Currently we are collecting all of the necessary information for our Awards Ceremony this month, and we are preparing students for their graduation or their new class schedule for 2014-2015. We are also following up on 130 resident and international applicants to grades 9-11 for next year in an effort to grow the school. Historically, the school has seen 65-70% of the applicants so we are following up with each potential new or transfer student with our trademark "Tiffany's/Nordstroms" customer service. All students, parents, faculty, and staff have been instrumental in this effort, so thank you.

Speaking to this, on May 5th we hosted 14 Chinese Education Consultants. On my recruiting visit to China, I met with the VP of 3W International as well as many representatives of some of the biggest student placement agencies throughout China; on May 5th we had representatives from most of those agencies visiting us. The VP, Cissy, also came as their tour guide and liaison. They met with Ms. Marheineke, Mr. Walker, and me as they toured the campus to visit classrooms, take pictures of the campus, and eat the food our three current Chinese students eat from the Carmona's lunch truck. It was a whirlwind visit but a worthwhile one to further brand and market who we are. We will start marketing to Europe, Russia, and Brazil this summer in an effort to grow students from around the world. Our vision remains true as we continue to ensure that every student is a good Christian and honest citizen of the world as well as able to attend the college of his or her choice. We will retain our Catholic, Salesian values and be the college preparatory school of choice with an international student population. Our students will be global citizens that lead, serve, and inspire!

Mr. Walker and I met with the seniors on May 8th while the rest of the school participates in speeches and elections. The focal points of our talk with the seniors were grades, attendance, making reasonable choices, dress code for school and social events, mandatory attendance at all graduation activities, caring for one another, and the school policy on pranks of any kind. Please ask your senior the contents of our conversation to help reinforce good decision making these last few weeks of school. Together we will get them all through happy and safe.

It is with some sadness that I report that Ms. Brockschmidt will not be finishing out the year or returning next fall. We appreciate her leadership and commitment to serving our students. She had a direct impact on student academic support and success that often leads to higher student retention, and she was a leader in facilitating curriculum development. We want to keep her and her daughter in our prayers as she transitions into the next phase of her life, and we transition forward with her replacement. Currently, Mr. Walker and I will divide up the duties of her office to finish out this year. If you have any questions about academics, books, schedules, challenge exams, etc. from the Assistant Principal of Academics office, please contact Ms. Lina Silva, and she can direct your question to either Mr. Walker or myself. Ms. Silva is available at 831.724.5933, extension 222.

On June 2nd, we will have the BAC set up with tables and bleachers for students to share or sell their books. This will start at 3 pm. Our current book vendor, ESCO, will not be sending anyone out (at this point) because our book buys through them were so small. We are coordinating with them to get the necessary materials to facilitate any book returns for students who do not want to sell them to a peer. We will have MerryMart here for uniform purchase and orders. Mr. Walker will send out the updated uniform choices for next year very soon, and we know you will be happy with our evolution. Current uniforms will be grandfathered in as we look to update our brand, logos, and colors. That night we will host a football meeting for all potential football families in B4 as well as a meeting for graduated seniors who will be attending the Grad Night Trip in the Art Room. The Senior Grad Night is an unsanctioned event that parents organize for their graduated senior. These parents will meet in E1 that night, and as we confirm the time we will let you know.

This year Mr. Cmaylo and Mr. Bare took our students on a science field trip to Costa Rica, and it was a great success. I have been meeting with our World Language teachers, Ms. Savannah Gray and Ms. Azalia Felix, who are looking at creating a field trip to Spain in the summer of 2015. This would be a 2 to 3 week cultural experience along with studies at a Spanish university. When we complete the entire proposal, we will begin advertising for this opportunity. Mr. Cmaylo and Mr. Bare shared their valuable experience with the entire staff at a faculty meeting last week and committed to taking students on science field trips every other year. Stay tuned for more information on these exciting opportunities for all of our students!

Patrick Lee

President and Principal