after-school and summer programming. This project will revolutionize our extracurriculars and summer camps, particularly for older students, and deepen our engagement with the wider community, including outreach to organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs and other youth-serving groups that might not otherwise have access to such spaces. “Our goal is to be thoughtful about our own community while also making a broader impact on the community at large,” Bononi says.

Design Thinking at Work: What the Future Holds

Design Thinking created the Design Center. It’s a problem-solving methodology that can be applied to every discipline and is part of any innovator’s playbook. Every industry has benefited from this approach.

“Students are practicing design thinking today. But their experience will be 10 times greater when this building opens,” says Trent Jones, Director of the Design Center.

“They’re going to witness first-hand how technology impacts design thinking and their roles as innovators.”

Every design challenge begins with empathy. How do we imagine and anticipate other people’s problems? We’re creating a dedicated Empathy Lab outfitted with flexible spaces where students will reflect on the wants and needs of others. Additionally, there is an Idea Lab—a space

equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to facilitate in-depth research and continuous exploration of the challenge at hand. Many ideas are purely conceptual. “Some coursework is dedicated to digital design and digital problem solving,” Jones says. “Our Empathy Lab and Idea Lab are both places where that work can happen.”

Once they define a problem, and identify who will benefit from the solution (their client), they begin visualizing ways to address it. The Falcon Workshop will enable students to bring these designs to fruition using everyday materials.

“There’s nothing we can imagine that we can’t fabricate in-house to serve the students,” says Jones.

“Just as we leveraged the design thinking process to create this building, we can leverage it for how we teach.”

As students age and their thinking matures, the Tool Shed will offer sophisticated equipment enabling them to increase both the quality and scale of their inventions. “The Tool Shed is where we’re able to leverage different modes of thinking,” says Jones. “How can we use math to solve spatial problems? How do we use scientific investigation to solve physical problems? What does it mean to prototype a product?”

The 2,000-square-foot Garage is the last of the fabrication spaces. It will contain digital fabrication tools, 3D printing, laser cutting and a computer numerical control (CNC) tool to combine students’ digital dexterity with their physical skills and offer outcomes neither could accomplish in isolation.

Finally, a dedicated Studio and Gallery will serve two purposes—a place to give each project a fit, finish and polish before sharing it with the community, as well as an area of expression where students can celebrate their accomplishments. “The Gallery is another expansive and dynamic space where students can present their ideas in full— from ideation and concept to actualizing those ideas in a prototype. It’s an opportunity to share amongst their teachers, parents and peers what it means to go through the design thinking process.”

Students of every age and across every academic discipline will experience an enhanced learning experience that brings difficult concepts to tangible life. The more comfortable they become with this process at a formative age, the more powerful the potential for their future success.

“This project fits hand in hand with our IB program and reflects our longstanding identity as an innovative school,” says Patterson. “It represents the next step in our evolution and who we’ve always been—one of Southern California’s premiere educational institutions. We look forward to opening our doors to the new building in fall 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for our community.”

Building Our Future Together

Driving Innovation In Coding & Design At St.

Mary’s

St. Mary’s is thrilled to integrate Sphero Robotic Vehicle Rovers (RVR) into our robust programming and robotics program, offering students hands-on opportunities to deepen their understanding of programming and engineering principles. These robotic cars provide a unique platform for creativity, problem solving, interdisciplinary learning and teamwork.

In Grade 5, the RVR is a key component of the space unit where students explore coding by simulating planetary exploration. Using block-based programming, students program their RVRs to navigate challenges like sample collection missions and constructing an arm, mirroring the problem-solving tasks faced in real-world robotics.

In Grade 6 MYP Design, the RVR plays a central role in the digital design track, where students progress to more sophisticated coding and robotics applications.

by Adrienne Bononi Director of Technology & Innovation

Students explore concepts such as sensor integration, custom payloads and advanced pathfinding, encouraging them to experiment, iterate and refine their designs. The students learn concepts and technical skills and apply them in the form of “missions” given by the teacher. This hands-on experience reinforces key STEM skills and prepares students for future technological challenges.

These activities help students grasp the broader concept of communication. By treating programming as a form of language, students develop skills in clear, efficient, and precise communication. Programming a robot to perform as intended always requires multiple attempts, forcing students to reflect and reconsider their language. This encourages them to think critically about how they convey information, which benefits them across all subjects.

By introducing Sphero RVRs at these stages, St. Mary’s is cultivating curiosity, collaboration and innovation. This program exemplifies our mission to provide forward-thinking, experiential learning that equips students with the tools to thrive in an evolving world.

AI: A Powerful Addition to Our School’s Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become an integral part of our world, transforming how we work, think and especially how we learn. In education the rapid growth of AI brings incredible opportunities for student engagement, curriculum adaptability and improved operational efficiency. But it also comes with responsibilities, such as ensuring ethical use and responsible application. As such, our school has committed to developing an AI program that thoughtfully incorporates AI into classrooms, encourages faculty growth and explores campus-wide efficiency applications.

As part of St. Mary’s ongoing AI initiative, faculty members participated in Part I of a two-part AI professional development course. This training is designed to help educators learn about the potential of AI for enhancing learning experiences while becoming skilled at using AI tools responsibly and effectively. The coursework not only prepares teachers to implement AI in lesson planning but also aides in guiding students in understanding and interacting with AI effectively.

Part II of the PD course (scheduled for this winter) will consist of developing and reviewing a comprehensive scope and sequence for AI integration across all divisions spanning Early Education, Lower School and Middle School. Each division’s curriculum will be age appropriate and engaging from simple AI concepts for young learners to more complex projects and understanding for Middle School students. The integration plan will be carefully

structured to provide age-appropriate, engaging lessons and activities embedded into the IB units of inquiry and will prepare students to engage with AI thoughtfully. This will ensure students build an understanding of AI from foundational to more advanced concepts gaining skills and insights that will serve them well in their continued academic journeys.

Beyond academics, we see AI as a valuable tool for improving the efficiency of school operations, from admissions and business to facilities and technology management. Exploring ways AI can enhance the school’s day-to-day operations will allow our staff to focus more time and resources on studentcentered initiatives.

To support the meaningful and responsible use of AI, St. Mary’s will establish an AI Alliance, a dedicated team of faculty, staff and specialists who will evaluate and recommend AI tools, provide guidance on best practices, and shape school policies on AI use. The AI Alliance will work to develop a school-wide approach to AI education, helping students, faculty and parents understand the ethical considerations, limitations and potential of AI. The team will also offer training, ensure ongoing alignment with academic standards and stay updated on emerging AI trends, ensuring our school’s approach remains forwardthinking and safe.

In establishing the St. Mary’s AI program, our goal is to create a learning environment that fosters both excitement and critical thinking about artificial intelligence. By equipping faculty, staff and students with skills in ethical use, creative application and meaningful interaction with AI, we aim to empower our community to navigate an AI-enhanced future with confidence and responsibility.

With construction for the St. Mary’s Design Center well underway, a major focus has been on equipping the space to support our community’s creativity. Rooted in the principles of the design thinking process—empathize, define, ideate, prototype and test— this innovative space is designed to inspire everyone to turn their ideas into reality. Central to this effort is the Design Center’s emphasis on prototyping, providing students, staff and faculty with tools and technologies to tinker, build and refine their ideas both in and outside the classroom. From 3D printers and laser cutters to woodworking tools and digital software, the Design Center empowers students to explore, iterate and bring their concepts to life. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the exciting prototyping offerings and capabilities within the Design Center.

Students in the Design Center will have access to a wide array of materials and machines that span different prototyping spaces from traditional rough rapid prototyping tools to precision digital fabrication machines.

Rapid Prototyping: Low-Tech

A Dive Into DESIGN CENTER Fabrication

Power and Woodworking Tools

by Trent Jones Director of the Design Center

The Toolshed allows students with proper training, guidance and safety supervision to expand the scope and scale of their prototyping by using power tools and woodworking techniques. These tools are essential for shaping, cutting and assembling durable materials like wood, composites, plastics and some metals. This space enables students to create strong, functional prototypes informed by their designs and refined through the craft of working by hand.

Examples Include:

• Cutting Tools: Scroll saw, table saw, jigsaw, band saw and hand saw.

• Shaping Tools: Orbital sanders, wood planers and router tables.

• Assembly Tools: Impact drivers, drills, screwdrivers and wood glue.

• Other Essentials: Clamps, vises and measuring tools.

Digital Fabrication Tools

Design Tools

The Falcon Workshop serves as the first fabrication space for the youngest students entering the Design Center. This space emphasizes simpler, hands-on tools that allow students to quickly sketch, model or test ideas without the need for advanced technology. Ideal for brainstorming, early-stage prototyping or making small design adjustments, this space uses everyday or household materials to build foundational skills for more advanced creation techniques.

Examples Include:

• Sketching Supplies: Pencils, markers, rulers and graph paper for drawing initial ideas.

• Cutting Tools: Scissors and hand saws for shaping materials like cardboard or foam board.

• Adhesives: Hot glue guns, tape and clamps for quick assembly.

