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As the situation with Archdiocesan handbook policies continues to draw attention, I wanted to reassure all of our Mercy community about the relevance this has on our school. There will not be any changes to our handbooks or contracts. Mercy is owned and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest Community. As a Catholic school, we foster and form our Catholic identity within the context of the charism of the Sisters. This charism, unique to the education of young women, fosters open minded intellectual inquiry within the context of compassion, hospitality and academic excellence.
We pray for the Archdiocesan schools and the archbishop that they may, within the next few months, negotiate a positive and collaborative solution to this situation.
Our hope is that, no matter which school a person chooses to attend, that they will choose one of our excellent Catholic schools, including Mercy, San Francisco. May these individuals be welcomed into a community of faith which fosters acceptance, tolerance and kindness.
Sincerely,
Dorothy J. McCrea, Ed.D. Principal, Mercy High School
3250 Nineteenth Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132
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FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE
Victoria Saitz '14 has published her first novel A Fairytale. In the book, two boys' lives are changed forever after a chance visit to a fortune teller sends them tumbling into a world where fairytales are reality. They soon find the land has been taken over by an evil queen and must face tax collectors, witches, pirates, and mermaids as they follow their new friends on a quest to take back the land and bring back all the happy endings. A Fairytale is available at Florey's Book Co. in Pacifica and online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It is geared for teens to adult.
MERCY GRAD JOINS A PRESTIGIOUS CATERING COMPANY
After graduating from Mercy High School, Kristina Wong '07 went on to San Jose State University for a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management degree.This February, 2015, after having gained experience in retail, food and events, Kristina was hired as a catering sales assistant at CuisineStyle by Pamela Keith in Burlingame, a company doing high-end catering and events. Among the company's client list are Apple, Google, Facebook, eBay, Oracle, and Stanford University.
We are happy to learn of her success, no doubt a result of her determination, passion and drive.
MERCY GRAD LANDS ON A MAGAZINE COVER Revel Wolf (formerly known as Denise Garcia '85), co-founder of Revel Wolf Collective, creates work environments that are wholly unique to one's culture. Each space is transformed into an area where people feel inspired to stay longer and work harder. Her design made the front page of Seattle Met Magazine's March issue. Click here to read more about her company.
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE EMPOWERS OUR STUDENTS
Many thanks to our Keynote Speakers: Dr. Lourdes Libre Barton '01 (Supervisor, Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Services, UC Davis Health System) and Patricia Gwilliam Ziegler '67 (Founder of Banana Republic, Writer and Entrepreneur). We had over 40 presenters for this amazing event on February 27, 2015. We are so grateful for our alumnae and community participation.The conference was a great success and inspired our students to "Dare To Dream"! We appreciate the time many of you took out of your busy schedule to join us and thank you for sharing your insights and expertise with our young women. Your willingness to volunteer your time, energy and support on behalf of Mercy High School was greatly appreciated.
Katalina Mendoza '18 found Dr. Libre-Barton's speech "very inspirational" and her life experiences similar to her own. Jessie Lin '18 was impressed with how founder of Banana Republic, Ms. Ziegler "started with really simple things and grew them into a famous brand."
RECONNECT: 2015 Reunions and Events
Class of 1965 Golden Diploma Reunion
Save the Date! The Mercy High School Class of 1965 will celebrate their 50th graduation anniversary "Golden Diploma Reunion." Please mark your calendars. We look forward to welcoming you back to your alma mater.
DATES:
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Luncheon Committee: Anne Scully '65 and Joanne Sehorn Cooper '65
Luncheon at Original Joe's, San Francisco. A time to share memories, photos and celebrate!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Committee Chair: Irene Eccher '65
Mercy Day Eucharistic Liturgy with the Mercy student body, faculty and staff, celebrating the founding of the House of Mercy by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland. The liturgy will include the Class of 1965 as honored guests and the 50th Golden Diploma commemoration followed by a campus tour, program and luncheon in Rist Hall.
Please email amagnusen@mercyhs.org for additional information.
All Class Reunion - Save the Date
Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | McAuley Pavilion | $35 per person
Begin your summer getting reacquainted with old friends at the Mercy High School, San Francisco All Class Reunion. Consider reconnecting with your classmates, reliving the moments of your high school years, and rediscovering your alma mater.
