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November 19, 2013
 
 

 
  
 
 
Being part of the Carondelet community means that we can come together in prayer and support each other in times of need.  Today we ask that you join us in praying for the nearly 2 million people (including friends and family of our Carondelet community) who were displaced and nearly 4,000 (and rising) people who have died from the typhoon that hit the Philippines on November 8.  

God of Gentle Love, 

We remember our brothers and sisters of the Philippines who have suffered great loss from the typhoon. So many are without food, water, a home, or a loved one. Protect and comfort your people, O God. Stir up the world community in response to this devastation. Create in us generous and compassionate hearts as we respond to the needs of your people.  

Amen

 

Please also consider making a donation to the American Red Cross through this link.  Students may bring their donations to their 4th period.  We will then make one donation from Carondelet next Tuesday.  


  

Parents, former parents, current students, alums and friends of CHS are quickly making reservations for our Visions of Christmas Teas. We are excited to welcome 300-450 guests per day to Carondelet for these wonderful Teas and need your help in making this a special event.  However, with less than 2 weeks remaining, we must have more volunteers!  Those of you who have helped in the past know how much fun it is!  Those of you who are new to it, don't worry, we train!  Volunteering opportunities range from baking cookies or making sandwiches in the comfort of your own home to joining in the festivities and serving at one of our teas.  

 

  

We are also in need of several individuals to help with the volunteer coordination during the week of events.  If interested, please contact Kathleen Henggeler Russell at 686-5353 ext. 151 or [email protected].

 

 

If you have ANY trouble signing up, call or email Christina Ditzel at 925.686.5353 x112 or [email protected].
  

 

HOW TO SIGN UP:

  1. Follow this link to the Volunteer Opportunities page.
  2. Click "register for an event" to log into CERVIS*
  3. All Visions events are sorted by date and general category (i.e. cookies, food, general) and to see all the different opportunities, first click on the date. 
  4. Next, you will see a list of opportunities for that day. Now all you have to do is click on the slot you'd like and submit your request. 
This is a GREAT way to become involved in your daughter's school and make a difference. Plus, you will receive credit towards your PIP hours for the 2013-2014 school year!
 

 

*If you have never logged into CERVIS, please be sure to follow the directions outlined on the volunteer page or in this video.  Do NOT create a new account.  You already have a CERVIS account and only need to activate it.  IF you have any trouble logging in, contact Christina Ditzel  [email protected]

  

 

 

GoldieBlox Breaks into Toys R Us
 

Did you know that early voice recognition software only recognized male voices, and that the first airbags in automobiles were tailored for adult males, resulting in injuries to women and children? Knowing that only 11% of engineers in the U.S. are women explains how we may not get the best design that represents us all, and highlights the need for women to join that workforce. Now and in the near future some of the best opportunities to be creative, to be leaders, and to make a difference in solving the world's problems will be open to those who are comfortable using science and technology. 

 

The Carondelet science department has been spending long hours this spring and fall discussing the most recent findings on what influences girls' attitudes toward science and technology, and the best ways to get girls interested in and confident in their abilities to pursue coursework and careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields. It has been fascinating, and we are looking to make changes soon in our science curriculum at CHS that we hope will give girls the confidence and the knowledge to get past stereotypes and picture themselves designing a better future for us all. 

 

If you are interested in reading on the topic you might want to look at "Why So Few: Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics", a lengthy study done by the AAUW, working with the National Science Foundation.  If you would rather watch a light-hearted video on one young female engineer's solution to overcoming the gender bias in little girls' toys try this.  While we're not endorsing products, the idea of getting little girls to have fun building things is actually an important idea, and if you like what you see, you can vote for this small business to get a slot in the ads for the Super Bowl! 

 

You go girl! 

 

 

 

Last Tuesday the last religious studies class of sophomores went on their one-day Corazon Retreat at the Lafayette Retreat Center.  Focusing on the theme "Women of Heart" the sophomores explored their own potential and spirituality. 

 

Here are some of their comments: 

 

The retreat was "a great experience.  I felt a real connection to God.  The retreat was very relaxing and inspirational.  I learned that everyone has a story and I was happy to form bonds with my sisters in the class." --Mychele

 

"As the peer counselors did more explaining about their love for CHS and their sisters, it opened my eyes and let me see that I am surrounded by amazing people and go to a great school, so I should act like it." --Christina

 

"This retreat, especially the peer counselors inspired me to become a woman of heart and to live up to my full potential."        --Emily

 

The most helpful part of the retreat was "Learning how to relax myself better and meditate.  When I got back I had to go straight to tryouts and it was a very stressful time but I was able to calm down."  --Claire

 

This retreat "made me realize that I should love myself more because God created me the way he wanted, and in his eyes I'm perfect."  --Jane

 

This retreat "emphasized the importance of being supportive, strengthened friendships and inspired a closer connection to God and those around me." --Sarah

 

This retreat "inspired me to become a better version of myself and to become more comfortable with the idea of being open to others." --Nicole

 

This retreat "made me enforce the fact that it's okay to be different and to never change just for someone else's benefit.  It helped me learn to always stay true to myself."  --Emily

 

Hats off to the amazing teachers, Sister Mary, Mrs. Sullivan and Ms. Carey for ALL the ways they helped prepare their students and continue to find ways to live out the retreat.

 

Special thanks also to the 30 inspirational senior Peer Counselors whose team leadership each week of the retreat touched the hearts of the sophomores!    