• Measuring Tools: Tape measures, calipers and protractors for ensuring accuracy.

Example in Use: A Grade 4 student might use cardboard, scissors and tape to quickly create a mockup of a product idea, testing its size and functionality during the Entrepreneur Unit before moving on to more advanced tools.

The Garage provides students access to high-tech tools that use digital designs to create precise physical prototypes or final products. Unlike the Falcon Workshop or Toolshed, the Garage focuses on tools that combine speed, accuracy and polish by leveraging computer-aided design and fabrication. Digital fabrication machines rely on software to guide the creation process, turning complex ideas into physical reality. With staff guidance, students can use these advanced methods to efficiently and safely bring their ideas to life.

Examples Include:

• 3D Printers: Starting with a 3D model, these printers create objects layer by layer using materials like plastic, resin or powder.

• Laser Cutters: Used with flat materials, laser cutters can engrave or cut shapes, images or parts from materials like paper, cardboard, wood, acrylic or fabric with high precision.

• Digital Embroidery Machines: Add intricate designs, patterns or text to fabrics and apparel based on digital images and a wide selection of thread colors.

• Digital Plotters: Precisely cut vinyl, select fabrics or other thin materials for creating stickers, decals, way-finding signs or branding materials.

• CNC Routers: Among the most advanced tools, CNC routers carve or machine wood, plastic or metal with incredible precision, enabling students to create detailed models or functional mechanical parts.

Through offering tools and resources that span from simple sketching supplies to advanced digital fabrication machines, the Design Center empowers students to bring their ideas to life, fostering skills that extend far beyond the classroom. As construction continues, we look forward to seeing the incredible projects our community will create in this dynamic space.

FALCON WORKSHOP

Learning in a New Dimension: Bringing AR/VR to Our Classrooms

by Brandi Hartigan

With each advance in technology, new and exciting ways to enrich education emerge. One of the most promising developments is the use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in classrooms, providing students with an immersive and interactive way to explore subjects. Through AR, students can use digital devices to layer images, videos or 3D models onto the real world, giving them access to detailed digital models that deepen their understanding. VR, meanwhile, transports students into fully digital environments where they can explore 360-degree scenes or simulations for a truly engaging learning experience.

AR and VR are changing the way students learn by giving them immersive, interactive experiences that actively engage them and boost their understanding. These tools bring lessons to life and help students retain what they learn by making subjects like energy, ecosystems or the solar system feel like an adventure. They also appeal to different learning styles—visual, auditory and kinesthetic—by creating a dynamic learning environment that’s rich and interactive.

Thanks to the support of the Fund-a-Need initiative, St. Mary’s

has brought AR and VR equipment into the classroom. This exciting technology is now being used in our Lower School Science classes, giving students a deeper, more interactive way to dive into subjects that might otherwise feel abstract.

At St. Mary’s, we’re bringing AR and VR into the Lower School Science Lab where students use Merge Cubes and iPads to explore topics like Mars, light and Newton’s Laws of Motion. Alongside these tools they also use iPads paired with digital microscopes to examine specimens up close, allowing them to see details they wouldn’t catch with the naked eye.

This is just the beginning! The potential for AR and VR in education extends far beyond science, offering exciting possibilities in history, art, language arts and more. Imagine students stepping into ancient Egypt for a history lesson or creating a 3D art project in virtual space. The opportunities are almost limitless, and we’re only starting to uncover how this technology can enrich learning across subjects. We’re thrilled to see where AR and VR will take our students, helping them explore the world—and beyond—in new and engaging ways.

Lower School Science Teacher

A Place to Build Dreams

by Virtue Byrd Director of Campaign and Alumni Relations

Donor Spotlight: The Keif Family

A Story of Building and Giving Back

Gratitude in Every Nail and Beam

For Andy Keif St. Mary’s School has become more than just a place of learning for his children—it’s a community that has shaped his family’s journey over the past six years. Andy recalls how Jack, now in Grade 3, started at St. Mary’s at just two years old. His daughter, Lillian, is now in Grade 1. “From the very beginning, we felt so grateful for the children, parents, faculty and staff. It’s a feeling that has only grown over time,” he shares.

Andy has been deeply involved at St. Mary’s, serving on the Board of Trustees and the Finance and Master Planning committees. His dedication to the Design The Future project, particularly the Tool Shed , has helped shape the new Design Center. The Tool Shed, named after the Keif family, will feature workstations and tools to bring students’ ideas to life through hands-on projects. This space honors Andy’s passion for building and his family’s history.

“I grew up around tools thanks to my father, Rod Keif,” Andy reflects. “He was a founding mechanical engineering professor at Cal Poly and taught me to love hands-on learning. Our home had a garage with a tool shed where my dad spent countless hours building things. Naming this space at St. Mary’s is a tribute to him and to Cal Poly’s ethos of ‘learn by doing.’ This building embodies that spirit.”

As the owner of a construction company, Andy’s passion for engineering and building runs deep. His profession has not only shaped his career but also inspired his personal commitment to the Design The Future project and campaign.

A milestone moment for Andy came during the panel-raising event where he witnessed firsthand the walls of the new building going up. “My daughter’s Grade 1 class was there watching the progress. It was a teaching moment—connecting my work to their learning.”

A Dual Purpose Gift

For Andy, the Tool Shed is both a thank you for the past six years and an investment in the future.

“I sit on the 50-yard line,” he says, reflecting on the past and the years to come. He is especially excited by the Design Center’s dual approach, which combines creativity and construction. “I want my kids to experience the connection between thought and action. The second floor’s focus on turning ideas into tangible creations speaks deeply to me.”

Jack and Lillian already exemplify the versatility of the new space. “Jack loves building, while Lillian enjoys sketching and painting,” Andy shares. “This building has a place for everyone, helping my kids in their unique ways.” He believes every student at St. Mary’s will find a special place in the Design Cente r where they can explore their interests, develop skills and bring ideas to life.

Looking Ahead

“Every corner of this building has a space that our families can benefit from,” Andy says. He hopes the Tool Shed and Design Center will foster creativity and skills that last a lifetime. But he insists this story is not just about him—it’s about the community that made it possible and how thankful he feels for a school that has become a second home.

For the Keif family building something great is about more than construction

by Jillian Auckland MYP Coordinator

Catalina Island Exploring Ecosystems & Topography

6GRADE

The Grade 6 field study to Catalina Island combines outdoor adventure challenges and hands-on exploration with lessons in science and social studies, giving students a rich understanding of coastal ecosystems and conservation. Along with kayaking, snorkeling and climbing the high ropes course, students explore the natural landscape of Howland’s Landing, focusing on the geography and ecosystems unique to the island’s beach and ocean floor, bringing together observation and creativity.

During their camp experience, students created topographical maps of the beach and underwater landscape of Catalina using natural resources they found on-site—sand, rocks, shells, sticks, and other materials. This hands-on activity required students to identify and recreate to scale the geographical features they observed from shoreline ridges to underwater terrain. By crafting these maps with resources from nature, students gain a tactile understanding of topographical elements while deepening their awareness of the surrounding environment.

After completing their models, students photographed them to be printed, laminated and annotated with labels that highlight key geographical features and ecological insights. Drawing from both science and social studies, these annotations included details about tide pools, ocean floors, beach formations and the conservation of coastal habitats. Through this creative and integrative approach, students not only reinforce their geographical and ecological knowledge but also develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Their completed topographical maps were displayed as part of MS Fest and Grandparent’s Day, offering students the opportunity to share their insights and knowledge with a broader community.

Engaging Field Studies for Grades 6-8

In today’s interconnected world, learning does not fit neatly into a single subject. To address this, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) introduces students to Interdisciplinary Units (IDUs), which blend multiple disciplines, enhancing students’ understanding by showing how different subjects intersect. Through this approach, students learn how to integrate and apply knowledge from diverse fields—skills essential for success in an ever-evolving, complex world. The primary goal of IDUs is to show students how seemingly distinct subjects connect in meaningful ways, mirroring how knowledge is applied outside school.

An IDU might integrate science with humanities or blend arts with language skills, allowing students to see learning is more cohesive and engaging when disciplines converge. As a result, students can appreciate how scientists and artists observe the world, form theories, document their findings and communicate complex ideas. Field studies, in particular, elevate these units by taking students outside the traditional learning environment. They challenge students to observe, document and

interpret what they see and experience, encouraging them to see the world through a multidisciplinary lens. These trips are not just adventures in nature or visits to historic sites; they are immersive learning experiences that emphasize skills like critical thinking, collaboration and creativity, all of which are core to the IB MYP philosophy. The Interdisciplinary Approach in Action

At St. Mary’s we have embraced interdisciplinary learning not only within the walls of our classrooms but also through immersive field studies that serve as a living extension of the curriculum. Each grade level from 6 to 8 participates in an IDU field study specifically designed to foster a deeper connection between classroom content and real-world experiences. These interdisciplinary adventures take Grade 6 to Catalina Island, Grade 7 to Yosemite National Park and Grade 8 to Washington, D.C. Each of these destinations offers a unique environment and set of challenges designed to bring students into contact with the intersections of science, history, language, art and personal reflection.

