The Catalyst, Volume 8, Issue 3: November/December 2021

OPINION | Page 5 BLOCKED: THIS SITE CAN’T BE REACHED

www.TheCatalystNDB.com

Volume 8, Issue 3

the

ARTS & LIFE | Page 9 CONCERTS: HOW SAFE DO YOU FEEL?

SPORTS | Page 10 VOLLEYBALL: SEASON ENDS IN PLAYOFFS

CATALYST

@theCatalystNDB

1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002

November/December 2021

NDB celebrates the holiday season

CLAIR SAPILEWSKI / THE CATALYST

Seniors Catie Mahlman (left), Emma Treanor and Kyra Green decorate the senior class Christmas tree in the dining hall.

by Gulianna Ceschin News Editor

Throughout December, NDB has been bringing back old holiday traditions and introducing new festivities to celebrate the season and get into a cheerful spirit before students embark on their winter breaks.

Many of the tradi-

tional holiday celebrations that upperclasswomen remember from previous years are making a comeback after the year of online distance learning. This month, holiday cheer is much appreciated and welcomed around campus.

“During the holiday season, we have a class tree decorating competition along with the traditional

door decorating contests within homerooms,” said ASB member Ali Lewis.

ASB has organized a revival of all of NDB’s classic holiday festivities with events such as the Homeroom Door Decorating Competition, in which homerooms cover their classroom door with holiday-themed decor. At the end of the competition,

ASB will name a winner among all of the homerooms.

The Christmas Tree Decorating Competition was a new contest on campus this year. Each grade received a Christmas tree and the class councils were able to adorn their grade’s trees with holiday decorations in accordance with their class colors. The

Tri-School Productions presents fall play “The Alibis” after one year apart Mia Muzzi Arts & Life Editor

The Tri-School fall play “The Alibis” was performed at Serra’s Gellert Auditorium on November 18, 19 and 20.

“The Alibis” is a comedic murder mystery in which eccentric billionare, J. Leslie Arlington, played

by Serra HS senior Nick Musgrave, is murdered.

Several of his employees, family and rivals are present at the time of his death, consequently becoming suspects for his murder.

Serra HS senior Nolan La Mar starred as Detective Casey Neptune, who questioned characters and forced them to provide alibis in order to prove themselves innocent.

The play went through ten scenes, including the prologue and epilogue. Detective Neptune listened to all his suspects

Class of ‘22 covered their tree with their senior portraits in place of ornaments.

The competition was between the two sets of sister classes, with the freshmen paired with the juniors and the sophomores paired with the seniors. The Christmas Tree Decorating Competition was a fun activity to get students into the holiday spirit, and the

Tigers enjoyed the friendly competition between the sister classes.

“The Grinch may have stolen Christmas, but we’re going to steal this competition,” joked junior class council member Zeina Zumot.

The trees now stand in the dining hall on See HOLIDAYS| Page 7

Fall finals are coming Tigers, it’s that time of the year. Fall semester final exams take place over five days next week and the week after, just before winter break. On each day, the first session is from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM and the second session is from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Any final projects are due the day of the class’ scheduled final in place of a test-based assessment. May the odds be ever in your favor...

MIA MUZZI / THE CATALYST

Tri-School actors applaud the crew that helped make “The Alibis” the best performance it could be. Students were tested for COVID-19 before the play and wore masks behind the scenes, taking them off only when they came on stage in accordance with school’s COVID-19 policies. and their outrageous alibis.

After each suspect had given their speech, the detective came to a verdict and with a twist ending, the play reached its conclusion.

Megan Cabral, NDB junior, took part in “The Alibis” as Mr. Arlington’s maid, Estelle, and as a

reality TV star named Sheila. She played these parts along other Tri-School actors, including Serra HS freshman Mason Jang as Titus Arlington-Texas and NDB junior Isabella Hildebrand-Vecchia playing Davina Arlington. Together the Tri-School students of

NDB, Mercy Burlingame, and Serra HS formed a tight-knit community in the building of the play.

“My experience was amazing. Our artist staff was very professional See FALL PLAY | Page 8

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14-15

TRI-SCHOOL EXAMS

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16

BLOCK 7 and 6

FRIDAY DECEMBER 17

BLOCK 5 and 4

MONDAY DECEMBER 20

BLOCK 3 and 2

TUESDAY DECEMBER 21

BLOCK 1 and MAKE-UP

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NEWS

Q&A with I Am Diverse Club member Karla Aguilar on celebrating diversity during the holiday season News Editor Gulianna Ceschin sat down with I Am Diverse

...member Karla Aguilar to discuss the club’s plans to help NDB celebrate the holiday season.

Throughout November and December, Tigers, especially the members of the I Am Diverse Club, have been enjoying celebrations and activities for the holiday season.

Every year, the I Am Diverse Club hosts various events and activities and sets up different displays all around campus to help students learn more about different cultural celebrations.

The Catalyst (TC): What does the I Am Diverse Club do for the NDB communtiy, and what are its goals?

Karla Aguilar (KA): Our

mission statement: We celebrate the diversity at Notre Dame by working to educate and act on behalf of injustice and difficulties minorities face while bringing to light feelings of racism or cultural misunderstandings.

TC: What are the holidays and cultural celebrations that the I Am Diverse Club will be recognizing and helping the NDB community to learn about and celebrate in November and December?

KA: In November we celebrated Diwali, Día De Los Muertos and Native American Heritage Month.

We’re still planning for December right now.

There is no specific ethnic group celebrated during that month, which is something that we largely plan around.

However, there are

the holidays and I think that acknowledgment of different holiday traditions will be key during December.

TC: Are there any specific plans that the I Am Diverse Club has for the school and students during the holidays?

KA: I can’t say for certain what we’re doing for the holidays since a large portion of December is used up by finals and winter break.

However, I can say that acknowledgment of other traditions will be important.

TC: How does the I Am Diverse Club plan to get the NDB student community involved in their celebrations?

white institution like ours, diversity is not always a priority for many students.

I Am Diverse has attempted to make things required, but in ways that do not infringe on students’ free time.

For example, last year, we had a presentation on what it means to be an ally, shown during history class. Another notable event was the year before when we showed every English class a presentation on Black History Month.

We continue to strive to have events like these, so that we reach all students.

However as you can imagine, it’s hard to get everyone on the same page when not everyone thinks it’s necessary.

KA: The club is always trying to reach as many students as possible. Unfortunately, at a predominantly

Point of view: Freshmen complete their first semester of high school

by Ariana Kraemer Staff Writer

The Class of ‘25’s first semester of high school is coming to an end. It has been an interesting experience due to COVID-19, but the freshmen have made the most of their time at NDB so far.

“It feels pretty good to finish my first semester,” said freshman Izzy Yang.

Most freshmen can agree that their favorite part of this semester was making new friends and being introduced to their teachers. After over a year of distance learning, freshmen have been very happy to be able to a

tend school in-person for their first year. October’s spirit week seemed to be a favorite event among the class, especially the rally.

“Spirit week was so fun, and the rally was great. Plus, I got to have a lot of fun with my friends,” stated freshman Annie Stump.

Throughout the semester, the freshmen have had to adjust to high school and learn how to deal with new and challenging classes.

“I wish that I knew how to manage my time and use my free time during school hours a little better during the first part of the school year,” Yang shared.

A lot of stu-

dents can agree with Yang that time management is the key to their success in high school. As final exam season is rapidly approaching, freshmen are learning how to use their time wisely to ensure that they are properly prepared to finish the semester.

After final exams comes the second semester. Although they will have one semester under their belt, some freshmen are still feeling scared about the rest of the year.

“I feel a little nervous about the second semester because I feel like it will be a little harder, but I think it will go okay,” Yang added.

Everyone is look-

ing forward to events, such as Aquacades, that were cancelled due to COVID-19 for the past two years. The freshmen greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in NDB activities and traditions that many other Tigers did not have the chance to experience in recent years.

The winter formal is another event that many students are eager for. This will be the first in-person formal dance for both freshmen and sophomores.

The second semester has many exciting days awaiting for all grades, and the freshmen cannot wait to experience them and make new memories with their class.

Freshmen enjoy eating lunch outside in the Father Downey garden.

Many seniors have been struggling to keep up with their schoolwork while going through this daunting process. Although Early Action and Early Decision require students to work at a much more rapid pace, those who applied early can appreciate the weight that can be lifted off of their shoulders as they near the end of the first semester. Students who have already committed to a college can enjoy the time off.

For the many students who have Regular Decision applications to do as well, this break from school, homework and studying will be more time to devote to finishing up their application essays. The majority of

Regular Decision applications are due in January.

“I’ve applied to five schools so far: three being Early Action, one for a merit scholarship deadline and another for regular decision,” says NDB senior Olivia Semien. “I feel that the application process has been stressful, but exciting at the same time because I’ve been doing it along with school.”

