CARDINAL WEEKLY

From the Division Principal
On Tuesday morning, I went with the Toddlers to their playground. Usually, when these one-year-olds are outside, they like to build in the sandbox, push toys with wheels, and play with an assortment of small toys.

However, on this morning, one of their teachers had planned a new activity. She covered the entire surface of a sensory table with a large piece of paper; set the table on the ground; and added three large, slick paint sticks. Right away, one of the children reached over the side of the tub, picked up a stick, and made a mark. Curious about the result, she turned it over and looked closely at the stick, drew again, touched the stick, and then dug into it with her fingers. Now the color was on her fingers. She tried another color and repeated the process. Looking at her fingers, she attempted to put them in her mouth, but was quickly stopped before she could learn what they tasted like.

Another child was curious and chose to crawl into the sensory tub and sit on the paper to make her marks with the paint sticks. Rather than digging into the paint stick, she repeatedly rubbed the ends of two sticks together, each time stopping to look at both colors as if she was expecting that somehow something would change.

Just seeing these two children makes one realize that each one of us perceives things differently. We see our youngest learners, still unable to verbalize, immersing themselves in the materials. They investigate with their eyes, hands, sense of smell, taste, and touch.

How might they continue their explorations? Individually, they use their methods and strategies for getting to know and understand the materials. Eventually, they will use this knowledge to choose which tools they want to use to create a piece of art.

Warmly,

Carole Magaldi
Interim Early Childhood Division Principal
 

Enrichments Begin Monday
Our Preschool and Pre-K students started Chapel last week. Beginning this Monday, October 2, Preschool and Pre-K students will attend Library with Ms. Adair, Music with Mr. Roberts, and Fitness Fun with Mrs. Dietz. Please do your best to arrive at school on time so that your child does not miss out on these fun and valuable classes. 

No School on October 6
Mark your calendars! Due to Fall Break, there is no school on Friday, October 6.

Photo Proofs Available + Makeup Pictures Are Tomorrow
Those who participated in Picture Day should have received a printed proof of their photo, including instructions for purchase.

Want a photo retake? You’re in luck! Makeup Picture Day is tomorrow—Friday, September 29—for those who were absent or are interested in a retake. If participating, simply let your child know to be prepared with a big smile!

From the Division Principal
Thank you to those of you who attended the Coffee and Conversation meeting with me on Tuesday. It was great to be able to spend some time with you.

For anyone who wasn’t able to attend, please know that I am always willing to meet or speak. Working as partners with you—the families of St. John’s—is very important, and I value your feedback, questions, and ideas.

Sincerely, 

Ryan Bourke
Elementary Division Principal
 

Cinderella Play Tickets Go on Sale Sunday
Beginning this Sunday, October 1, at 1:00 p.m., Cinderella play tickets will be available for purchase on the Creative Kids Playhouse website here. Reserve your seat now to guarantee your spot in the audience for this fun-filled play!

Flag-Raising + Cardinal Character Recognition Ceremony Is Monday
Elementary Division parents and guardians are welcome to join us this Monday, October 2, at 8:00 a.m. for our weekly Flag-Raising Ceremony. On this day, we will also hold our first Cardinal Character Recognition. If your child has been selected to receive Cardinal Character Recognition, you will have been notified in advance.
 

Next Thursday: Students Will Follow Friday Schedules
Due to the Fall Break, next Thursday, October 5, is a Friday Flip Day. All students will follow their Friday schedules.
 

No School on October 6
Mark your calendars! Due to Fall Break, there is no school on Friday, October 6. 
 

Grades 3-5: Bestselling Author to Visit and Sign Books on October 17
On Tuesday, October 17, New York Times–bestselling author Jennifer Chambliss Bertman will visit with third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students during a special presentation she has crafted for our Cardinal Community. Ms. Bertman penned the popular series Book Scavenger, and is also an author of one of the novels on the Battle of the Books list, Sisterhood of Sleuths.

• Ms. Bertman has generously offered to sign copies of her books while she is visiting for the day! If you and your upper elementary student are interested in this option, please purchase one of her books through a local bookstore or wherever you may buy books. This purchased book must be given to Ms. Adair no later than Friday, October 13. It is imperative that you write your child’s name on a sticky note and place it on the purchased book so that Ms. Adair and Ms. Bertman know who owns the book.
• To learn more about Ms. Bertman’s books, visit her web page here.  
• Please feel free to email Ms. Adair with any questions. 

Photo Proofs Available + Makeup Pictures Are Tomorrow
Students who participated in Picture Day should have received a printed proof of their photo, including instructions for purchase.

If you would like a photo retake, you’re in luck! Makeup Picture Day is tomorrow—Friday, September 29—for those who were absent or are interested in a retake. If participating, simply let your child know to be prepared with a big smile! 

From the Division Principal
We are heading into the first week of October: the days are getting shorter, the sun is setting sooner, the nights are getting cooler, and the school year is in full swing! The classes are beginning to develop their individual personalities, and while each is different, there is one common thread that binds them all together—they are enthusiastic and passionate learners!

They are curious, and they want to learn more about the world around them. They engage us in open-ended questions daily. St. John’s students require us to answer with so much more than a yes or a no. They challenge teachers and parents to explain the “Why,” the “How,” and the “What,” and we need to do the same in return.  

Children spend a good portion of time at school, and I am sure you want to know about their day. Next time your child gets in the car, dare to ask an open-ended question that encourages them to extend their thinking, increase their language development, and give meaning to their experiences. For instance, the following questions will invite conversation: 

• What was the best part of your day? The hardest part of your day? 
• Tell me about one of your friends at school. 
• Who do you eat lunch with, and what do they eat for lunch? 
• What are you reading? Tell me about it. 
• What is the funniest thing that happened today? 
• What do your friends do after school? 
• What is the most interesting thing you learned today? 
• What is your plan for . . . ? 
• Why do you think that happened today? 