Exploring Connections Through Interdisciplinary Learning in the IB MYP

The Grade 7 field study at Yosemite National Park blends disciplines including science, media arts, individuals and societies and language and literature to create a truly immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience. Along with hiking, climbing through caves and investigating John Muir’s beloved Sierra ecosystems, students explore the natural landscape of Yosemite, focusing on the geology, ecology and conservation.

During their time at Yosemite, students kept a field journal of responses to prompts from these diverse subjects. This journal served as a tool for students to reflect on their surroundings, engage with the natural world and build a personal connection to the stunning landscapes around them. Students documented their observations of Yosemite’s unique ecosystems, recorded scientific insights on geology and ecology and reflected on the park’s history and cultural significance. As a companion to the journals, students were tasked with capturing the beauty of Yosemite through photography. Drawing inspiration from Ansel Adams’ dramatic landscape photography and the techniques he used to portray the beauty of the Sierras, students were guided to capture their own unique interpretation of the landscape.

Yosemite National Park

Environmental Science, Photography & Reflection

Following the field study, students selected, edited and presented their Ansel Adams’ inspired photos that captured the essence of their Yosemite experience. This artistic integration enabled students to see the value of using creativity to enhance scientific and historical documentation, fostering an appreciation for the arts as a vital form of expression. In addition to their art piece, each student was asked to write a reflective response on how their experience at Yosemite deepened their relationship with nature and how this newfound connection might inspire future environmental action. This reflection drew upon their photo, writings, sketches and subject-specific responses within the process journal, encouraging them to think critically about how a sense of wonder for nature can become a commitment to protecting it.

These curated art pieces and reflective writings were proudly displayed at MS Fest, allowing students to share their insights and creativity with their school community. This showcase highlights the depth of their learning and the meaningful connections they’ve made between science, art, history and language during their week in Yosemite.

7GRADE

The IDU field study to Washington, D.C. brings together history, politics and civic education, providing students with a practical understanding of how government and society intersect. In this IDU, students explore the foundations of the American government, examining themes of democracy, citizenship and social responsibility.

While visiting iconic landmarks like the Capitol building, the Smithsonian, National Mall, and various memorials and monuments, students delve into the historical events and social movements that have shaped the nation, exploring the symbols, institutions and figures that shape American citizenship. Throughout the trip, each student is tasked with documenting one image, one symbol and one quote that resonates with their understanding of citizenship. These elements may be drawn from public signs, artwork or inscriptions encountered at significant landmarks.

After returning to school, students collaborated in small groups to select one image, one symbol and one quote from their combined findings, which they felt best represents citizenship. The groups then created a Pecha Kucha-style presentation with six slides that auto-advance every 20 seconds. Each student took turns presenting with slides dedicated to the chosen image, symbol and quote, explaining the significance of each element in relation to citizenship. The final slides provided space for each group member to share a personal reflection on how the field study shaped their understanding of citizenship, its responsibilities and its global implications.

These presentations not only reinforce knowledge of history and government but also challenge students to interpret and communicate citizenship through personal, local and global lenses, making the experience deeply meaningful. This interdisciplinary unit allows students to connect history, government and personal reflection, fostering a comprehensive understanding of citizenship that bridges academic knowledge with meaningful, real-world insights.

Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Learning

Interdisciplinary learning in the MYP, particularly through these field studies, equips students with a robust, interconnected understanding of the world. It teaches them science, art, history and language are not isolated subjects but parts of a larger picture that makes life richer and more meaningful. By providing these immersive, real-world experiences, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning and curiosity, empowering students to think critically and approach future challenges with creativity and confidence.

These field studies are more than educational trips; they are transformative experiences that shape our students’ perspectives, values and sense of identity. We are thrilled to offer these interdisciplinary opportunities that not only align with the IB MYP’s goals but also support the growth of well-rounded, thoughtful individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.

The Benefits of Interdisciplinary Field Studies

Exploring Connections

These field studies are crucial in the development of well-rounded, critical-thinking students who can see beyond subject boundaries. By engaging in interdisciplinary learning in a real-world context, students come to understand how different fields of knowledge complement and enrich each other.

Washington,

• Enhanced Engagement & Retention: Field studies offer hands-on, immersive experiences that make learning more engaging and memorable. Students can see the direct application of classroom lessons in real life, which increases their interest and investment in their education.

• Development of Critical Skills: Through interdisciplinary studies, students develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability. Each field study requires students to observe, question, analyze, and reflect, helping them see the value of each discipline and to approach problems from multiple angles.

• Personal Growth & Independence: Field studies encourage personal development. They require students to step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively and practice independence. Whether it’s observing marine life, scaling a mountain or reflecting on historical events, each activity pushes students to grow and learn in ways they might not within the confines of a traditional classroom.

• Cultivating a Sense of Responsibility: By exploring themes like conservation in Catalina, ecology in Yosemite and civic responsibility in Washington, D.C., students begin to understand their roles in society and the natural world. These experiences foster a sense of responsibility and empathy, encouraging students to think about how their actions impact others and the environment.

At St. Mary’s School, we are committed to being a school like no other—where students are inspired and prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world. This campaign is more than just a fundraising effort; it is a call to action for every member of our community— families, faculty, alumni and friends.

Your support of the St. Mary’s Fund allows us to continue delivering the exceptional education that empowers our students to succeed. It enables us to say YES to new opportunities and programs, and to attract and retain the exemplary faculty who inspire our students every day. Each gift helps us grow stronger and makes an immediate difference in the lives of our students.

WAYS TO GIVE

ONLINE: To make your one-time donation by credit or debit card, visit www.smaa.org/give.

PLEDGE: Pledge online at www.smaa.org/pledge. Pledges may be paid in installments by check or credit card and are due by May 31.

BY MAIL: Make checks payable to St. Mary’s School; mail to St. Mary’s School, Attn: Development Office, 7 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

As a 501(c)(3) corporation, your gifts to St. Mary’s are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law; tax identification number 33–0771131. For further information, please contact Christine Downie, Director of Development at (949) 448-9027 x324 or christine.downie@smaa.org.

At St. Mary’s we are committed to nurturing students’ curiosity, encouraging exploration and fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our Intersession program is a unique, interest-based learning initiative designed to engage students in meaningful, hands-on experiences both locally and globally. Through Intersession, students step outside the traditional classroom to explore their interests in real-world settings, gaining skills and insights essential to their personal and academic growth.

What is the Intersession Program?

The Intersession program is a distinctive feature of the St. Mary’s curriculum in Middle School, providing a week-long, interest-based learning experience that allows students to explore topics beyond the typical classroom offerings. During this time students can choose from a variety of courses designed to tap into their unique interests whether they are passionate about environmental science, entrepreneurship, cultural studies or the arts. The program encourages students to delve into subjects that excite them, fueling a love for learning that extends well beyond school walls.

Blending Classroom Learning with RealWorld Experiences

One of the defining characteristics of the Intersession program is the way it integrates traditional classroom learning with practical, real-world applications. For example, a student interested in environmental science might begin by studying local ecosystems in the classroom and then venture out into nature preserves locally or globally for hands-on conservation projects. This combination of in-class learning and fieldwork allows students to understand the relevance of their studies, turning abstract concepts into tangible experiences. By learning in real-world settings, students gain a deeper understanding of their subjects and develop skills that are valuable in everyday life.

Experiential Learning: Hands-On and Engaging

Intersession is centered on experiential learning, which means learning through direct experience and reflection. This approach encourages students to immerse themselves fully in a topic, explore different perspectives and actively engage in problem solving. For example, a student participating in a photography course might not only learn about camera techniques but also explore the city or nearby wild areas, capturing scenes that reflect their unique perspective. This active approach builds critical thinking skills, self-confidence and adaptability as students encounter new challenges and solutions.

by Arturo Valdez Middle School Assistant Principal

EXPLORING New Horizons

The Impact of St. Mary’s Intersession Program

Service Learning: Making a Difference in Local and Global Communities

A cornerstone of the Intersession program is service learning where students engage in projects that contribute positively to the community. Locally, students might volunteer to assist the Early Education Program, volunteer at animal shelters or help with environmental clean ups, applying their skills to make a tangible impact. Globally, St. Mary’s students have the incredible opportunity to participate in service learning trips to Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. In Costa Rica, students work on conservation projects, learning about biodiversity and environmental sustainability. In the Galapagos, students collaborate with conservationists to protect fragile ecosystems and support the effort of local and global ecologists and environmental agencies such as the Charles Darwin Research Station. These experiences allow students to develop compassion, understand global issues and become responsible global citizens.

Cultural Awareness and Global Mindedness

Intersession also fosters cultural awareness and global mindedness by exposing students to diverse perspectives and communities. When students travel abroad or engage with cultural initiatives, they gain firsthand experience of different lifestyles, traditions and challenges. This not only broadens their worldview but also helps them develop respect and appreciation for cultures different from their own. Experiences such as traveling to London, Italy, France, Croatia, Galapagos, Costa Rica and China help shape empathetic and informed individuals who are equipped to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Fostering Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning

Through the Intersession program, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges and discover new strengths. The program promotes resilience, adaptability and self-discovery as students learn to tackle unfamiliar tasks, connect with others and reflect on their growth. These skills are essential for lifelong learning and personal development, helping students build a strong foundation for their future endeavors.