While applying early may have caused students more stress over the fall semester, they allow students to receive admissions decisions as early as December, whereas many Regular Decision applications do not guarantee a response until late March.

Throughout

this semester, seniors all around campus have been anxiously surviving the application process together and cannot wait for the second semester when they can all celebrate their accomplishments and share the colleges that they will soon move on to.

“Most of it has been working on essays and making dozens of drafts for them,” Semien added about her experiences this semester. “I’m excited to hear back from my first schools in about a month and to finish the process.”

The seniors are hopefully awaiting the day when all of this panic is behind them and they can focus on enjoying their last year of high school.

Senior Kennya Olguin works on her college applications in NDB’s counseling center.

ARIANA KRAEMER / THE CATALYST

Point of view: Seniors finish first round of college applications

by Gulianna Ceschin News Editor

As the first semester of the 2021-2022 school year comes to an end, NDB seniors have been working to finish the multitude of college applications that were due this fall.

For many seniors, this craze of application stress and anxiety began on November 1, which was the deadline for many Early Action or Early Decision applications. Early Action is a non-binding option for applicants who want an earlier admissions response from certain schools, and Early Decision is a binding application which requires the applicant to attend the school if they get accepted.

GULIANNA CESCHIN / THE CATALYST

NEWS

Mothers Club hosts outdoor Father Daughter Dance with a western theme

by Gulianna Ceschin News Editor

On Friday, November 19, the Mothers Club hosted its annual Father Daughter Dance for all students and their fathers to enjoy a night of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”-themed fun in the Father Downey Garden.

Students and their fathers took the western theme very seriously, as many were dressed in cowboy and cowgirl hats and boots. Hats and bandanas were handed out at the beginning of the night to help students complete their outfits. The Father Downey Garden was equipped with an abundance of flowers and string lights to give the dance the ambiance of a western setting, complete with wooden barrels used as tables.

“I thought the dance was very put together. Overall, it was really fun,” said senior Ashley Mullarkey about her experience at the dance.

The Mother’s Club worked very

hard to set up a special event for the Tigers.

“I thought it was a great way to spend time with all the fathers,” commented senior Avery Tuthill. “I think the Mother’s Club did a great job.”

As with many other events held this year, the location of the dance was moved outside so that the NDB community could still enjoy the night on campus while maintaining proper COVID-19 safety precautions. Although the dance was different from past events, it was still a very memorable and beloved event for the Tigers.

Dinner was served at the event with a menu of beef sliders, chicken strips and baked potatoes.

Students also enjoyed cupcakes topped with chocolate cowboy boots to add to the festivities.

A cowboy came to teach the students and their fathers western line dances, showing them the steps slowly at first and then speeding up.

Another one of the main attractions

PEYTON DALEY / THE CATALYST

Freshman Natalie Nootbaar rides the mechanical bull at the Father Daughter Dance. was a mechanical bull, which students were eager to hop on. Although there were many falls, the Tigers enjoyed riding the bull for as long as they could and cheering on their classmates.

“I loved the mechanical bull – like ten out of ten,” Tuthill said. “I was on it for 30 seconds.”

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, light rain meant that the bull had to be taken down halfway through the night, but the attendees moved under the awning of the Moore Pa-

vilion to continue dancing.

“I enjoyed the photo booth and line dancing. My dad liked the bull,” added Mullarkey.

Many seniors especially appreciated this opportunity to have one last dance on campus before they go to college next year.

“The Father Daughter Dance was such a fun experience for my friends and our dads because we got to know each other better and had a great time dancing all night,” said senior Emma Wylie.

NDB hosts its second Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program event

by Molly Phan Opinion Editor On Thursday, November 11, Silvia Morales from the Recourse Center for Nonviolence of Santa Cruz was invited to speak for NDB’s recently launched Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program. It was developed to promote diversity and to educate about other cultures in the community.

The presentation was held in the Moore Pavilion and was given as an informative and interactive discussion.

The event opened when sophomore Annete Henderson gave a short speech about her Peruvian heritage and her belonging to the Latina community before introducing Morales to the students and teachers who attended the assembly.

“I introduced Ms. Morales who was our diversity speaker and talked about her background and the impact she has and her goals. I introduced myself and my Peruvian background, and she is very determined in helping the Latinx community, so that is why I talked about my connection to the community,” said Henderson.

Morales began her speech by explaining what makes up a person’s identity; she listed attributes

MOLLY PHAN / THE CATALYST

Sophomore Annette Henderson (center) presents speaker Silvia Morales (right) with flowers to thank her for her presentation.

such as race, nationality, gender, disabilities and learning capabilities. She included details about her struggle with her identity as a Latina woman, and taught the importance of not only embracing identity, but learning to accept those with differences.

The second half of her presentation allowed students the opportunity to use their voice and share their personal experiences and thoughts on the topics mentioned in Morales’ speech. Students encouraged those of the

school community to stay true to themselves and to take care of one another.

“I love to create space for the freedom to speak our truths,” Morales said.

Silvia Morales is extremely passionate about her work and finds speaking to students, especially high school females, very empowering.

“My goal is to inspire them and to tell them that it begins and ends with them, how they integrate equity and justice into their lives,” she said.

NDB students are very grateful for speakers like Morales because of the impact they have on each individual and the lessons they can learn from them.

“From listening to Silvia’s presentation, I learned how to embrace my differences and the importance of being accepting towards everyone,” said junior Sienna Loar.

Morales’ presentation inspired students to celebrate diversity, which is essential in building an inclusive community at NDB.

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NDB delegates participate in Notre Dame Global Education Forum

PEYTON DALEY / THE CATALYST

One of the main focuses of the Global Climate Forum is to follow the guidance of “Laudato Si.”

by Peyton Daley Editor in Chief

This year, five NDB students are participating in the Global Education Forum organized by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur with other Notre Dame institutions from around the world. The focus of the forum is climate, with an emphasis on social justice in relation to environmental issues.

Director of Mission and Ministry Amy Jobin and history teacher Matthew Hankins are serving as facilitators for the project. Freshmen Aditi Joshi, Bella Svanberg and Maggie Templeton and seniors Peyton Daley and Emma Treanor are NDB’s student delegates.

The delegates will meet for quarterly Zoom meetings throughout the year with high school students and teachers from 13 Notre Dame schools in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Their first meeting was October 20, and they broke up into cohorts to discuss how they have experienced and addressed climate change in their own communities.

“My group has people from Nigeria, people from Massachusetts, and other places, and I’ve learned so much about current problems and... climate change in their area,” said Svanberg. “So, for example, we face droughts and forest fires, but in Massachusetts, they’re involved with changes in weather patterns that really affect the environment. And, in Nigeria, there’s a lot of rain, but the problem is that there’s trash and everything goes down the drains.”

In the spring, they will work together with their cohorts to develop a project that each school can implement within their own communities that addresses climate change, caring for the earth and ecological justice.

They are centered around the message of Pope Francis’s “Laudato Si,” an encyclical which details the importance of shifting away from consumerism and promoting sustainability to protect nature and those deeply affected by environmental destruction.

“[I wanted to participate in this forum] because the issue is really kind of so cataclysmic at the moment and... even though it affects different people disproportionately, it does affect everybody and it will affect everybody in the near future,” Templeton shared. “Especially countries that aren’t seeing the effects as much are the main contributors [to climate change], so I think that’s really important to be addressed. I also think that ‘Laudato Si’ is a great tool to motivate people by appealing to religion as well... We do go to a Catholic school, so there’s that personal connection.”

The delegates had their second international meeting on December 7. They prepared by reading “Laudato Si” and studying current events related to climate change. They are also working currently to raise awareness about the forum and its purpose.

“I’m hoping that our delegates can both educate and motivate NDB to action in the near future... I also hope that we will continue to explore ways that NDB students can collaborate with other Notre Dame learning communities around the world,” said Hankins.

@TheNDBCatalyst

OPINION

page 4

Students need “me time” during Collaboration for studying Mia Muzzi Arts & Life Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

Molly Phan Opinion Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

At NDB, Collaboration is a period built into all students’ schedules. It takes the place of an eighth block, occurs almost every B-day and is a 55 minute chunk of time dedicated to studying, meeting with teachers or classmates, as well as going to class meetings, schoolwide assemblies, counseling presentations, community masses, and other events. But, many students find Collaboration is most valuable because of its use as a study hall.

“Study hall” is for students to work on anything that will benefit them academically. Whether it is working on individual assignments or group projects or it is meeting with teachers or classmates, most students use their work time in Collaboration efficiently and successfully.

But, students are recently finding that some of the Collaboration time that they usually get two to three times a week is being used as schoolwide assem-

blies instead.

Although students are grateful for the new DEI and Women’s Leadership programs that have been implemented this year, it feels as if they are not getting the opportunity to use Collaboration frequently enough to their academic advantage.

When learning that Collaboration was back to full swing on campus this year, most students felt excited and relieved.