 

 

 

Recently eight of our student athletes signed their National Letter of Intent or Letter to Commit.  Congratulations to the following students:


 
Kylie Baumgartner, University of Texas El Paso - Volleyball
Makenzie Cast, Loyola Marymount - Basketball
Madison Castelein, Ohio State - Lacrosse
Blake Haverty, CSU Monterey Bay - Golf
Cierra Kocik, San Diego State - Lacrosse (not pictured)
Isabella Perez, Bentley University - Volleyball
Natalie Romeo, University of Nebraska - Basketball
Riley Shaw, UC Irvine - Water Polo

Don't forget to come out and support our athletes.  Go Cougars!

 

 

elvesElves on Campus
  

Santa's elves are out collecting for Visions of Christmas every morning this week.  No need to get out of your car just hand your cash, check or gift card out the window to one of the elves and drive away with the knowledge that you are helping all our students. 

 

Every dollar counts!  

 

Did you know that last year's $227,000 in Visions proceeds helped with the over $1.1 million dollars in tuition assistance granted to nearly 25% of our student population for the

2013-2014 school year?  This year's proceeds will support programs and provide opportunities that benefit each and every Carondelet student.  Every dollar given, every item donated, every event attended, and every hour of time and talent shared makes a difference.  Thank you to all of you that make Visions a success!

 

 

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Jingle"Jingle All the Way" Contest

 

The "Jingle All the Way" Visions of Christmas Contest for students will run through Friday, November 18.  For every gift card or cash donation your daughter drops off in the Inner Court during lunch time she will be entered into a drawing for special prizes (Chipotle or Jamba Gift Card).  
 
The drawing will be held on Friday, November 18 at the end of lunch.  One student from each class (freshman, sophomore, junior and senior) will be drawn to receive a prize.  

Visions raises funds to provide opportunities for all of the students and this is an effort to raise awareness of just that within our student population.  Every dollar counts, it's the participation that matters.

 

psChecking PowerSchool 

 

Did you know that there are only 4 weeks left before semester 1 finals?  Have you checked your daughter's grades or attendance in PowerSchool this quarter?  

 

Please log in at: http://www.wintondrivedistrict.org/public/

 

Forgot your login or need some help logging in?

Please contact Mitch Ward at [email protected].

 

 

capClass of 2014 - Cap & Gown Orders 

 

This Wednesday, November 20 is the last day for seniors to turn in their cap and gown orders, formal announcements, etc. to Jostens at lunch time in the Inner Court.

 

There are no fees associated with ordering the cap and gown.

 

 

CCCClass of 2014 - From College and Career

 

Financial Aid Evening

Parents/guardians of the Class of 2014 do you have questions or concerns about paying for college? If so, please mark your calendars for the joint CHS and DLS Financial Aid Information Evening to be held on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Garaventa Center.  Mr. Norman Caito, Director of Financial Aid at the University of San Francisco will be speaking to Carondelet and De La Salle families about the different types of financial aid including the Cal Grant program and the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This is an important meeting for all senior parents, regardless of whether or not you think you qualify for financial aid.

 

CSU/UC Applications are due November 30

We advise all seniors to submit their CSU and UC applications well in advance of the deadline in order to avoid any potential problems. Submitting applications just prior to application deadlines can be time consuming and very frustrating as systems get overloaded, slow down, and even crash. It is particularly important that seniors have these applications checked by their CHS College Counselor to ensure that all self-reported courses and grades are properly entered. Please remind your daughter to make an app check appointment prior to the Thanksgiving break. 

 

 

pipopPIP Hour Opportunities

 

Visions of Christmas: Various opportunities available!  Sign up TODAY. 

 

Sign up for these, and other PIP opportunities on the "Parent Volunteer Opportunities" page of the CHS website. 

 

If you have trouble signing up, please contact Christina Ditzel [email protected] or 925 686-5353 x112.  Do NOT create a new account in CERVIS.

 

Did you know you don't have to wait until the Tuesday E-Newsletter to sign up for PIP hours?  Simply visit the "Parent Volunteer Opportunities" page on the CHS website to see PIP opportunities as they become available. 

 

 

FinanceFrom the Finance Office

 

Beginning January 2014, any returned checks (i.e. NSF or Closed Accounts) for any activities or fees will be added to your

Smart Tuition account, with a $15 return check fee for collection in the next month's payment. 

 

 

 
Last week in the Model UN recognition article, Samantha Miller '16 was incorrectly listed as receiving one of the Exceptional Delegate Awards.  It was the senior, Samantha Miller '14 who received the award.  We apologize for this mistake and any confusion. 

 
 
eventsUpcoming Events
  • Wednesday, November 20: Grad Orders Due, lunch in the Inner Court
  • Thursday, November 21: CHS/DLS Company Production of CLUE, 7:00 p.m. in the DLS Theater 
  • Friday, November 22: Juniors & Seniors Dress Uniform
  • Monday, November 25: Winter Sports Parent Night, 7:00 p.m. in the Garaventa Center
  • Tuesday, November 26:  Mothers in Prayer Group, 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel;  Senior Grad Orders Due, 12:00 in the Inner Court 
  • Tuesday, November 26: Thanksgiving Prayer (Special Schedule), Dress Uniform

 

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Contact  -  Questions  -  Submissions 

 

Christina Ditzel '97

1133 Winton Drive

Concord, CA 94518

(925) 686-5353 ext. 112

[email protected]

www.carondelet.net

 

Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions,  

photos or other contributions for the newsletter or website.  

 

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CARONDELET HIGH SCHOOL

1133 Winton Dr.     Concord, CA 94518     P. 925.686.5353     F. 925.671.9429