These types of questions boost critical thinking, because there are no right or wrong answers. They give children the opportunity to think through different possibilities. They spark creative thinking because children can think beyond the obvious and utilize their imagination. They increase communication since the answers require more than one-word responses, encouraging children to stretch their vocabulary. And they build confidence because they empower children to express their thoughts and ideas with others.

Open-ended questions are a powerful means to learn about what children are interested in and further their development. When we take an interest, we create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing and expressing themselves, and they flourish in ways we never knew were possible. 

Sincerely, 

Sheryll Grogan 
Middle Division Principal

No School on October 6
Mark your calendars! Due to Fall Break, there is no school on Friday, October 6.
 

Congrats, Student of the Week Winners!
Congratulations to our Student of the Week winners! Click on each student’s name below to learn a little more about him or her:

• Caelin T., Eighth-Grade Student of the Week
• Ryan M., Seventh-Grade Student of the Week 
• Britain M., Sixth-Grade Student of the Week

MD Students Shine at the Model United Nations Conference
Last Saturday, students in the Model United Nations (MUN) elective had the opportunity to participate in the South Orange County Model United Nations, a MUN conference hosted by Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Middle Division students Amaar B., Ronan L., Ishaan P., Zack S., and Samna V. took on the role of delegates from the country of Angola, participating in various committees that focused on global issues including malnutrition, deforestation, and clean energy. Our students gave speeches, collaborated with students from all over the region, and drafted resolutions to the different issues. The day proved to be a wonderful experience for our MD students!
 

Middle Division: Bestselling Author to Visit and Sign Books on October 17
On Tuesday, October 17, New York Times–bestselling author Jennifer Chambliss Bertman will visit with Middle Division students during a special presentation she has crafted for our Cardinal Community. Ms. Bertman penned the popular series Book Scavenger, and is also an author of one of the novels on the Battle of the Books list, Sisterhood of Sleuths.

• Ms. Bertman has generously offered to sign copies of her books while she is visiting for the day! If you and your Middle Division student are interested in this option, please purchase one of her books through a local bookstore or wherever you may buy books. This purchased book must be given to Ms. Adair no later than Friday, October 13. It is imperative that you write your child’s name on a sticky note and place it on the purchased book so that Ms. Adair and Ms. Bertman know who owns the book.
• To learn more about Ms. Bertman’s books, visit her web page here.
• Please feel free to email Ms. Adair with any questions. 

SMCHS Parent Information Night for Students in Grades 6-8 
Santa Margarita Catholic High School is hosting a Parent Information Night at SJES. The event is scheduled for Monday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Siller’s Hall, Room 25. Interested families of current St. John’s sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students are encouraged to attend.

St. John's Athletics Recap: Week of September 18
The Flag Football 5/6 team won its second straight game to remain undefeated for the season. The girls’ Valley Volleyball team also won its first match vs. Stoneybrooke in three games. Go Cardinals!
 

Photo Proofs Available + Makeup Pictures Are Tomorrow
Those who participated in Picture Day should have received a printed proof of their photo, including instructions for purchase.

Want a photo retake? You’re in luck! Makeup Picture Day is tomorrow—Friday, September 29—for those who were absent or are interested in a retake. If participating, simply let your child know to be prepared with a big smile!

Decorate Your Car for Trunk-or-Treat
On Sunday, October 29, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., we will hold our Trunk-or-Treat event in the front parking lot of St. John's. We are seeking volunteers to decorate their trunks and pass out candy or goodies to our students and community members. Sign up here, and email Rebecca Swartz, Church Administrator, if you have questions.
 

Middle School Movie and Game Night Is Saturday
St. John’s Episcopal Church invites all middle schoolers to a movie and game night this Saturday, September 30, at 5:00 p.m. Wear your comfy clothes, and bring a pillow, a blanket, and a friend (if desired)! Snacks and drinks will be provided. Activities will be held in SJES Music Teacher Lisa Naulls’ classroom. With questions or for more information, please email Ms. Naulls.
 

Episcopal School Sunday Is This Weekend
Join us for a special Sunday worship service in celebration of Episcopal schools at 10:00 a.m. on October 1 at St. John's Episcopal Church. Head of School Steve Lovejoy will give the morning message, and members of the school choir will perform during the service.

'A Tribute to Motown': Annual Church Fundraiser Is October 7
The church will hold its annual fundraiser, “A Tribute to Motown,” on Saturday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m. on the St. John's campus. We'll have food, drink, a wine wall, lots of great music, raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction! Tickets are $60 per person, and may be purchased online here or by emailing Rebecca Swartz, Church Administrator.
 

Calling Student Artists! Submit Artwork for Sunday Bulletin
We invite all students to submit artwork to be featured on the Sunday bulletin. Every week, we will choose a new piece of art to feature. Artwork should be relevant to the provided Bible verses. Students should submit work to SJES Art Teacher Lee Heys by Wednesday each week.

• Bible Verses for Wednesday, October 4: Matthew 21:33–46
• Bible Verses for Wednesday, October 11: Matthew 22:1–4

Previous editions of Cardinal Weekly are available via the links below. 

2023–24

• September 21, 2023
• September 14, 2023
• September 7, 2023
• August 31, 2023
• August 24, 2023
• August 17, 2023
• Summer Edition: August 3, 2023