For the past few years, it was mainly dedicated to work time, and so students came to campus with that expectation in mind.

They knew that aproximately one hour of time focused on getting work done two to three times a week would be beneficial. But, little did they all know that they would be spending that time in the gym, paying attention to speakers, while thinking about their homework waiting for them back in their classrooms.

In order to balance

MIA MUZZI / THE CATALYST

Students in history teacher Matthew Hankins’ homeroom take advantage of their study time during Collaboration to work on assignments for their various classes. students’ Collaboration time between study hall and other events, assemblies could be scheduled only once every other week or even once a month, so that there are still a few Collaboration periods dedicated

to students’ academic time.

This would allow them to maximize their work time on campus and also enjoy structured programs, stressfree.

Collaboration is a privilege that we are all

very thankful for, but as homework piles up approaching finals week and we start to get stressed out even more, using it as a study hall more often would be much appreciated.

Is holiday gift giving to teachers a conflict of interest?

YES

As the holiday season rolls around, people enter a festive mood and are keen to spread the holiday spirit. Whether it involves hanging out with family or being a little kinder, something in the air puts a smile on people’s faces.

Perhaps the most popular way to savor the holidays is by gifting presents to family and friends.

After all, family and friends are the ones we spend the most time with.

But there’s another group of people we see every day: teachers.

Teachers want to see you excel as much as you do, and students want to show them that they are appreciated. After

Hannah Nebres Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

all, faculty members spend hours teaching, lesson planning and of course grading.

Unfortunately, there lies the issue.

With teachers in control of grades, it proposes the following question: can gifts influence a teacher?

Teachers may favor students who give gifts over those who do not. For example, the teacher may become more lenient on the gift giver, regarding late assignments because they now view that student in a positive light.

Not only is there a conflict with the practice of gift-giving, but the gift itself can raise eyebrows too. An expensive gift places educators in awkward situations

when it might be unclear to parents that lavish gifts do not equate to preferential treatment. Parents may expect a teacher to favor their student while the teacher thought they were innocently accepting a gift from their student.

However, this is not to say that one should avoid giving presents to teachers at all costs. Buy your teachers a present, but remind yourself of the original intent of gift-giving. Do not buy gifts hoping to be on the receiving end of favoritism.

So, when debating between purchasing a candle or a bottle of wine, choose the gift that truly reflects your appreciation for a teacher.

NO

Something about the air in the holiday season pushes people to spread joy, be grateful and give back, and a way people like to do this is through giving gifts.

It is not a crime to show your appreciation to a teacher by giving them a gift card or a candle. Teachers have a huge impact on our lives and work hard to help us learn and succeed.

Plus, I believe (and would hope) that there are not a lot of teachers out there who would change a student’s grade because they got a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

I would also think that there are not many students out there who would give a gift to a teacher ex-

Brooke Anderson Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

pecting something in return.

Now, this does not mean I think a student should go all out on buying a gift for a teacher. It should not be a competition to see who can find the best gift for their teachers or who spends the most money. I think a card or a gift card or something else small should be enough. There is no need to be purchasing our teachers a Cartier love ring or anything.

Especially in December, which is finals time, students and teachers are swamped.

Sometimes, students forget to show appreciation towards their teachers, or teachers forget that their students care about them. Just

the fact that the student took some time out of their day to get and give a gift to their teacher could brighten up the teacher’s day and make them forget about the stress. It could also brighten up the student’s day as well, as giving gifts can feel just as good as receiving them.

After the year we’ve all been through with COVID-19 and distance learning, a small holiday gift to a teacher is more of a good thing than a bad thing. We weren’t able to give gifts to many people, so why not spread, encourage and accept the holiday cheer as a kind gesture full of pure intentions?

Visit TheNDBCatalyst.com for more stories and photos about the NDB community.

OPINION page 5 The assignment is due tonight?: Limiting deadlines to next theCATALYST class can help students separate academic and personal time NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWS

EDITORIAL STAFF

by Molly Phan Opinion Editor

For high school students, it is not uncommon to be overwhelmed with busy schedules. Between heavy work loads from honors and AP courses, electives, clubs, sports and extracurriculars, it can be difficult for many to set time aside for themselves.

One way to limit the stress that comes with students’ busy lives is to also limit the technology we use for assignments in and out of the classroom.

During the times of distance learning over the past roughly two years, the way students and teachers used technology to organize lessons and assignments has become much more advanced. But with the return to on-campus learning, this constant usage of online learning platforms, such as Schoology, seems to be both a blessing and a curse.

Although online lessons and assignments have proven to be an efficient and organized way of teaching and learning,

students and teachers must realize that it is not essential all of the time. Through these platforms, teachers have the ability to assign strict deadlines at any time, which can be hard on students who have priorities other than their homework after school or on the weekends.

Take students who are involved in after school activities, for example. If a homework assignment is due at eight or nine P.M. online the day the work was assigned and they have other obligations, such as sports or club meetings during those times, they are put at a disadvantage trying to balance those assignments and their outside activities.

Even though it is more efficient to submit and assign work over platforms, such as Schoology, homework assignments should be due at the beginning of their next class period and not whenever the teacher decides they should be submitted. When students are asked to keep track of various homework deadlines for all of their

EDITOR IN CHIEF Peyton Daley

MANAGING EDITOR Clair Sapilewski NEWS EDITOR Gulianna Ceschin OPINION EDITOR Molly Phan ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Mia Muzzi SPORTS EDITORS Francesca Arbelaez Emma Callicott MOLLY PHAN / THE CATALYST

Juniors in math teacher Leonardo Bardomero’s classroom view lessons on their laptops, instead hard copy textbooks or handouts. classes, instead of just completing assignments before their next class, it can feel as if their school work is taking over their lives.

These challenges for students can be solved by simply reducing the amount we use the internet for assignments. Schools can choose to implement more physical or even handwritten assignments so students can physically turn in their work and not have to be overwhelmed with the scattered online deadlines.

Through our months and months of being forced to

learn through Zoom, it was made clear that staring at our computer screens was tedious and tiring.

We should take advantage of being back in the classroom by using worksheets, notebooks and pens, instead of Google documents. Through these changes, students will be able to show their work clearer and map out their thinking better than they are able to on their computers.

Even though our personal laptops are an essential resource to the stu-

dents, teachers and faculty at NDB, the overuse of this technology can be harmful to everyone’s well-being, especially students.

Along with all they have to deal with, they should not be expected to constantly keep up with various deadlines and notifications from their classes while outside of the classroom. Time after school or on the weekends is personal time for students, so being bombarded with online school work can make it difficult to separate academic and personal life.

This site can’t be reached: Internet restrictions interfere with learning both inside and outside the classroom Peyton Daley Editor in Chief @TheNDBCatalyst

Clair Sapilewski Managing Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

Every NDB student is well-accustomed to typing in URLs and arriving at an error message.

While it is understandable that the school does not want students watching movies or scrolling through Instagram in the middle of class, the restriction of websites has gotten to the point where it is more detrimental than helpful.

A few websites on the constantly growing no-go list include Pinterest, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, EBay, Etsy, Brandy Melville, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Some blocked websites are indeed a distraction, but many others are actually useful tools for class. Twitter is important for history and journalism classes where students use

the platform to monitor breaking news stories and announcements from politicians. Other news sources and political or scientific articles are also occasionally blocked, making research harder for several students.

Many NDB students use the school’s internet during study halls, lunch breaks, Collaboration and even before and after school. Although still on campus, this time is our own to take advantage of however we choose. That could mean working on school assignments, or it could mean browsing social media. Students should be able to decide how to use their time themselves, without the school having such a say.

Furthermore,

many students bypass WiFi regulations using VPNs and personal hotspots. Although the blocked websites may prevent some online wandering, students waste their parents’ money or their own money finding ways to avoid the blockages. VPNs are also not ideal for internet safety reasons.

“Using a VPN while on school campus is against school policy,” said NDB technology associate Joseph Maldonado. “Many VPNs are very dangerous as they allow hackers to easily capture your private data and even exploit vulnerabilities that enable viruses, popups and browser issues.”

While students should not be using VPNs, if fewer websites were blocked, students would not feel the need to use

these potentially dangerous networks and could be taught how to navigate the internet safely on their own.

Students often find a website open one day, and then blocked the next. The websites are blocked based on a paid subscription with a Firewall provider.

“Administration and IT choose categories of sites we deem inappropriate for students while on campus,” Maldonado added. “Our Firewall company constantly monitors the internet for new trends and websites and applies them to that list of categories.”

As a college preparatory school, NDB should teach students executive functioning skills that areuseful for higher education. But, restricting websites interferes with this

process. Once they get to college, NDB alumnae will face the temptation of unrestricted access to the internet and will have the choice of whether to pay attention to lectures or instead play on their computers. They will have to learn how to stay focused on their own at some point. So, it’s better to learn within the safety of the NDB environment than end up floundering in college.