The St. Mary’s Intersession program is more than a week of learning; it’s an opportunity for students to explore their passions, connect with their communities and develop the skills they need to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. By blending classroom education with experiential learning, service and cultural awareness, Intersession inspires students to become active, informed and compassionate global citizens. Through this program, we are proud to support students’ journeys toward becoming well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact, locally and globally. We look forward to seeing our students embrace these experiences and carry forward the lessons of Intersession into every part of their lives.

by Rob Warren Director of the Arts

Building Global Citizens:

Intersession Program: Spotlight — LONDON

“My favorite part about London was visiting all the castles and historical sites.”

— Oliva Meehan

St. Mary’s Intersession program includes opportunities for Middle School students to participate in a variety of International Field Studies. These trips provide hands-on and extraordinary experiences for our students to gain greater awareness of communities and cultures from around the world. It is through this global understanding we learn more about ourselves and others and the interdependence that binds us all together. This school year St. Mary’s is excited to offer five international trips: Costa Rica, Croatia, Galapagos, Italy and London. Last year, St. Mary’s School laid the foundation for its students to become global citizens with an exciting addition to its Intersession program: an immersive Field Study in London. This week-long journey invited Middle School students to explore London’s vibrant entertainment industries from the performing arts to professional sports in one of the world’s most influential cities. Stepping beyond the classroom and into the heart of London, students began constructing a deeper understanding of how British culture has developed and left its mark on the world. Through hands-on workshops, historical tours and guided site visits, they saw how centuries-old traditions continue to shape this thriving cultural landscape.

“We loved eating all the delicious food. We especially loved the famous chocolate strawberries in the Borough Market. The British afternoon tea pastries were amazing.”

— Ali Talebloo, Kirra Manuel & Aaron Wang

“My favorite part of London was touring around the city and looking at all the old and modern architecture.”

— Nashan Brown

Building global knowledge is more than sightseeing—it is a crucial opportunity for students to strengthen their understanding of the world. Highlights included guided experiences at iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, interactive acting workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and a behind-the-scenes look at Harry Potter Studios. Students also toured Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, seeing firsthand how soccer plays a significant role in British life. These experiences became the bricks and mortar of a deeper connection to topics they may have only explored in textbooks, transforming abstract ideas into real-world understanding. Beyond academic enrichment, the journey helped students construct essential life skills, fostering independence, resilience and empathy. Navigating new social settings, adapting to local customs and engaging with Londoners built a solid framework of confidence and curiosity. As students pieced together the cultural and historical influences that have shaped other societies, they strengthened their foundation as open-minded, informed individuals. The London Field Study enriched students’ knowledge and built the perspective, curiosity and character essential for them to become compassionate, engaged citizens of a diverse world.

St. Mary’s 2024 Christmas Card Winners

Every year St. Mary’s produces a beautiful Christmas card that shares a seasonal message while inviting our community to our holiday celebrations. This card is created from student artwork. This year we asked all students (Early Education through Grade 8) to consider submitting a piece of art to be featured in the official St. Mary’s Christmas Card. A small committee, comprised of our community, including leadership, faculty, parents and students, reviewed and selected a variety of art that best represents our school, our mission, values and International Baccalaureate Programme. The selected artwork is included in the final design of the St. Mary’s Christmas card. Congratulations to our winners, including the cover winner Melody Ye, Grade 1; Avalyn Furst, Grade 3; Jasleen Bhinder, Grade 6; and Annie Zhou, Grade 8. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FALCON ARTISTS!

ASB Tech Team: Heroes Behind Our Student Events

by Marco Camargo Student Activities Coordinator

You may not notice a small team of Middle School students in the background of many fantastic events. This team is mild mannered, inconspicuous, out of the spotlight and seamlessly executes our student run events. Never wanting attention or the limelight, these heroes quietly go about their tasks with a determination and humility that’s commendable. Led by their mentor and incredible St. Mary’s Audio Visual Technician Jon Knutson, our ASB Tech Team swoops in hours before an event to set up and often stays an hour afterwards to clean up. This tech team is currently led by two-year veteran Tech Commissioner Ben Arruda and his Media and AV student team of Erik Hermansen, Jerry Zhou and Zoey Do.

Little is known about this crew and, honestly, they’d rather keep it that way. It goes without saying we wouldn’t be able to pull off our hundreds of events without them! For example, for a Middle School Halloween Social they curate playlists a couple of weeks in advance and host a walkthrough. The students determine the event setup and what is required from cables to lights to mics to special effects. Then on the day of an event, they start setting up several hours before plugging in the laser lights, testing the audio/visual equipment and test running the Just Dance visual program. Our crew does such a phenomenal job we haven’t had to hire a DJ in several years. In this event we added a whole new Halloween Scare Maze with inflatables and light effects. Not only did our team pull this off but they also volunteered in the Maze as scare actors! After the Social they meticulously take down all the equipment and store it away for a future event.

Through every success and learning opportunity, this team takes everything in stride and adjusts effortlessly. One example of their ability to pivot is when the Cancer Awareness Assembly was moved from Coast Hills back to our Gym. Months before our team brainstormed and walked through various tech setups and ordered parts necessary to pull off this massive event. Then they arrived hours before to start setting up for this complex event only being able to rehearse certain parts. The team was thrown a couple

of curve balls, but they quickly adjusted. We were able to change the format of the event we had spent weeks perfecting in a matter of minutes through a series of com calls via headsets and members of our tech team scurrying over to the stylists and hair prepped community to cue them. The tech team saved the day, and the event ran beautifully!

When asked what he is most proud of, Ben Arruda shares, “The amount of events we can execute to such high caliber and standards.” Compared to high schools that have their own separate budget, specific facilities to host their events and teams of staff and students with the latest production technology, our Middle School Tech Team does well to set the standard in tech production and prepare our students for high school and beyond!

Jon Knutson says, “Our Technology Team takes immense pride in witnessing our students grow their talents and enhance their abilities to support events and teachers across campus. Our vision is to foster a strong sense of community while equipping them with lifelong skills that will leave a lasting impact. This couldn’t be more true, and I am proud to work alongside a crew of talented super individuals. From our Gym Assemblies to Coast Hills Events to Rallies and Parades on the Field to Falconcast, ASB Livestream, Winter Market and Theatre Productions, our Tech Team does it all!”

We build a school community that reflects God’s light.

At St. Mary’s our faith journey along “The Way of Love” is inspired by Jesus, who showed us a life rooted in compassion, service and love for all. As we look to His example, we encourage every member of our community to live with intention, kindness and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Our Episcopal values shape how we strive to live like Jesus, whose life teaches us love is a choice we make daily. Jesus embraced all people, extended compassion and served those in need. His example invites us to approach every interaction with love and empathy, remembering even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. We encourage students, families and staff to look to Jesus’ life as a guide for their own, emphasizing through faith and love, we can bring light and hope to those around us.

This commitment to service is seen throughout our school, especially in our service learning projects. Here, students are encouraged to live out The Way of Love’s call to “go” and “bless” others, engaging in meaningful projects that make a difference both locally and globally. Through service our students come to understand they have the power to impact the world with their choices and actions, embodying the values of empathy, justice and care for others Jesus modeled.

Our community is strengthened by the Care and Compassion Group, a team of dedicated parents who meet once a month after morning drop-off to pray for our school families. This group ministers to families facing difficult times, offering support through practical acts of care like delivering meals and organizing

by Pastor Mark Chapman School Chaplain

assistance. Their commitment reminds us love is an active choice, and when we support each other, we truly reflect Jesus’ example of compassion.

We also see caring for God’s creation as a vital part of our faith. The St. Mary’s Way of Love calls us to show love for the Earth, recognizing that protecting and nurturing the environment honors God and supports future generations. At St. Mary’s students learn about sustainability through recycling, environmental projects and stewardship programs that emphasize our responsibility to care for the world around us. In caring for creation, we show love not only for the Earth but for all who rely on it.

Together, our students, faculty, staff and families leave St. Mary’s each day with the commitment to live as Jesus did, creating a ripple effect of love, service and compassion. As we strive to follow His path, we build a school community that reflects God’s light and shapes individuals who will carry faith and purpose into the world. Through our shared journey, we walk The Way of Love—rooted in Jesus’ example and the belief that with God’s guidance, we can truly make a positive difference in the world.

by Rob Warren Director of the Arts

Building Creativity& Community Through The Arts At

St. Mary’s School

At St. Mary’s School the Arts programs are essential in fostering creativity, expression and collaboration. Across theatre, music, dance, studio arts and media arts, students are encouraged to create meaningful projects, hone their skills and grow confident in their unique artistic voices. Here’s how St. Mary’s students are shaping their creative futures this fall.

St. Mary’s Performing Arts Programs

Theatre:

Building Stories on Stage

The Falcon Theatre Company has been hard at work bringing “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” to life. Students have taken on various roles—acting, lighting design, sound and costumes— collaborating as a cohesive team to create a unified vision. In this student-led environment, every student finds a place in the ensemble, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration in our theatre program.