Wine (21 and over) and hors d'oeuvres reception; photo booth fun
Full access to Mercy High School for campus tours Invitation and online access reservations available in March 2015
Would you be able to serve as a class coordinator? This person works in conjunction with our Advancement Office to invite all members of your class to attend and helps plan additional activities for the class (if so desired). If you would be willing to serve as the class coordinator for your class or plan your reunion separate from the All Class Reunion, please contact Audrey Magnusen, Director of Advancement and Alumnae Relations: 415.337.7218 or amagnusen@mercyhs.org.
Additional Reunions and Connections
1970 (45 Years)
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| Need Volunteers
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1975 (40 years)
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Date:
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Saturday, October 10, 2015
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| Time: | TBA |
| Location: | Rist Hall, Mercy High School
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| Coordinator: | Mary Coyne '75 | 1980 (35 Years)
| Coordinators:
| Need Volunteers
| 1985 (30 years)
| Coordinators:
| Need Volunteers
| 1990 (25 Years)
| Coordinators:
| Need Volunteers
| 1995 (20 years)
| Coordinators:
| Joy Rodrigues-Guandique '95 & Lenie Santos-Ugaitata '95
| 2000 (15 Years)
| Coordinators:
| Need Volunteers
| 2005 (10 years)
| Coordinators:
| Laura Nelson '05 (coordinating with All Class Reunion) |
Attention Class of 1957
Marilyn Mitchell Brook '57 organizes a lunch group that meets twice yearly in the Spring and Fall for fun get togethers. Any '57 alumnae who would like to join may email Marilyn Mitchell Brook.
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| Announcements | 
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Support Mercy High School as your giving choice for 2015!
The collective support of alumnae, parents and friends has generated funds for Mercy's most critical need: tuition assistance. We are asking you to consider a Spring gift this year to help us reach our Annual Goal of $1,000,000 by June 30, 2015! It doesn't take a large donation to have a big impact. Gifts to Mercy's Annual Fund, whether $25 or $2,500, create one of the school's most significant sources of support. Click here to make an online donation. If you have already made a gift to MERCY HIGH SCHOOL for 2014-15, thank you!
Support the Parent Giving Campaign
Support Mercy High School's campaign to replace all the existing seats in the theatre. We are currently at 31% Parent Giving.
Our goal is for 100% parent participation at $200 per family, but any donation possible will raise our goal. Payments can be made online. Choose Parent Giving on this page.
Thank you for all your support! You are truly making a difference in the lives of our amazing young women.
The Technology Department recycles used cell phones, laser toner and inkjet cartridges throughout the school year. Please have students drop off items in the Computer Lab, room 319.
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WITA INTERPRETS "DARE TO DREAM" THEME IN 3D
 The WITA students recently created 3D interpretations of Mercy's school year theme, "Dare to Dream" -- an installation art project that held ground in the courtyard outside the McAuley Art Pavilion. The installation which incorporated doors as portals into the students' dreamscapes, spoke to dreams as oases in a concrete, hectic world. Plants and other living elements referred to the vibrant qualities of our dreams, and how important it is to allow space for them to thrive.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES CLASS BRINGS GOSPEL TO LIFE
Recently, the Foundations of Religious Studies classes covered two passages from the Gospel according to Matthew: "Salt and Light" and "Jesus Walks on Water." The two were selected to emphasize that when we shine our light, or when we act from the authenticity of our true self, we can do even the impossible. Mr. Kevin Pease, the teacher of this class, interpreted Jesus' call for truth through movement, using tea light candles to represent our light and water to convey the healing power of the miraculous in our lives.
SPIRITED WEEK AT MERCY Spirit Week started on Monday, March 2nd and ended with a high energy rally in the Catherine McAuley Pavilion on Friday, March 6th. Each day leading up to the rally had a theme and students who came to school dressed to the theme of the day received class participation points in homeroom. This year's junior class won for the most students dressed to theme over the five days - way to go class of 2016! Photo shows the Freshmen getting into the spirit of the end-of-week rally.
WITA STUDENTS VISIT KEITH HARING EXHIBIT
The Women in the Arts (WITA) students had a busy February. They showed their artwork, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional, in their annual WITA exhibition and had a reception on Thursday, February 12, in the McAuley Gallery. The next day, Friday, February 13, the group traveled with Ms. Gail Bennett and four WITA mother volunteers to the de Young Museum to view the final weekend of Keith Haring-The Political Line, which was the premiere United States exhibition.
The group of 24 students toured the exhibition with their individual chaperones and used an assignment that was available on their electronic devices. Students were asked to take photographs to document different categories as they walked through this exhibition.
This photo shows WITA students from the Class of 2018 posing with one of Keith Haring's three-dimensional sculptures just outside of the museum. Pictured from left to right are: Alexandra Lewis '18, Sophia Fulton '18, Athena Go '18, Claire Wiater '18, and Kea James '18.