If students choose to procrastinate on their school work and waste their class time and Collaboration periods, they will face the consequences of their decisions later on. However, this is the only way that students will learn how to manage their time on their own and how to use the internet in a safe way.

SENIOR EDITOR Brooke Horvai STAFF WRITERS Desea Bond Emma Boyd Rose Gans Delaney Icard-Cullen Ariana Kraemer Ava Marinos Kayla Messick Jenna Metwally Ashley Strain Bella Topalian Madi Whitt FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas

ABOUT THE CATALYST

The Catalyst is a student-run newspaper that is published seven times a year in print and 24/7 online at www.TheNDBCatalyst.com for the Notre Dame High School community.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Catalyst accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as press releases from on and off-campus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication.

It reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. The views expressed in the Opinion section do not reflect the views of The Catalyst, NDB, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, or the Archdiocese of San Francisco, but are solely the views of the writer. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of The Catalyst.

CONTACT US The Catalyst Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002 Phone: (650) 595-1913 Email: TheCatalystNDB@ gmail.com Website: www.

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CLAIR SAPILEWSKI / THE CATALYST

Some websites are not accessible to students while using the school’s WiFi.

FEATURES

page 6

How to survive finals: A guide for freshmen

ALEXA NEILSON / THE CATALYST

While NDB’s Candy Canes and Cocktails Christmas event is in full swing, freshman Samatha Cook steps away to review for her upcoming finals.

by Peyton Daley Editor in Chief Finals are nerve-wracking for anyone, but especially for freshmen. It is easy to become panicked when you have a whole semester’s worth of content to study for every class. However, finals are really not that bad if you are properly prepared. Here are some tips to make finals week a bit less stressful.

1. Start studying early

Final exams are not like other unit tests that you are used to, where it only takes one or two days to prepare. Finals cover content from the whole semester, so it’s good to start reviewing at least a week in advance. Also, it’s hard to focus on one subject for too long. Take breaks by switching between each class so that you are preparing for all of your tests and also getting to exercise your brain in different ways.

2. Get your projects done before finals week Some classes might assign project-based finals, instead of tests. This is a great opportunity to spread out the work so that everything is not concentrated into one week.

3. Organize your notes

Before you embark on studying, make sure that your notes are organized and you can easily find past assignments to look over. Trust me, this will lead to a lot less stress as you frantically try to find information the night before the test. I also like to print out digital assignments and include them in my binders or folders so I have everything in one place.

4. Ask for help

Make sure to ask questions in the classes leading up to finals. Make use of Collaboration time to talk to teachers and review

any concepts you need clarification on. The peer tutoring program is also a great resource for all students.

5. Practice with notecards or study guides

The math department lets students have a note card for formulas.

This is a very helpful resource during the test, and can also be a great way to study. Once your notecard is made, practice using it while you work on sample questions so that you know how to apply the concepts from your note card to different kinds of problems.

You also may have equations sheets in other subjects or even a study guide to help you practice.

6. Don’t get too stressed

Finals can seem intimidating, but at the end of the day they will not make or break your grade.

Look on the bright side winter break is almost here!

Finals vs Christmas: The battle for December spirit

MEGAN WORRY / THE CATALYST

During December, students have to balance holiday celebrations with studying. With final exams approaching, it can be hard to be excited about Christmas, but it is important to still find time for fun.

by Clair Sapilewski Managing Editor

It is almost that time of year again. Full of pine needles, silver bells, sparkling lights and presents. Oh, and I almost forgot. Final exams.

For many NDB students, finals put a damper on the usual cheer of the Christmas season. It can be hard to look forward to December 25 when worried about failing a chemistry test that is worth 20% of the semester’s grade.

It’s also difficult to watch family and friends from other schools viewing Christmas movies, decorating trees and shopping for presents while you are stuck making a note card for your statistics exam.

Christmas is really a holiday unlike any other.

The ordeal does not last a day. It takes weeks. The day after Thanksgiving is when it is socially acceptable to begin celebrating, and the holiday cheer of-

ten lasts until New Year’s Day. That adds up to over a month of sparkling green, red and gold. If it were any other holiday, finals ending four days before would not be a problem. But in the case of Christmas, half of the time of celebration is clouded by the fear of upcoming exams.

Although the tests only last from Thursday to the following Tuesday – so four days – it can feel like it takes much longer due to all of the necessary studying. Not to mention that many classes have projects instead of finals, which may seem less stressful, but they often take even longer than studying for an in-person test.

“They’re so close to Christmas this year,” said sophomore Kat Ochoa.

“Then again, this is my first year being on campus”

Even after the tests are over, the stress is not. The scores are set to come out after break ends, which means that students

will not know their first semester grades until the new year.

“Part of me is happy that we won’t get [final exam scores] during the break, so the break will be ruined,” said junior Sophie Fowler. “But another part of me is worried because I’ll probably be stressing about it during the break.”

There is no feeling quite like finishing that last final and realizing that nothing stands in the way of holiday excitement. It feels as if a heavy weight of essays and multiple choice answers has been lifted off your shoulders.

I urge my peers to not let finals ruin Christmas, but rather let Christmas motivate them to get through the finals season.

There is a Christmas tree at the end of the tunnel. And hopefully some presents too.

Should students wear uniforms during finals week?

their much anticipated exams.

Being comfortable is a

component to test-taking that is oftentimes overlooked. During finals Mia Muzzi week especially, students can be Arts & Life Editor sitting silently at a desk for long periods of time, thus getting uncomAs NDB students fortable and causing students to fidget. We look forward to should be trying to make the students feel

the approaching at ease during this stressful time by letting

winter break, they must them wear whatever relaxing clothing they still take on finals week, which this year falls choose. from December 16 to 21.

Allowing students to wear their

The big question that arises normal clothes will help them to concenamong the students is whether or not the trate more on their exams, rather than how school’s uniform will be required when on cold they are in their skirts. campus.

NDB encourages students to try

As a student at NDB, I think that their best and achieve good grades on the uniforms should be optional during this finals, reflecting what they have learned all dreadful and stress-filled week. There are semester. If a student is comfortable they many benefits to not wearing a uniform are more inclined to focus on the task at such as the fact that it is much more com- hand, in this case finals, and perform even fortable to be sitting at a desk in warm better than they would while wearing a unisweatpants rather than NDB’s uniform skirt. form.

During finals week, students are It would be unpleasant as a stuput under a lot of pressure to perform well dent to take finals in the school’s uniform and do the best that they possibly can on and for NDB to make it mandatory is insentheir tests. After studying for so many weeks sitive to their students who hope to do well prior to their tests, NDB’s students should on this winter’s final exams. be permitted to wear cozy and comfortable clothing that does not distract them from

PRO

classes when we are learning and taking in new information. Therefore, we associate our uniforms

with times of focus and concentraMolly Phan tion.

Opinion Editor Comfortable clothes like sweatpants are worn at home, so remind us of relaxation away from school. If we take our exams in the attire that we wear at home on our couches, how will we be in the

In order for students to right academic mindset? perform their best academically on their fi Because the upcoming final exams nal exams, they should wear their everyday fall in December and COVID-19 forces the uniforms. doors and windows to remain open, it is

In the past during finals week, stuunderstandable that students may be cold dents have been given the option to wear and interested in wearing free dress. But, comfortable “free dress” clothing, such as creating a successful academic environment sweatpants and non-NDB sweatshirts and well-suited for final exams should be more jackets instead of their typical uniform skirts valuable. to take their exams.

Compromises such as leggings or

Because the week does not consist larger warm pants and larger jackets over of any academic instruction, students are NDB sweatshirts can be made because the only required to come to school if their final idea of the uniform would still be present. exams are given as tests. However, these

As finals week quickly approachshould still be treated as academic days es this semester, all of NDB -- teachers, and uniforms should still be worn. students, administration -- are on the same

The entire NDB community should page: we all want students to perform their want students to have the most successful best. In order for this to occur, we should try final exam grades possible, and wearing to emulate the same focus and concentrathe uniform will help reach this goal. The tion we have when learning the material on school’s uniform is essential to students at the day of our exams.

NDB. We wear them at school during our

CON

FEATURES page 7 The importance of makeHow early is too early?

believe Christmas traditions

PEYTON DALEY / THE CATALYST

A blow-up Santa-in-a-snow-globe sits on a festive lawn. Decorations like this remind everyone of the days when they believed in magic.

by Ava Marinos Staff Writer

We all know Santa Claus as the jolly man in the red hat who delivers presents through our chimneys and eats the milk and chocolate chip cookies that we set for him near the tree. Has realizing our childhood Christmas fantasies are made-up affected the true fun of the holiday?

I can vividly remember the days when the magic of Santa gave me something to look forward to. It also gave my parents an effective way of motivating me to stay off of the naughty list. I think we can agree that celebrating Christmas as children by using our imaginations and believing in the magic of the holiday gave us a creative way to celebrate the festive season.