We are also excited to launch the Falcon Theatre Acting Academy for our K-5 students at St. Mary’s School. The academy emphasizes strong foundations in acting, offering workshops and engaging scene work that build essential skills in voice, movement and character development. Through this supportive program, young actors explore complex emotions, build stage presence and gain confidence as performers. Whether new to acting or eager to deepen their skills, students in the Falcon Theatre Acting Academy are developing a lasting passion for theatre.

In Middle School Theatre classes, students are building foundational skills in performance. Grade 7 students, for example, have been learning to work as an ensemble to create and stage an original piece of theatre. Through collaborative exercises, improvisation and scene building, they are developing vital skills in communication, trust and creativity. These experiences deepen their understanding of storytelling, character development, empathy and the shared power of theatre. As they bring their ideas to the stage, students gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment, seeing their collective vision come to life.

Grade 8 student Yunah Choi has taken on an independent study in theatre this year, focusing on the art of directing as she assists with the Winter Play. Yunah has been exploring how to shape a cohesive vision, block scenes and guide actors in character development. This experience is helping her build leadership and collaboration skills as she learns to communicate ideas, inspire the cast and manage rehearsals effectively. Through navigating challenges and adapting on the go, Yunah is developing a comprehensive understanding of the director’s role and gaining the confidence to bring a play to life.

MUSIC:

Building Musical Skills and Connections

The Middle School Music Department is entering an exciting new phase of growth with the development of a dynamic program designed to connect classical and modern music through a variety of projects and performances. The new Music Exploration program encourages students to explore the fundamentals of music while creating their own compositions using a mix of instruments and digital devices. Students will gain hands-on experience in composing, recording, producing and sharing their original music. Mr. Montooth, with his professional background as a musician and 24 years of experience in music education, brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to his instruction.

Students have already begun composing original pieces in the form of commercial jingles for fictional products. Working in pairs, they apply their knowledge of musical fundamentals, receive feedback from peers and refine their compositions for a polished final version. Be sure to watch for their releases later this semester!

For those with a focus on performance, students can still pursue a more traditional path through the Chamber Orchestra program for Grades 6-8. In Grade 8 students are studying and interpreting Handel’s “Messiah.” A key goal of the class is to build both technical proficiency and a deeper understanding of classical music while developing essential collaboration skills as they work together in a musical ensemble. The success of these great works depends on the collective harmony and interdependence of the group.

DANCE:

Building Expression Through Movement

Our Dance program fosters confidence, self-expression and physical storytelling. This fall, Dance Ensemble students have been immersed in choreography across various styles, preparing for the Spring Musical and the St. Mary’s Dance Showcase in January. Each class focuses on expanding movement vocabulary, developing compositional and expressive skills and increasing students’ confidence and autonomy.

In Grade 6 the curriculum features the “What’s My Genre?” unit, where students select a performance genre, research it and create an original choreographed piece within that style. Genres explored this semester include Musical Theater Jazz, Lyrical, Acrobatic Dance, Country Line Dance, Waltz and Mime. By fully engaging in their chosen genres, students gain deeper insight and share their knowledge with peers through performance. Some of these presentations will be featured on stage in January.

The Grade 7 Dance unit “Moving with Color” explores how color has inspired artists in various disciplines, including dance. Students examine the Abstract Expressionist and Modern Dance movements, both of which incorporate color, improvisation and abstraction to create innovative works. Students then select a color representing “harmony” and another symbolizing “dissonance,” using these colors as inspiration for two short solos. At the unit’s conclusion, students choose an Abstract Expressionist painting to represent both solos with the possibility of using this artwork as a visual backdrop for their performance. Additionally, students from both semesters will be invited to the Laguna Art Museum for the “Dance the Gallery” event in collaboration with MFA candidates from the Laguna Beach College of Art & Design.

In the PYP grades, dance is woven into various curricular units, each focusing on storytelling and performance. Early Preschool has begun exploring movement inspired by the seasons, while Preschool learned a dance based on “Routines.” Early Kindergarten is developing a dance inspired by “Friendship,” and Kindergarten students are creating a sensory-based dance as part of their “5 Senses” unit. Grade 1 explored the Yoruba Egungun dance from Western Africa, designing dances and costumes that celebrate ancestry and community. Grade 2 focused on the elements of time and space in dance, offering opinions on their preferences and writing dance reviews based on music videos. Grade 3 returned to their Poetry exploration with each class developing a movement piece inspired by text to be performed in the Poetry Café in January. Grade 4 examined positive and negative space, working on group compositions to explore support in the “Learning Communities” unit. Lastly, Grade 5 studied Interpretive and Communal dances as part of their Religious Studies with Pastor Mark. Through each unit, students have enjoyed learning how dance serves as a vital form of expression for both individuals and communities.

Building A Bright Future for St. Mary’s Arts

At St. Mary’s our Arts programs empower students to gain invaluable skills while fostering a deep passion for the arts that will serve them throughout their lives. We are proud to support their growth as they shape their artistic voices and develop creative solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. The Arts at St. Mary’s remains a vibrant space for exploration, collaboration and personal growth, providing students with opportunities to refine their skills and express their creativity.

As we reflect on the progress made this fall, we are filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. With the upcoming Spring Musical and Dance Show, Visual Arts exhibitions, Music Concerts and Media Arts screenings, students will have even more chances to share their work with the community. Through these programs, they are laying the groundwork for success in any creative endeavor they pursue in the future.

Thank you for supporting the Arts at St. Mary’s School where students are discovering and building their creative voices every day!

MEDIA ARTS:

Building Digital Stories and Skills

Our Media Arts program empowers students to craft stories and concepts through digital media. This fall, students have engaged in a variety of projects, spanning video production, digital illustration and graphic design. Using industrystandard tools, they have created films, animations and visual designs, honing technical skills while developing media literacy, critical thinking and creative expression—essential tools for navigating today’s digital world.

In Grade 6 students explored how colors, images and symbols can communicate personal and collective identities. Through various projects they gained hands-on experience in the Creative Design Cycle, learning how to tell stories through visual media. They also delved into foundational animation techniques, both 2D and 3D, improving their ability to craft compelling narratives using still and moving images.

Grade 7 students examined how visual artists throughout history have used innovative techniques to expand boundaries of expression. Inspired by the work of David Hockney and his iconic photo collages, students created their own photo and video collages, experimenting with multiple perspectives, time and movement in a single artwork. These projects encouraged critical thinking about how digital tools can be used to reshape existing expressions and communicate multiple perspectives.

Grade 8 students began building a foundation for understanding cinematography through photographic composition. In a unit focused on photography, students learned how the arrangement of artistic elements can transform an ordinary photo into an extraordinary work of art. Through experimentation with composition, lighting and subject matter, students are developing a keen eye for capturing images with creativity and precision.

Our students’ talents have also earned recognition in prestigious competitions. Grade 8 students Skylar Karl and Claire Cao received third place in the Junior Art Award at the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach for their animation Friendly Bear. Former students Logan Kite, Ethan Sipple and Kian Shahrokni earned third place for their short film Drowsy Grades.

A group of students showcased their creativity in the nationwide 60-Second Fright Film contest hosted by the Student Television Network. With just three weeks to write, direct and edit a three-act, 60-second story based on a prompt given on October 1st, their teamwork and ingenuity earned them national recognition. The talented students involved were Luke Farris, Liam Choi, Jack Glicksman, Van Widney, Jordan Konetzke, Kennedy Sumner, Nashan Brown, Brayden Reed and Joey Cruise.

A highlight of the semester was the Grade 7 Interdisciplinary Unit where Media Arts partnered with Language & Literature. During the Yosemite Field Study, students explored the natural world through the lens of Ansel Adams’ photography. Equipped with cameras and guided by prompts, students observed the national park, focusing on light, shadow and texture to deepen their understanding of the landscape. This project invited students to reflect on the architecture of nature and the significance of our National Parks. Once again, Media Arts provides a platform for students to visually express personal stories and experiences, inspiring change and awareness.

St. Mary’s Visual Arts Programs

STUDIO ARTS:

Building Personal Narratives and Creativity

In Studio Arts, students are crafting projects that reflect their identities and perspectives, exploring a variety of media such as paint, clay and digital tools. This fall, students examined the intersection of art and environmental conservation by creating mixed-media artworks that highlight the challenges endangered animals face in their habitats. This project is directly linked to the statement of inquiry that creative expression can inform and inspire action in wildlife conservation. During the Catalina Field Study, students participated in an interdisciplinary unit between Science, Individuals & Societies and Studio Arts, where they created topographical maps using various artistic lines to represent different features of the landscape.

Grade 2 students took a deeper dive into biological evolution and ecosystem interdependencies, creating original artworks of unique species using advanced watercolor and colored pencil techniques. They also wrote reflections to demonstrate their understanding of the species’ adaptations and survival strategies. Meanwhile, Grade 3 students explored the interplay between structure and abstract style, utilizing techniques like grid drawing and value scaling. This exploration aligned with the statement of inquiry by showing how artistic expression preserves a subject’s identity while delving into personal and cultural narratives through monochromatic art.