SUPPORT THE NEW MERCY STUDENT STORE
Mercy High School has a brand new student store selling one-of-a-kind Mercy apparel, sports specific wear, and other items certain to raise that Mercy spirit! The store is open every Red Day during both lunches. All proceeds from the store go to the Athletics Booster Club to help fund our fantastic Mercy athletes!
EXPLORING ETTY HILLESUM
Mercy's tradition of an annual all-school book came alive in a new way this semester. We hosted playwright and actor Susan Stein for a performance of the one-woman show Etty, based on the writings of Etty Hillesum. All students studied excerpts from Hillesum's diary and letters-written during her imprisonment at Westerbork transit camp-as preparation for viewing the play. Susan, accompanied by Holocaust survivor Jacob Boas, remained on campus for two full days, visiting classes, sharing expertise, and engaging with students. In the photo above, Susan and Jacob are visiting an Art class, in which students created prayer flags incorporating Holocaust-related symbols.
DANCE ENSEMBLE PERFORMS AT THE VISION SERIES

Mercy's 14th year performing in Dance Repertory's Vision Series at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason was a day to remember! Five dancers on Mercy's Dance Ensemble performed Nicole Nastari's piece Stay Here on Saturday. On March 7, 2015, the dancers spent the entire day at the Cowell Theater bonding with their buddies from Capuchino High School and Mathis Reed Dance Company, taking master classes and piecing together/rehearsing a fantastic "chance dance" that included all the performers. The day ended in a concert of dance that showcased dancers from all over the Bay Area - hundreds of dancers were involved and were inspired through this collaborative effort!
FACULTY MEMBERS BIKE IT TO THE MARIN HEADLANDS
Ms. Jennifer Kramer and Ms. Jupei Hsiao made their way to the faculty/staff retreat on March 11 by using "pedal power." The retreat day at Nature Bridge in the Marin Headlands was facilitated by Catherine Regan, Ph.D. - a Mercy Associate, psychologist, spiritual director, and leader of Centring Prayer.
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| Upcoming Events |  |
March 2015
Tuesday, March 17
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Wednesday, March 18: 6pm
Parent Guild Meeting
Friday, March 20
Red Minimum Day
Tuesday, March 24: 9:45am
Lenten Liturgy of the Word
Friday, March 27: 5pm
International Food Festival
Saturday, March 29
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Tuesday, March 31
Lenten Food Drive ends
April 2015
Wednesday, April 1: 9:45am
Holy Week Liturgy of the Word
Thursday, April 2
Holy Thursday - No Classes
Friday, April 3
Good Friday - No Classes
Sunday, April 5
Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord - Easter Sunday
April 6-10
Easter Vacation
Monday, April 13
Classes Resume
April 17, 18, 24, 25: 7pm
Spring Musical "The Wiz"
Sunday, April 19: 11am
Class of 2019 Welcome Reception
April 22-24
Junior/Senior Overnight Retreat
Monday, April 27
Senior Holiday
Wednesday, April 29
College Sweatshirt Day for Seniors
Thursday, April 30: 9:45am
Easter Eucharistic Liturgy
May 2015
Friday, May 1
Earth Day/Spring Day - Special Schedule
Friday, May 1: 7pm
Junior/Senior Prom
Saturday, May 2: 4pm
All School Reunion
Saturday, May 9: 6pm
Booster Club Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner & Awards
Friday, May 15
Red Minimum Day
Saturday, May 16: 6pm
Visual & Performing Arts Red Carpet Awards Dinner
Sunday, May 17: 1pm
Art & Soul Exhibit
May 20 & 21: 7pm
Visual & Performing Arts Festival
Friday, May 22: 7pm
PAA Student Directed Performances
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day Holiday - No Classes
May 26-28
Final Exams - Special Schedule
Thursday, May 28: 6pm
Senior Celebration Dinner
Friday, May 29: 9am
Senior Awards Assembly
Saturday, May 30: 10:30am
Graduation Eucharistic Liturgy
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International Food Festival
Friday, March 27, 2015
McAuley Pavilion 5:00 pm
Spring Musical: The Wiz
April 17, 18, 24, 25, 2015
Mercy Theatre
7:00 pm
Junior Senior Overnight Retreat April 22-24, 2015 Presentation Center, Los Gatos
Athletics Hall of Fame Saturday, May 9,2015
Rist Hall, Mercy High School
7:00 pm | $25 per person
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