Believing in Christmas legends such as Santa benefited our development

in ways that we do not always appreciate until later in life, when our love of Christmas stays with us. When we were young, Santa Claus and other magical tales provided a safe space for our creativity and imaginations, and we remember that each holiday season even if we no longer believe in the same stories.

It also gave the rest of the family a time to participate in other festivities while our thoughts were occupied by flying reindeer. Our older family members got the chance to relive their childhood memories through our beliefs.

I can tell that it made my parents happy to see my brother and I anxiously waiting for Santa Claus to come, as well as coming downstairs Christmas morning to see which presents came from Santa.

The day that another classmate of mine spoiled the

fantasy of Santa for me and told me how our parents are the ones really delivering presents was the day that I missed believing. Even if it seemed “uncool” to believe in Santa at that time in my life, I wanted that prior magic and excitement back. Although I still love the holidays now, I can confidently say that Christmas was more enjoyable when I used to believe in Santa.

I would not go as far as saying that it broke my heart to find out that Santa was not real, but it did hurt a little. Rather than making me frustrated at my parents for lying to me about him, it made me grateful that my parents were there to support my Christmas fantasies and give me amazing memories to look back on.

While believing in these tales may sound silly or immature now, everytime Christmas comes

week near the end of the semester so that they can maintain the holiday cheer and celebrate together with fun themes and activities.

“We are also planning a holiday spirit week to let students get in the holiday spirit and have something fun before finals,” added Lewis.

Each day of the spirit week, students will be able to come to school dressed to fit whatever holiday theme was designated.

Along with the holiday traditions put to-

gether by students, the spiritual life department also hosted Advent prayer services, which helped students learn about the religious and historical background of the holiday.

The prayer service took place during spiritual life classes on November 30 and December 1. During the prayer service, students were able to reflect on their goals and mindset as they enter the Advent season.

Videos were shown to teach the students more about the season and

along all I can think back to was when I tried to find my Elf on the Shelf moving during the night, or when I attempted to spot Santa Claus collecting my Christmas wish list. These memories, although nostalgic and melancholy to think back to, made my childhood that much better. I could not imagine my youth without experiencing the true joy of Christmas through the various tales I used to believe in not too many Christmases ago.

Some people argue that toys such as Elf on the Shelf provide a way for parents to lie to their children and threaten the trustworthiness of parents. Although Christmas toys like these may get a bad reputation for this, Elf on the Shelf gives a yearly tradition for children to look forward to while encouraging them to behave.

Every year that my parents would bring out Elf on the Shelf, it made me excited waking up each morning to find the new position it went to. Even though I later found out that my parents moved the toy, I still appreciated the efforts they put into making the holiday fun and magical.

It’s the little joys like these that parents do for their children which make Christmas truly special.

NDB celebrates the winter holidays

From HOLIDAYS|Page 1

display for all students and faculty to admire.

“I’m really excited for the Christmas season to start, and I’m happy that Notre Dame is doing so many holiday-themed things,” commented freshman class council member Annie Stump.

As final exams approach, ASB wants to ensure that students remain cheerful despite this stressful time. Tigers will be able to participate in a spirit

help them understand the importance of this time.

Although NDB is a Catholic school and celebrates holidays within the Catholic tradition, the school maintains an inclusive environment that recognizes all cultures.

During morning prayer, students have participated in various forms of reflection, including prayers from the Jewish faith to recognize the celebration of Hanukkah during this time.

With Christmas season comes the age old debate: when is okay to start celebrating the winter holidays?

Fanatics often begin decking themselves and their homes in red and green as early as the day after Halloween, but others will plug their ears when they hear Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” before December 1.

We asked the NDB student population what they think. Most students can agree that the day after Thanksgiving is a reasonable time to begin.

When do you start celebrating Christmas?

When the Christmas season ends is also a frequently asked question, although maybe not quite as passionately debated. For those who are tired of the holiday, cleanup can begin even as soon as the day after Christmas.

Other NDB community members hold on to their Christmas trees and stockings for as long as possible, not ready to give up their holiday spirit. Most students said that they wait just a week before taking decorations down, or a few days after New Year’s.

When do you take down decorations?

Winter break lasts two weeks, making it the longest time students get off school besides the summer.

This means that it is the optimal time to visit family and friends. For many, that means traveling.

Especially this year, when last Christmas was a time of tighter COVID-19 restrictions, many people are excited to make Christmas the family holiday that it traditionally is.

Will you travel during the break?

Holiday travel does come with a few risks though, COVID-19 being the most concerning.

Last year, the holidays caused COVID-19 rates to surge, so there is still some reason for concern this year.

We polled the student population about their levels of concern regarding traveling and the virus. It is important to note that these students responded before the recent variant, Omicron, spread to San Francisco.

Are you concerned about traveling with the current COVID-19 risks?

Polls compiled by Jenna Metwally and Francesca Arbelaez | Writing by Clair Sapilewski

ARTS & LIFE

page 8

A Hallmark Christmas movie: Behind the scenes

by Mia Muzzi Arts & Life Editor

Watching Hallmark’s infamous Christmas movies is a tradition held by many during each holiday season. The cute, cheesy movies are a beloved way to bring families together and help them sit back and relax as they enjoy the wholesome love stories unravel.

While watching a movie, most viewers do not think about the work being done behind the scenes.

Like any other movie, Hallmark movies take a lot of work and skilled people for the product to be finished and ready to be aired.

Hallmark releases about 40 Christmas movies per year and typically creating a movie can take up to ten months. The process starts as early as January or February, with writers beginning to create plot points, and “meet cutes” for the characters.

Christine Conradt is a screenwriter, producer, director, and script consultant, thus having worked very closely with Hallmark. Most recently, she was hired to rewrite the script to one of Hallmark’s new movies, “Open by Christmas.” Conradt was a

very skilled asset to the creation of this movie, which premiered on the Hallmark Channel on November 12.

Since Conradt was a writer for “Open by Christmas,” she dealt with a lot of the pre-production work. Hallmark hired her to create a brand new treatment for the movie and so, she was in charge of writing the structure of the story itself, including the summary and the character’s descriptions.

“I did maybe three drafts of the script, if I remember correctly, before they were ready to go into production,” said Conradt.

Creating a film is a very collaborative process, with about 40 to 50 crew members working on the film. Unlike writing a book, a writer receives comments from various different people, such as producers, executives, and/or the head of the network.

“The writer’s job is to take everybody’s ideas, everybody’s criticism, and rework the characters in the story,” says Conradt. “And to make it all work together so that every draft gets better and better.”

One of the benefits that comes with the job of writing for Hallmark is the end product. After all

PHOTO COURTSEY OF JENNIFER JAMES

PHOTO COURTSEY OF HALLMARKCHANNEL.COM

Filmmaker Christine Conradt (left) rewrote the screenplay for Hallmark’s new movie, “Open by Christmas.” the time and dedication that going to be said next, but moments in life and create kid or your 80-year-old the writers, producers and they don’t. That part is a lot a story that successfully grandmother. Which means for everyone, actors put into the movie, it of fun,” reflects Conradt. pulls at the viewer’s heart they’re right?” is definitely a proud feeling “And it still kind of blows strings.

“They definite- Especially in to see their work appreciat- my mind, just the sheer ed by so many people. numbers of the people that ly serve a purpose. And the current world with I think it’s an important COVID-19 and the many

“There are literal- see these movies.” ly millions of people watch- With all of the purpose, especially during other pessimistic things ing it at the same time. And work that goes into Hall- the pandemic,” stated Con- that surround day to day they’re watching characters mark movies, sometimes radt. “You know, Hallmark life, it is always nice to take that you wrote and you cre- they are under-appreciated. will tell you they create a break for a couple hours ated, and the dialogue you The purpose of the movies movies that you can watch to forget and escape into write. You know what’s is to highlight the positive with your eight-year-old the world of Hallmark.

Tri-School Productions’ Fun activities in the Bay 2021 fall play: “The Alibis” Area during holiday season From FALL PLAY| Page 1 and the cast and crew had so much fun putting on the show,” said Cabral. “There was such a great bond between everyone involved and it was exciting to be able to perform again. My favorite part was creating strong friendships and feeling a part of an amazing and fun community.”

While there is a Tri-School Drama class taught by Lawrence Long at Serra HS, the Tri-School play is its own separate program. Students who wished to participate in the play auditioned for a part in the middle of September and, if chosen, were then asked to return for callbacks later that same week.

Partaking in the play was a large time commitment with rehearsals from 3:30-6:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. It was essential that the students treated their roles with the utmost importance, as it was no easy task to perfect their character.

After two months of practicing lines and rehearsing scenes, the cast and crew were very wellversed in their part in the play. Everyday after school since September 20, direc-

tor Lawrence Long dedicated his time to helping the 28 cast members involved in the play get ready and prepare for their on-stage performances.