After-school enrichment programs in the art lab offered additional opportunities for students to explore creating with clay, painting ceramic pieces, working with oil pastels, using posca pens and experimenting with watercolor techniques.

Several Middle School Studio Arts students earned recognition at this year’s Festival of the Arts, building on our success at the OC Arts for All Contest in 2023. Notable student achievements include:

• Annie Zhou: Her 2D artwork, Under the Mushroom Creatures, was featured at Crystal Court, while her 3D sculpture, Mythical Beast, was also displayed at the Festival.

• Emma Hong: Her 3D piece, Red Panda, was selected for exhibition at the Festival of the Arts.

These remarkable achievements underscore the importance of Visual Arts in cultivating creativity, technical skills and a deeper understanding of personal and cultural expression.

Building Student Athletes

Teacher/Coach Model: Making A Difference Inside

And Outside The Classroom

A fantastic aspect of athletic life at St. Mary’s is the Teacher/Coach model where teachers take on dual roles as classroom educators and athletic coaches. A teacher who can switch from Christian Enrichment or Math and then coach volleyball rotations or flag football formations becomes a vital influence in a student’s academic and athletic experience. It is this dual function in our school community that allows a teacher/ coach to inspire and connect with students.

A teacher/coach is a valuable asset to students as they develop academic, athletic and personal strengths. Athletes and non-athletes alike thrive in a classroom where the teacher is also a coach. They see an adult setting a vivid example of multidimensional commitment to life endeavors and utilizing skills in different arenas.

Coaches who are also teachers often view winning less as a primary mission than as a by-product of all that goes into it: practice, commitment, teamwork, personal responsibility, time management, risk-taking and integrity. The athletic field is another classroom where lessons are experienced on an emotional and intellectual level. The teacher/ coach likes to educate and empower their student athletes in ways to help them understand the game and the process that leads to being successful individually and as a team.

Surfing at St. Mary’s

This fall St. Mary’s entered its first ever Surf team in the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS), a Surf League running from San Diego to San Francisco. The SSS has Middle School and High School divisions, and our Falcons competed in the Orange County Middle School Division II. The SSS holds five regular season meets before Middle School State Championships, which are held in Huntington Beach in May. Entering a league with many incredible surfers, our Falcons have established the Surf program for future Falcons who wish to represent St. Mary’s in the ocean. The Surf team meets one to two times a month, and utilized the Boneyard at Doheny Beach for its first ever meet up which included alumni Falcons coming to help out.

Academy Programs

St. Mary’s Academy programs are offered every season. This fall and winter sports’ seasons have expanded to include more offerings, including a speed and agility session run by the experts at SMART for Falcons in Grades 4 and up. Our St. Mary’s Academies traditionally focus on our younger Falcons who are not quite old enough for Parochial Athletic League sports or competition Cheer or Song.

Academies offered in the fall include Flag Football, Lacrosse and Cheer. Academies in the winter are Basketball, Soccer and SMART Athletic Performance Training. The SMART program focuses on sports performance, conditioning, confidence building and injury prevention–ideal for every Falcon looking to develop their fitness.

Academy Spotlight: Cheer Academy

Cheer Academy is a two-season Academy that focuses on the basic elements of cheer and sets a foundation for future cheer success. The Cheer team supports our Falcon athletic teams at home games for Football, Volleyball, Lacrosse and Basketball. Totalling over 50 squad members, Coaches Ms. Taylor and Ms. Kelley lead lively chants and routines that encourage our Falcons to victory—‘Blue, gold and white—Falcons, let’s fight!’

Coming Soon to Our Falcon Field: Girls Flag Football!

This spring will see St. Mary’s enter the growing legion of Girls Flag Football! A rapidly growing sport in high school (over 200 California high schools are fielding teams), we feel it is important to offer this exciting and fast-paced sport where girls can continue to play once they graduate from St. Mary’s. In the fall both boys and girls can participate in the co-ed PAL Flag Football season. Now our girl Falcons will have the opportunity to compete against other all-girls teams in the PAL Spring League. Evaluations will begin in mid-February once the winter season concludes. We look forward to fielding our first girls team in 2025!

by Rob Risley Director of Athletics

by Adrienne Bononi Director of Technology & Innovation

St. Mary’s Inaugural

First Lego League Robotics Teams Shine!

This year, St. Mary’s proudly launched its first ever First Lego League (FLL) Robotics program, bringing together a dedicated group of 26 students from grades 4-8 to explore STEM through hands-on, team-based challenges. With several teams participating, the program is designed to encourage curiosity, collaboration and creativity, helping students develop foundational engineering, coding and problem-solving skills.

At their November debut competition at Capistrano Valley High School, St. Mary’s teams performed exceptionally well with teams advancing to regionals and one receiving the distinguished “Rising All Star” award. The Regional competition will take place in December in San Diego.

The FLL season challenges students to address real-world issues by designing, programming and troubleshooting their robots through hands on engineering practices. The focus is on practical skills like problem solving, coding and robot design, allowing students to approach each challenge with an engineer’s mindset—developing, testing and refining their designs. This year, the students are exploring challenges around the theme of “Submerged,” diving into real-world issues connected to water, ecosystems and marine technology. The theme links seamlessly with science and technology concepts such as marine biology, water conservation and the environmental impact of human activity on aquatic ecosystems.

The creation of this program was made possible by Fund-a-Need donations from parents, supporting our broader commitment to cultivating an innovative learning environment. By fostering critical thinking and teamwork, FLL Robotics aligns with St. Mary’s mission to prepare students for a dynamic future, nurturing skills and values that extend far beyond the competition.

“Working with my team to solve these challenges feels like a real adventure—we get to build, test and sometimes totally redo our designs, just like engineers.”

—FLL team member.

DESIGN THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN GIVING

Your gift to the Design The Future Capital Campaign supports a cutting-edge, two-story, 28,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building and outdoor park-like spaces. This new building will house a Design Center tailored to all students and a new space for the Early Education Program. A vibrant community Coffee Café and a welcoming, sophisticated lobby will foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere for the entire St. Mary’s community. Additionally, the project enhances the campus with 40,000 square feet of thoughtful park-like spaces, promoting both learning and community engagement.

YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS

• The full scope of the Design The Future project including the new building, the surrounding outdoor spaces and all furnishings.

• Exciting new facilities that inspire creativity, innovation and collaboration.

GIFT DETAILS

• Gifts are restricted to the Design the Future Capital Campaign.

• Gifts commonly include pledges over a few years, including continued support for the St. Mary’s Fund.

• Naming opportunities are available for donors to leave a lasting legacy through recognition on campus spaces.

• All contributions will be acknowledged on a prominent donor recognition wall in the lobby of the new building.

We invite every family to be involved in this momentous project. If you’re ready to contribute at any level, use the QR code below and donate today. You can also contact Sharon Taylor, Chief Advancement Officer, or Jen Staudenbaur, Executive Director of Advancement.

Let’s build the future together!

Make A Donation To The Design The Future Campaign!

Elena Gillespie ‘14

Elena began her educational journey at St. Mary’s as a Kindergartener and graduated with the Class of 2014. After St. Mary’s, Elena attended Laguna Beach High School before heading to Texas Christian University (TCU) where she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a Spanish Minor. The bonds she formed at St. Mary’s have remained strong, as she was fortunate to have several of her St. Mary’s childhood friends with her at TCU and in Texas. Following her undergraduate degree, Elena earned her master’s degree, also from TCU. She now lives in Austin, where she is making a meaningful impact as a Clinical Fellow–Speech Pathologist at two Title 1 elementary schools in the Austin Independent School District. Elena loves the opportunity to explore a new city while working with children and continues to cherish the lifelong friendships she built at St. Mary’s.

Davis Rogers ‘18

Davis, an alumnus of St. Mary’s Class of 2018, has excelled academically and athletically. After graduating from St. Mary’s, Davis attended JSerra Catholic High School where he was part of the Business Magnet Program and achieved an outstanding 4.45 GPA. As a dedicated member of the basketball team, he earned recognition as Teammate of the Year during his freshman and JV seasons. He was honored with the prestigious Will Zarifi Award in his varsity year.

Davis is now a junior at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, pursuing a double major in finance and accounting. In addition to his studies, he is an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Davis will further his professional experience this upcoming summer with a finance/accounting internship at Colortech in Tennessee. Reflecting on his journey, Davis fondly remembers the incredible support of the faculty at St. Mary’s. He cherishes the memories of playing basketball there, especially the excitement of his “perfect undefeated season” in Grade 8.

Gabriella Eifrig ‘20

We are excited to highlight Gabriella, a freshman at Georgetown University, who is already academically and athletically making her mark. Gabriella’s senior year at St. Margaret’s was nothing short of exceptional. She was inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society, received the 2024 CIF Scholar Award and was honored as the 2024 Female Athlete of the Year. Her achievements resulted from four years of hard work and dedication, maintaining an impressive 4.3 GPA while competing at an elite level in golf. Her commitment and passion for the sport have allowed her to play Division I golf at Georgetown. We are incredibly proud of Gabriella’s journey and can’t wait to see her continue to excel both in the classroom and on the golf course.