Not only were the director and actors proud of the performance, so were the audience members.

NDB sophomore Anna Ansari attended the play and was very impressed with

the level of skill it took to put on the show.

“I was surprised at how funny it was and how professional it all seemed,” said Ansari. “It was impressive to say the least.”

“The Alibis” was a success and fans look forward to all of Tri-School’s upcoming productions, including the spring musical.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA MUZZI

NDB junior Isabella Hildebrand-Veccia starred as Devina Arlington in “The Alibis.”

by Kayla Messick Staff Writer

This holiday season, many are excited about some COVID-19 restrictions lifting. So excited in fact, that many Christmas attractions are opening in San Francisco starting November 1st. Over the years, many have developed traditions of visiting their favorite places in the city every year with their families and friends during the holidays. NDB students shared where some of the most fun and popular places are to go, along with where their favorite places to go are.

San Francisco is a popular place to visit around the holidays. One of the most favored places to visit in the City is the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. It is set in a perfect location, close to many other places one might visit like Macy’s and downtown restaurants. Additionally, a large and beautiful Christmas tree is set up adjacent to the ice rink. It is a great location to visit with anyone, and will guarantee to get the visitor in the holiday mood.

The Holiday Ice Rink is NDB senior Kayla George’s favorite places to

KAYLA MESSICK / THE CATALYST.

Union Square is a popular destination for many during the holiday season. visit in San Francisco.

“I really like going to Golden Gate park for running,” said George.

“And Union Square with my friends during the holidays.”

Another favorite activity sure to interest many is the great selection of plays and musicals that are offered only around Christmas time. The most popular production is the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker that is playing from December 10-30th at the San Francisco Ballet.

The production “A Christmas Carol’’, put on by The American Conservatory Theater, is another fantastic option. The show will be running until December 26.

“My family and I always go up to the city and see a play a couple days be-

fore Christmas,” said NDB sophomore, Ryann LeyteVidal. “We go early in the morning and get breakfast and hot chocolate after. It is always really fun and I always look forward to it.”

Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf is also a fun place to visit around the holidays. There are tree lightings, performances, and a boat parade held by the St. Francis Yacht Club on a to-be-determined Friday in December. These multitude of events provide every person a diverse range of options, sure to catch anyone’s attention.

Hopefully families all around the Bay Area can take advantage of the fun things to do in San Francisco this holiday season, and have a great Winter Break.

ARTS & LIFE

Marvel releases new “Hawkeye” series

by Clair Sapilewski Managing Editor

“Hawkeye,” the newest release in a lineup of consistently amazing Marvel TV shows, came out on November 24.

Marvel shows have made the pandemic just a little less isolating.

Sometimes it just took a new episode to get through one more week of bad news and loneliness. The series of shows began with “WandaVision,” then “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Loki,” “What If,” and most recently, “Hawkeye.”

There was something in each show for everyone. Wanda’s grief and her journey through facing it was raw and relatable for many, especially in the face of the over five million deaths due to COVID-19.

“The Falcon And The Winter Soldier” delivered a potent message on racism and what it means to be an American. Especially after summer 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests, the show addressed a subject very current and imperative to the country.

The “Loki” show may seem a little less relatable on the surface level, but the character Loki dealt

with questions that every person must face at one point in their life. Self-acceptance and discovery are themes of the show.

The first two episodes of “Hawkeye” debuted on November 24 and were free to all Disney+ members. There will be six episodes total in the series, with the remaining four installments coming out weekly until December 22.

The show is set in the week before Christmas, working well with the timeline of release. “Hawkeye” has an impressive cast with Jeremy Renner joined by other accomplished actors like Hailee Steinfeild and Florence Pugh.

The first episode opened with the background story of Steinfeld’s character Kate Bishop, the hero who the story centers around. She has never been seen before in a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie.

Bishop’s background in archery, martial arts, fencing and gymnastics is shown before the real story begins and she finds herself in a tangled mess of problems.

The show also features Clint Barton or Hawkeye, watching a musical with his three kids.

Longtime fans of Marvel will get a few laughs as the

NDB’s top 5 holiday movies The Catalyst asked NDB students which Christmas classics they are planning to watch this holiday season.

“ELF” 30% “Elf” is a 2003 comedy film starring Will Ferrell.

The main character, Buddy, was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and was raised among Santa’s elves. Out of desperation for a sense of belonging, Buddy travels to New York in search of his real father and in the hopes of finding his “real” family.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVEL.COM

Marvel fans await the upcoming episodes of “Hawkeye.”

2012 Battle of New York is put on a Broadway stage with far more cheer than the devastating event warranted. Barton seems to be spending quality time with his family in an attempt to put his past behind him.

However, it comes back to haunt him. Fans should remember Barton’s alter ego, the vigilante serial killer Ronin, from “Avengers: Endgame.” Ronin’s old suit and sword resurfaced at an underground auction, setting a host of problematic events into motion and connecting the series’ two heroes.

By the end of the second episode, viewers had plenty to think about.

Hidden identities, a budding murder mystery, and new, complicated and nuanced characters are sure to keep fans glued to their seats every Thursday night.

It may be too early to call what Marvel fans will take away from “Hawkeye,” but judging by the impact of the last four shows, viewers will be impressed.

It is too early to say where the series will put the MCU in the end, but Marvel fans can expect “Hawkeye” to be a fun ride.

“HOME ALONE” 26.7% “Home Alone” is a comedic movie that came out in 1990. Young Kevin McCallister was accidentally left behind by his family who left for the holiday. Thinking that the entire McCallister family was going to be gone, two con men, Harry and Marv, were planning to rob them. Kevin has to protect himself and his home from the robbers.

“HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” 16.7 %

Concert safety in question after tragedy at Travis Scott’s Astroworld performance

by Brooke Horvai Senior Editor

The Astroworld disaster has changed the future for concerts everywhere. It is common knowledge that American rapper, Travis Scott, hosts a yearly festival known as Astroworld. The two-day concert extravaganza began in 2018 and takes place in Houston in November.

Due to Scott’s immense success and fame in the last five years, the festival has always been popular. In 2021, over 100,000 tickets were sold. The mass amount of attendees and limited security led to barricades being knocked over and hundreds of people rushing in. Throughout Scott’s set, people were overcrowded to the point of suffocation, causing a human stampede. The night ended with eight deaths on scene and two more passed away at the hospital.

Many people have criticized the way Astroworld handled the event.

However, the poor reaction has set a precedent for concert safety.

Aragon HS senior Luc Hernandez attended a FINNEAS concert at the SF Fillmore a few days before

Astroworld. He described the security as relaxed and casual.

“Outside [the venue] there were maybe six security guards,” Hernandez posited. “Most of them were just for processing, so you know, checking your vaccination card, your ticket, and guide you inside. When I was inside... I’d probably say the same amount, if not a little more.”

The Fillmore has a maximum occupancy limit of 1,300 people. Because of this, the surveillance does not need to be all-encompassing or uptight. The small crowd is easier to control, something that is much more difficult to do at a massive performance.

More recently, NDB junior Caramia Christenson attended the Harry Styles concert at the San Jose SAP Center. Scott’s performance took place about a week before Styles’ and had a significant impact on Styles’ concert.

“They [security] were definitely everywhere, making sure to see that everyone was taking safety precautions,” Christenson remarked.

As the world continues to go back to normal,

page 9

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a classic Christmas movie. The main character, the Grinch, is a heartless creature who hates Christmas. One Christmas, he meets Cindy Lou Who and he ends up changing his previous thoughts on Christmas.

“THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS”

13.3%

BROOKE HORVAI / THE CATALYST.

Artist FINNEAS played at the SF Fillmore Auditorium to a small and intimate audience. more and more concerts are being held. Yet, live performances are going to be permanently impacted by Astroworld.

“I think they’ll be a greater incentive for audience safety,” predicted Hernandez. “One of the big things that they [Astroworld] didn’t have was a proper amount of EMTs and security. Their numbers were way disproportionate to the actual audience.”

To uphold artists’ and venues’ image, it is in the best interests of the industry to put the audiences’ health first.

Citing a concert

in April, Christenson pondered the lasting consequences of Astroworld.

“I’m actually going to a rap concert in April and I’m a little bit scared because I do know people that are going to be in the pit,” she mentioned. “So I really hope that there’s a lot of security maintaining [safety], especially in the pit.”

The ripples of Astroworld will echo through the music industry for the foreseeable future. One can only hope that the change it brings will be for the overall benefit and welfare of its attendees.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is an animated dark fantasy film from 1993. The movie follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. He has become bored and comes across Christmastown. Jack plots to kidnap Santa Claus and take his place.

“NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION” 6.7% “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a 1989 comedy film. Clark Griswold wants to have a perfect family Christmas.

He invites his relatives over for the holidays, but things quickly start to get out of hand.

Information and photos complied by Natalie Nootbaar, Staff Writer.

SPORTS Volleyball goes to NorCal Playoffs

page 10

by Francesca Arbelaez Sports Co-Editor

The NDB volleyball team made it to the Central Coast Section (CCS) Championships and played their first match on Tuesday, November 2 at their home gym. This was the quarter final match in the fourth division against Terra Nova.

“Going to CCS was a great experience with this team, all of us worked hard to get to that point and it couldn’t have been more fun,” said freshman Adrianna Agresti.

The Tigers had just come off a loss to Mercy Burlingame, so they were in the spirit to win. The teams played three games and the first game was close with a score of 25-21. They built up momentum and won the second game 25-6.

After the second game, almost half of the crowd left, which might have been the reason they barely won the last game 25-23. NDB won the match with a total score

of 3-0.

“We reflect and really take in what we did right and use that to improve for the next game,” said junior Isabella Alvaro when asked how the team celebrates after a win.

Because they won, the Tigers went on to play Mercy Burlingame again in the semi-finals on Thursday, November 4 in their home gym. It was a rough match and it did not help that they lost their senior match to Mercy the week prior. They unfortunately lost all three games and did not move onto the Division IV finals.

“When we lose, I like to take some time to myself and take deep breaths, especially if it was a tough loss. When I talk to some of my teammates they can help me feel better,” said junior Chiara Mangan.

“But when it feels like we fought hard enough and left it all on the court, there is no reason to be upset about the loss.”

NDB volleyball

finished their season during the CCS game against Tamalpais on November 11 at their home gym.

This was their last official match with the Tigers and Hawks being very closely matched; it was a very heated game that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The first game ended in a loss of 21-25 and the second was another loss of 24-26.

“It was a really great experience to compete in CCS even though we did not win,” added Mangan, “I was really excited that we were going to get the chance to compete at a higher level. It wasn’t always certain that we were going to CCS, and there wasn’t much hope for making it, but when we did it felt really good to make it that far.”

Even though they lost, they played very well and the community is proud of them for coming this far. Hopefully they will be as fruitful next season.

ROBERT ROJAS / THE CATALYST

NDB sophomore Karly Bordin receives a set from senior Alexis Curry and jumps to spike the ball to Tamalpais.

How is NDB staying fit over the holidays?

by Emma Callicott, Sports Co-Editor

Aofie Rossiter, Sophomore

Ryann Leyte-Vidal, Sophomore

Kate Mahoney, Strength & Conditioning Coach

The Catalyst (TC): Are you planning on playing any NDB sports this winter season?

Aoife Rossiter (AR): No, I decided not to this winter, I just finished a fall sport and I will most likely be swimming in the spring, but I’m not doing anything for the winter.

The Catalyst (TC): Are you playing any NDB sports this winter?

Ryann Leyte-Vidal (RL): Yes, I am playing soccer for NDB this winter season.

The Catalyst (TC): How do you recommend staying fit for people that are doing winter sports at NDB over winter break.

Kate Mahoney (KM): So generally most of those winter sports will be practicing with their teams... If you do have days off around, you know, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, don’t just sit on the couch all day, get up at least just go for a walk or jog, just do something to stay active and keep your muscles moving.

TC: How will you stay fit over the break?

AR: I decided to join a club water polo team outside of school that some of my friends are joining. I played JV water polo for Notre Dame during the fall season which just ended. I think joining a club for this winter is not only good for my health, but also fun because I will still have an opportunity to socialize. I can play with my current friends and also maybe make new friends at the club. While still following COVID-19 mandates I can get in shape and ready for our next water polo season at NDB. I also enjoy going on runs and walks with my mom so we can work out together. We both have a membership to a workout center so we are able to go whenever and exercise and we both enjoy spending time together that way.

TC: How will you arrange to stay fit over the two week winter break?

RL: I am planning on staying fit over this winter break by going on runs or doing sprints everyday to keep up my endurance. I also plan to work on ball work and my technique... Over winter break it is hard sometimes to feel motivated, but I’m planning on keeping fit over this winter break. Soccer practice for school is going on during the break, but they pause over the 23-27 for the holiday. So during that time, in order to keep my fitness up I will go on runs or do sprints everyday to keep up my endurance.

I plan to work on ball work and my technique.

I will also make good life decisions by drinking more water and getting outside more often. By doing these things throughout the break I will be able to keep my fitness levels up.

TC: How do you recommend staying fit for people that aren’t doing winter sports at NDB? KM: Try to write on a schedule of what you can do each day and make it realistic about what you can actually do. If you don’t have any equipment at home, don’t write up for, like, strength workouts. If you can go for a walk, go for a walk, go for a run, or if you have a bike or a treadmill. Just make sure to write a program around what equipment you have at home and you can do, but honestly going for walks is the easiest thing to do and it’s good for burning calories.

SPORTS Varsity soccer starts their season

by Clair Sapilewski Managing Editor

Soccer, one of NDB’s winter sports, began tryouts the week of November 8 and had their first game on November 23.

The varsity team has a few key players out due to injuries, but still plans to have a great season with many new athletes on the team.

The soccer season typically lasts four to five months, beginning in November and often stretching out until April depending on how the WBAL League Championship game goes and if the team makes it to CCS.

The varsity team’s captains are chosen by Head Coach Paul McCallion and Assistant Coach Dave Heuer. This year, Makena Conneely and Catherine McGuire are the senior captains and Stella Affrunti is the junior captain. Unfortunately, two of the three captains, Conneely and Affrunti, have

been injured and are unable to play for the time being.

“We both tore our ACL,” Affrunti explained.

“We’re still totally incorporated into the team and our coach wants us to come to everything and is so supportive.”

The team also lost a number of excellent players over the past few years because they graduated.

Additionally, a number of the returning varsity players have not begun their NDB season because the club soccer season has not ended yet. This means that until they have recovered their usual players, the team must rely primarily on new members.

“There’s definitely talent in the new players,” said senior Ella Giguere.

“So we have a whole new team it feels like, but they look good.”

Leadership on the team is an essential aspect of soccer, and even more so when the team’s underclassmen have not had a

normal soccer season at NDB yet.

“I think that our leadership, both in students and coaches, is very strong,” senior Elle Rau said. “And I think that will become really, really important once the season gets going if we want to win league [games] and big championships.”

As a winter sport, soccer runs through both Thanksgiving break and winter break. Thanksgiving break came not long after the start of the season, so coaches are more lenient when it comes to athletes traveling. Winter break, however, comes when the team has already had numerous games and is nearing the height of the season.

“When it gets to winter break, then [soccer practice] is usually not mandatory,” Rau said. “But it is strongly advised that we do not travel, at least very far.”

As the season advances, the NDB soccer

Cross country season comes to a close

by Desea Bond Staff Writer

NDB’s cross country team had their final WBAL meet at the Crystal Springs course on Friday, November 5. NDB’s varsity team unfortunately didn’t qualify for the CCS Championships. However, the varsity team did have three individual qualifiers: Elle Rau, Megan Worry, and Annette Henderson.

The three runners competed at CCS on Saturday November 13. Luckily, the meet was held at Crystal Springs, a course they were well-accustomed to running on after having two meets there already this season. Despite high temperatures, the runners all performed well and powered through the many hills.

“It is a great way to end the season, especially as a senior,” shared Rau.

“Going to CCS is like one last chance to do your very best on the course and run a good race. I am not worried about racing, but rather about having regrets about my races.”

At the end of the last league meet, each team got the chance to honor and celebrate their seniors.

The seniors of each team in the WBAL were invited to stand up and receive flowers from their coaches. NDB’s five seniors Elle Rau, Kayla George, Clair Sapilewski, Emma Nilstoft and Peyton Daley were all given flowers, candy and posters. The team came together the week before to make this day special for the seniors, creating handmade posters and gift packs for each senior.

“Having this be my last year of cross country has been bittersweet. I am sad to see it go but excited for the time to try new

things,” said Nilstoft. “Our team is so incredible and I am going to miss practicing with them daily. It was definitely a hard race to run since I knew it was going to be my last, but having an amazing, supportive team made it so much fun.”

Overall, the team had a great season and finished off strong. Most members made a personal record at the final meet and everyone gave their all.

Each runner improved over the course of the season.

The team had an end-of-season dinner on Wednesday, November 17 to celebrate their work throughout the fall and hand out awards to team members. Junior Desea Bond received Most Improved, senior Kayla George got the Coaches’ Award, senior Ellie Rau was deemed Most Inspirational, and sophomore Megan Worry was given MVP.

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CLAIR SAPILEWKI / THE CATALYST

Senior and varsity midfielder Taleah Mendoza fends off a Hillsdale HS player during a home game on November 30. team is looking forward to building their team up again and staying strong throughout the winter season in order to perform well in their league and advance to championships towards the spring.