Jesse Lew ‘21

We’re proud to celebrate Jesse, a senior at Sage Hill High School, who has recently combined his love of science and art to create a beautifully written and illustrated picture book titled, “Wild Animals, Wilder Adaptations.” This engaging book showcases a collection of lesser-known animals and highlights their unique survival adaptations, bringing to life the incredible diversity of the natural world.

Jesse’s passion for both science and creativity was nurtured by his teachers at St. Mary’s, who encouraged him to follow his curiosity. The book is a testament to their guidance and support. All proceeds from the book go to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, a cause close to Jesse’s heart. You can find “Wild Animals, Wilder Adaptations” available on Amazon— a perfect gift that supports marine conservation efforts.

CLASS NOTES

Brandon Gorski ‘20

Brandon, a senior at Mater Dei High School set to graduate in the spring of 2025, has committed to the University of Texas to continue his academic and athletic journey on its prestigious Track and Field team. Throughout his high school career, Brandon has excelled in both Track and Field and Basketball, earning an impressive list of accolades. He is a CIF Track and Field Champion, OC Champion, Trinity League Champion and has been recognized as MVP and a member of the All-State 1st Team.

In addition to his athletic talents, Brandon plans to major in business and real estate finance at Texas, combining his drive on the field with a passion for academics. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and can’t wait to see what he achieves as a Longhorn.

Cameron Craycraft ‘21

We are thrilled to announce Cameron, a Santa Margarita Catholic High School senior, has committed to Seton Hall University for diving starting in 2025. Cameron’s remarkable journey from a novice diver to one of the top performers in Santa Margarita history is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Cameron first began diving as a freshman in 2022 where she quickly made her mark by placing seventh in the Trinity League Finals. The following year, she excelled, reaching a fifth-place finish and qualifying for the CIF-Southern Section Championships for the first time. Cameron reached new heights in her junior year, setting a personal best dive score of 441.55 and securing her spot at the Southern Section Championships for the second consecutive year. In addition to her high school achievements, Cameron dives for the renowned Mission Viejo Nadadores club. Her talent and persistence saw her qualify for Regionals in 2022 and advance to Zones in 2023. Balancing her athletic pursuits with academics, Cameron maintains an impressive 3.63 GPA. We are incredibly proud of Cameron and can’t wait to see her continue her diving journey at the collegiate level. Witnessing our scholar athletes reach new milestones and pursue their passions beyond high school is always inspiring.

Gianna Grass ‘22

Gianna is thriving at JSerra Catholic High School where, as a junior, she demonstrates a strong commitment to service, leadership and advocacy— values she first embraced at St. Mary’s. An honors student in the Law Magnet Program, Gianna excels academically, earning spots in the National Honor Society and has also been recognized as a Lion’s Scholar, Scholar Athlete and Principal’s Honor Roll student. She was recently accepted as a Fellow into the highly competitive Institute for Youth in Policy, where she researched and presented a capstone project on Youth Civic Education. Gianna also deepens her understanding of the justice system as a peer juror in the Constitutional Rights Foundation’s Peer Court program. Beyond academics, Gianna is a dedicated volunteer with organizations like Miracles for Kids, Laura’s House, Waymakers and Shea Therapeutic Riding Center where she provides ongoing support for children with disabilities. She was recently honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her exceptional community service. This accolade is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States and an outstanding achievement. Gianna is positively impacting her community through her passion for law, social justice and community engagement.

Aaron Wang ‘24

Aaron Wang is carrying his passion for golf into his freshman year at Sage Hill High School. This month, he showcased his talent by winning the NB3 National Championship in Louisiana for the boys 12-13 age group. With his family cheering him on, Aaron secured the title with an impressive 10-under-par score over three rounds. We are excited to see where his golfing journey takes him in high school and beyond!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Georgia Jeanneret ‘20

We’re thrilled to highlight Georgia, who has been making waves on and off the track! Georgia graduated from St. Mary’s in 2020 and JSerra Catholic High School in 2024, where she distinguished herself as a star athlete on both the cross country and track teams. Now, she’s continuing her illustrious running career as a freshman at UCLA. The wisdom and talent from her years at JSerra manifested itself during her senior season, which saw Georgia cement her legacy as one of the school’s most accomplished athletes and leaders. She helped the cross-country team win its second straight Orange County Championship title. Though nagging injuries prevented her from running during the CIF post-season competitions, she was a visibly and vocally encouraging presence to her teammates, who displayed their collective brilliance in finishing the CIF season as the best team in California.

On the track, Georgia once again proved to be a standard of excellence as the season reached the “Road to the State Meet,” successfully defending her 800 titles at both the Trinity League Finals and the CIF-SS Division 3 finals. These individual efforts helped the team repeat as champions in both competitions. At the CIF State Track and Field Championships on May 24, Georgia finished sixth in the 800 M (her second straight podium finish) but enjoyed one last memorable achievement with her teammates. Running the lead-off leg of the 4 x 400 relay state final, she helped the Lions to a third-place overall finish in 3:46.42, which set Orange County’s all-time record in the process. Chosen as the Trinity’s League Female Athlete of the Year, Georgia is now embarking on the next leg of her running career, advancing to the next level at UCLA.

Having enjoyed so many individual and team accomplishments while growing into a strong leader during her time at JSerra brought Georgia a great sense of pride and fulfillment.

“I got to see the team grow and get better every single year, and I’m really proud that both programs are at the levels that they are at this point,” she exclaimed, looking back on her time as a running Lion. — Excerpt from JSerra’s Crimson Pride

Alumni Holiday Party & Hard Hat Tour of the New Building

December 19 at 4 PM

Join us on campus for the Alumni Holiday Party! We will gather in the Green Family Commons for food, drinks and holiday cheer alongside your favorite St. Mary’s faculty and staff. We’re excited to showcase our construction progress with an exclusive Hard Hat Tour of our new building—be among the first to step inside. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Alumni Giving Back: Inspiring the Next Generation through Model United Nations

The Middle School Model United Nations (MUN) team recently hosted two remarkable alumni, Brielle Surgener ‘22 and Blake Herman ‘22. Both alumni are sophomores at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Their visit was more than just a nostalgic return— it was an opportunity to ignite passion and inspire the next generation of student leaders. During an engaging session, Brielle and Blake shared their transformative experiences in Model UN, highlighting how it shaped their academic journeys and enriched their skill sets. From developing a deeper understanding of global affairs to refining their public speaking and negotiation abilities, they emphasized how MUN has been a cornerstone in their personal and academic growth. Their stories struck a chord with our students, who were eager to learn how participation in Model UN could enhance their futures. Model United Nations, a program that involves hundreds of thousands of students worldwide, serves as a dynamic platform to teach youth about diplomacy, international relations and the operations of the

We love it when our alumni visit campus. Please join us for a tour and lunch in the Green Family Commons. You are welcome anytime. At the security gate, let them know you are an alum, and either Senor Valdez or Virtue Byrd will escort you around the campus.

Class of 2019

Five-Year Reunion

The Class of 2019 celebrated its FiveYear Reunion this past summer with an afternoon full of nostalgia and joy. Alumni gathered on campus where the atmosphere was vibrant, and cherished memories came flooding back. Everyone enjoyed appetizers and refreshing Italian sodas in the Green Family Commons, catered by Flik.

The event’s highlight was when the alumni donned hard hats for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the ongoing construction project, offering a unique glimpse into the exciting new building on campus. The event concluded with a heartwarming campus tour where alumni flipped through old yearbooks, rekindling connections and reliving treasured moments. The event was filled with laughter, camaraderie and a sense of belonging. We eagerly look forward to welcoming the Class of 2020 for their five-year reunion next summer!

United Nations. It’s not a surprise many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts trace their formative experiences back to Model UN. Brielle and Blake, with their firsthand accounts, showcased how the program cultivates critical thinkers, confident communicators and passionate global citizens.

As our Falcons listened to these accomplished alumni, the energy in the room was palpable. By returning to their roots and sharing their journeys, Brielle and Blake reignited the spark of curiosity and ambition within our current students, encouraging them to explore the endless possibilities Model UN has to offer.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Brielle and Blake for their time, insights and unwavering commitment to giving back to our school community. Their visit celebrated their accomplishments and inspired our students to soar to new heights, proving once a Falcon, always a Falcon!

Santa Margarita Freshman Football Team Members: Trinity League Champions.

Logan Kite, Chris Kraninger, Aidan Mazer, Sacha Guerdat. — Pictured Left to Right

On June 13, 2024, St. Mary’s held its 30th annual Grade 8 Commencement Ceremony. Students, families, alumni, faculty and staff gathered at Coast Hills Church to celebrate the outstanding Class of 2024. Class Valedictorian and IB Scholar winner Sophie Stamelman delivered a beautiful and inspiring address to her classmates. Attendees also heard from ASB President Sam Gabriel, Legacy Award winner Maddux Labovitch and Salutatorian Katie Boswell. Each graduate received a traditional St. Mary’s class blanket, officially welcoming our graduates to the St. Mary’s Alumni Association. We wish the entire class success and look forward to their future campus visits. Here is where our alumni are enrolled in high school this year:

34% 18% 29% OTHER SCHOOLS

SANTA MARGARITA

Preston Anson

Matty Awadalla

Sameer Aziz

Raiden Bhatia

Thomas Borgogna

Katie Boswell

Jonathan Brewer

Adam Carroll

Brody Castro

Cory Cool

Melvil Delestre

Marceau Delestre

Kailee Desmond

Carmela Di Cesare-Bystrowicz

Nota Dzwonkowski

Isabelle Engelbrecht

Colt Ettwein

Heartley Farr

Sophia Farsai

Kaden Fishback

Claire Friedl

Samuel Gabriel

Sienna Gerges

Alexander Ghailian

Julian Ghailian

Emily Glicksman

Taylor Gostanian

Sacha Guerdat

Logan Harty

Alex Hitch

Liam Hong

Trent Hull

Amelia Jones

Maddie Keller

Johnny Kiani

Logan Kite

Chris Kraninger

Maddux Labovitch

Andy Li

Kirra Manuel

JSerra Catholic High School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Togethership Academy

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Capistrano Valley High School

JSerra Catholic High School

Capistrano Valley High School

Corona Del Mar High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Heritage Christian School

Orange County School of the Arts

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Sage Hill School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

JSerra Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Capistrano Valley High School

Sage Hill School

JSerra Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Sage Hill School

Corona Del Mar High School

Capistrano Valley High School

JSerra Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Windermere Preparatory School

Sage Hill School

Ashley Mayes

Aidan Mazer

Sloane McCord

Emerson McKernan

Kaiden Mirian

Arman Mowlavi

Niki Naimi

Summer Newcombe

Charlotte Ontiveros

Benett Palfi

Sophie Pickford

Sydney Pickford

Jack Purdy

Kylie Rabe

Diya Raniga

Malia Reiser

Harper Rollo

Avalon Sandford

Ben Schiller

Kian Shahrokni

Rafa Shaikh

Emerson Shoemaker

Ethan Sippl

Jordan Smith

David Soberanes-Vega

Sophie Stamelman

Millie Stokes

Matthew Stokes

Ali Talebloo

Harry Thavirat

Courtney Tran

Venya Voleti

Aaron Wang

Kyle Weaver

Sofia Weed

Finn Wilkins

Bosen Zhang

Ethan Zhang

Ash Zhang

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Capistrano Valley High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Dana Hills High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Carondelet High School

Carondelet High School

Sage Hill School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Capistrano Valley High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

Corona Del Mar High School

Sage Hill School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Laguna Hills High School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

ACS International School Egham

ACS International School Egham

Sage Hill School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Newport Harbor High School

Sage Hill School

Dana Hills High School

JSerra Catholic High School

JSerra Catholic High School

University High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Portola High School

WHERE ARE THEY ATTENDING?

HIGH SCHOOLS

10% 9%

TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS

ATTENDING

ST. MARGARET’S

ST. MARY’S CLASS OF 2020 COLLEGE FALCONS

When our students graduate and soar from the St. Mary’s nest, we continue to support them from afar. We are proud of the St. Mary’s Class of 2020 and wish them much success and happiness on their college journey.

Armon Alemzadeh

Jackson Baldwin

Logan Bos

Natalie Chapman

Leigh Chien

Jack Codet

Gabriella Eifrig

Sophia Elizalde-Rendon

Ethan Furlong

Caden Gaffaney

Natalie Geyfman

Soraya Golshani

Brandon Gorski

Brady Green

Jordan Gross

Kian Gulbrandsen

Calvin Howard

Trinity Lee

Keegan McGann

University of California Irvine

San Diego State University

The University of Utah

University of Indianapolis

Stanford University

University of Miami

Georgetown University

Santa Clara University

University of California Santa Barbara

University of California Los Angeles

California State University, Fullerton

Texas Christian University

University of Texas

Lake Forest College

San Diego State University

University of California San Diego

California Polytechnic State University

San Luis Obispo

American University

University of California Irvine

Carolina McNamee

Charlotte Memoly

Logan Mickelsen

Emsley Mitchell

Sidney Morales

Victoria Oh

Jett Ohlmeyer

Abigail Pearson

Leo Pich

Sam Qu

Caitlin Quinn

Logan Ray Bos

Christian Rief

Luke Stellar

Marcus Vlok

Minh Vo

Kira Wensinger

Ruth Wu

Luca Zuccato

University of San Diego

San Jose State University

University of Colorado Denver

Texas Christian University

Auburn University

University of California Berkeley

Texas Christian University

Saddleback College

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

University of Washington

Bates College

University of Utah

University of San Diego

University of Southern California

California Polytechnic State University

San Luis Obispo

University of California Los Angeles

University of Southern California

Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College

University of Colorado Boulder

CALENDAR SPRING

2025

No School - Professional Development

Rising Gr. 8 Parent Preview Mtg

Rising Gr. 7 Parent Preview Mtg

Rising Gr. 6 Parent Preview Mtg

Rising Gr. 5 Parent Preview Mtg

MS Falcon Dance Ensemble Showcase

Falcon Theatre Spring Production Auditions: Musical

Rising Gr. 4 Parent Preview Mtg

Rising Gr. 3 Parent Preview Mtg

Rising Gr. 2 Parent Preview Mtg

MS Winter Concert & Visual Arts Exhibition

Re-Enrollment for 24-25 School Year

Winter Pep Rally

Winter Wonderland MS Student Social

No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Observance

Rising Gr. 1 Parent Preview Mtg

Family Night Out

Rising Kindergarten Parent Preview Mtg

Rising EK Parent Preview Mtg

Rising PS Parent Preview Mtg

Gr. 8 Community Project Presentations

Semester 1 Ends

State of the School Distributed

Semester 2 Begins

Gr. 4 Walk through California

Lunar New Year Celebration

PTF Father Daughter Dance (5 - 8 PM)

MS Semester 1 Report Cards Post

FEBRUARY

Gr. 4 Parent Sacramento Mtg

Gr. 3 - 5 ISA Testing

Gr. 5 - 8 ISA Testing

NYC Field Study

After School Enrichment Session 2 Ends

Black History Month

EEP Super Bowl Party

EEP & LS Semester 1 Report Cards Post

Jog-A-Thon

School Closed - Winter Break

Spring Sports Begin

Dates are subject to change.

MARCH

3/3

3/3-3/6

3/7

3/7

3/8

3/10 3/14 3/14

3/18

3/21

3/27-3/28

4/4 4/4 4/7-4/11

4/7-4/11 4/11

4/14-4/21 4/25 4/25 4/28 5/1 5/4 5/5-5/9 5/8 5/9 5/9-5/10 5/9 5/13 5/14 5/16-5/22 5/16 5/16 5/23 5/26 5/28 5/29 5/30 6/3 6/6 6/6 6/9 6/9 6/10 6/11 6/11 6/12 6/13 6/19 6/23 6/30-7/25

7/4

7/21-7/25

After School Enrichment Session 3 Begins

Gr. 4 Sacramento Field Studies

(specific trip date depends on class placement)

Legacy Interviews

MS Student Social (5-8 PM)

St. Mary’s Gala at VEA Hotel (5:30 PM)

Gr. 5 Walk Through the American Revolution

EEP/LS Movie Night

Tribute to Leadership & Legacy Assembly at Coast Hills Church (Noon)

B.O.B. Competition

Nowruz Celebration

No School: Parent Teacher Conferences; Child Care Available

International Field Studies Depart

EEP Multicultural Fashion Show

EEP + K Week of the Young Child

MS Intersession

EEP Easter Eggstravaganza

School Closed - Spring Break

Spring Pep Rally

PTF Mother Son Game Night (4 PM)

Holy Eucharist (10 AM)

National Day of Prayer

St. Mary’s Track Invitational

Teacher Appreciation Week

Grade 4 Expression Event

EEP Mother’s Day Celebration

Spring Musical

After School Enrichment Session 3 Ends

Book Donation Drive

LS Arts Exhibition

Book Fair

MS House Games

MS Dance Showcase

No School - Professional Development; Child Care Available

School Closed - Observance Memorial Day

MS Film Festival

MS Spring Concert & Visual Arts Exhibition

MS Student Social (5-8 PM)

Gr. 1 Fairy Tale Ball & Play

EEP Father’s Day Celebration

Gr. 5 PYP Exhibition

EK Celebration of Character (8:30 AM)

Grs. 5 - 8 End of Year Day Trips

Gr. 8 Awards (10 AM) & Baccalaureate (11:30 AM)

Last Day of School; Early Dismissal; Semester 2 Ends

Gr. 5 Promotion (10 AM) & Reception (11 AM)

Gr. 8 Graduation at Coast Hills Church (6 PM)

Semester 2 Report Cards Post at 4 PM

No School - Juneteenth Observance

Summer Resort Begins

Academic Prep Program

No School - Independence Day Observance

School Closed - Summer Break