The team forms incredibly strong bonds

with each other throughout the winter season. Soccer’s ability to provide lasting friendships often draws athletes into the sport, but it also is important to winning games. Teamwork is essential, as any soccer player can tell you. A team that knows how to highlight

one another’s strengths will play well in games.

“I think our biggest strengths, honestly, are just kind of bonding with each other and understanding each other,” Affrunti said. “I think that really helps us then with our performance on the field.”

Basketball hosts Alumnae Game

DESEA BOND / THE CATALYST

The seniors are showered with love and gifts as they say goodbye to their last cross country season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBTIGERS

NBD graduates from years 2000-2021 attend the annual alumnae game to play against and watch their old teammates.

by Molly Phan Opinion Editor

The NDB varsity basketball team’s annual Alumnae Game took place on Wednesday November 24 to kick off the 20212022 season.

The Alumnae Game is an extremely important tradition for the NDB basketball athletes of all generations. Before their league games start, the varsity team plays against a group of NDB alumnae of various ages who played basketball during their high school years. This year, the alumnae team consisted of women who graduated in the last twenty years, with the oldest player being Jackie Nelson, Class of ‘00.

“I enjoy playing in the Alumnae Game every year I’m home. Getting to reconnect with old teammates, coaches, teachers, families and more is always

fun. It reminds you why we all decided to play basketball at Notre Dame in the first place,” said JV coach Megan Smith, Class of ‘15.

“Being a coach at NDB and getting to play in this year’s game added another layer of enjoyment and made it really special. Not only did I get to play the sport I love with some old and new teammates, I also got to play against girls who I’ve coached for the past two years. I’ll be looking forward to doing it again next year!”

Because many of the alumnae knew or have played with the varsity players, the game was partially fun and friendly, but mostly competitive. For the team, it was an opportunity to run plays, practice defense and prepare for their upcoming pre-season games that would begin the following week. The alumnae had the chance to show

off the skills they still had from their NDB basketball days.

The dynamic between the high school players and the alumnae during the game is exciting each year.

“At first, I was pretty nervous knowing that they were older and experienced, but when I started playing it was pretty fun,” said freshman varsity player Sofia Kwan.

The twenty-four minute game ended up close, but the varsity team came through and beat the alumnae 21-19. Afterwards, the players from both teams as well as coaches and families were invited into the dining hall for a dinner to catch up and celebrate the Alumnae Game tradition.

The game was a great way for the Tigers to kick off their season and reunite with past teammates.

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NEWS

Speaker Alison Nordt visits campus The culinary column NDB prides itself on its fresh, diverse food and unique menu curated by the Epicurean group.

From tostadas to curry, turkey to ravioli, NDB has served food from around the world. Certain dishes have stood out to students as the best.

Here are some of the highlights of November.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @NDBTIGERS

Alison Nordt presented on the James Webb space telescope and her leadership role in the project.

After the talk, students could see parts of the telescope up close and ask questions about her work.

by Emma Callicott Sports Co-Editor

On Thursday, November 18, speaker Dr. Alison Nordt came to talk to the NDB community about her experiences as the Director of Space Science and Instrumentation at Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center for the Women’s Leadership Program.

The presentation started off with a short video from NASA about the James Webb Space Telescope, a project which Nordt has been working on for 20 years. Her work focused on the camera inside the telescope, the Near InfraRed Camera (NIRCam).

The Webb Space Telescope has been made with the goal to see the first light in the universe. The

telescope will use the infrared light spectrum to see heat, allowing the telescope to look at stars and very old light. In her presentation, Nordt gave an overview of how the telescope works and described some of the challenges that came with building the large and complex instrument.

Due to the temperature sensitive nature of infrared light, the telescope has to stay cold while in space. Using a large sun shield to block the sun and earth’s heat, the telescope will stay cool enough for the instruments to operate correctly.

After many test runs, the Webb Space Telescope is currently set to launch December 22, 2021 at 4:20 AM Pacific Standard Time from French Guiana.

Nordt began her work on Webb in the early 2000s, but had wanted to be an astronaut ever since age three. She watched space launchings and other large space breakthroughs growing up, fueling her love of space. Although she did not become an astronaut, she worked on the most powerful space telescope created yet.

“Shoot for big, audacious goals and keep your eyes open and head up for opportunities along the way,” Nordt told the audience.

Before Webb, she became a mechanical engineer and still planned to be an astronaut. She went through an interview process, but she did not get calls back. Along the way, she began working on the Webb Space Telescope and

ended up becoming the program manager for NIRcam, dedicating two decades to this pursuit.

“Whatever becomes your endeavor, be passionate about it,” Nordt shared.

During her time working on the telescope, she was able to overcome many obstacles, including gender stereotypes regarding the field she worked in.

She spoke about how she was able to overcome these biases.

She explained that in many jobs such as hers, women have to work harder and more than men to get the same amount of recognition. However, her amazing work shows that women are capable of having leadership roles in STEM, providing inspiration for the NDB community.

Search for a new Head of School advances

by Clair Sapilewski Managing Editor

It has been nearly a year since NDB’s last Head of School, Maryann Osmand, left NDB. Dr. Linda Kern has been the Interim Head of School since Osmand’s departure.

In this past year, the Board of Directors established the Head of School Search Committee, a team that will search for a new leader for the school.

The search committee is composed of alumnae, staff, parents and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The new Head of School will start work for NDB in July of 2022. This means that the current seniors will likely never meet NDB’s new leader.

“July is that time when everybody’s sort of working to get ready for the next school year,” Interim Associate Head of School Jolanda Breazeale explained. “You want to make sure you can have them available so they can learn the basics.”

The Board has hired the search firm Carney Sandoe & Associates to help find the ideal individual. Both current staff and external candidates will be considered for the role. On the school website, a 12 page position description is posted. This acts somewhat like a school profile. The first half is an overview of NDB and the second half describes who the school is looking for.

When the Search Committee was first put together in May 2021, a survey was sent out to students, parents, staff and even alumni. The survey asked community members about what qualities they would like to see in a Head of School. Although the survey closed in June, those with questions can still email NDBHoSSearchTeam@ndhsb.org.

The survey results are available on the website. They state that one of the most important traits of NDB is the school’s academic excellence, and that the new Head of School

should focus on “Recruiting, Retaining and Compensating Quality Faculty” as well as being honest, trustworthy, and transparent.

The Head of School Search Committee sent an email to the community regarding the criteria they are looking for in the interview process. They hope to find a mission driven, relatable, collaborative and communicative leader.

The specifics of what each of these criteria entails is described in the email and the new tab on the school website titled “Head of School Search” under the “About Us” section.

The process began with a team collecting and reading the applications for the job. The initial check was to see if the applicants fit the general requirements for the position. NDB provided them with questions and a chance to share their personal statement. The six candidates who moved on from that step completed a panel via Zoom with members of the Board.

“Our questions give us insight into the person’s strengths,” Breazeale explained. “And then, based on that, we narrow it down.”

The next step of the process has the students involved. The final three candidates will visit NDB to see how they interact with the community. At this stage of the process, each student and staff member who had the opportunity to speak with the candidates will be sent a survey at the end of the day where they can talk about their experiences. This way, the candidates being reviewed are seen in person, where their character and suitability for the school can be better judged than it could from a paper resume.

“The idea with that part is to get students to meet the people, parents to meet the people, the Board of Directors gets to meet the people that we’re looking at,” Breazeale said.

“Because again, you can only get so much from paper.”

CLAIR SAPILEWSKI / THE CATALYST

Tostadas were for lunch on November 16. This meal was served in a make-your-own style where students chose from toppings such as carne asada, guacamole, black beans, sour cream, cilantro-lime rice, and pico de gallo.

The bowls were perfectly crispy and acted as the optimal vessel for a colorful array of food. The tostada bowls were unique and new, something that NDB has not tried before.

The meal was quite delicious and loved by students, and hopefully will be seen again on the menu soon.

CLAIR SAPILEWSKI / THE CATALYST

On November 19, students ate a Thanksgiving-inspired lunch complete with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a slightly confusing marshmallow casserole. Epicurean also decided to add mac and cheese to the traditional Thanksgiving foods, and it stole the show. Perfectly cooked and cheesy but not overly creamy, the dish was everything one could ask for when it comes to macaroni.

The turkey was cooked well and complemented the mac and cheese nicely, even though the two foods are not a traditional pair.

CLAIR SAPILEWSKI / THE CATALYST

Epicurean served kung pao chicken and tofu with steamed bok choy and lo mein noodles on November 30. The bok choy added color to the bowl and looked pretty, but proved to be hard to eat. NDB’s butter-knives did not cut it. Literally. On the other hand, the kung pao chicken or tofu had bell peppers, carrots and onions mixed in, which added both color and flavor. The noodles were excellent. Spiced perfectly and paired with delicious protein options, the noodles made the dish one of students’ favorites.