As Catholic Schools Week took place January 31 - February 4, the students of St. Francis de Sales Catholic School were excited to share in the many activities as a faith family. The week was filled with celebrations of Mass, open house, community service and other observances that emphasize the value of Catholic education in the parish and community. A cornerstone of the St. Francis de Sales educational mission is for the student community to learn the importance of service to others. The students collected over 200 hundred cans of food to donate to the Consolata House Food Pantry. The lasting effects of Catholics Schools Week continue beyond the seven days of this special week. When students work together to serve others in the community they gain knowledge for how they can continue to serve others their entire lives.

 The following individuals and organizations were honored at the Annual Catholic Schools Awards Banquet on February 4 for their contributions and support of Catholic education in the Diocese.

RIVERSIDE—Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Riverside hosted a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Exploration Day for their families in conjunction with their annual Thanksgiving Feast. Parents had the opportunity to engage in STEM experiences similar to the lessons their children have learned in the classroom. 

 This day was organized by the school’s STEM team in conjunction with their Notre Dame University Trustee Fellowship. The STEM day experiences followed STEM guidelines and were an extension of curriculum learned in the classroom, which provided the students an opportunity to teach the parents. STEM has become an integral part of the OLPH curriculum, enriching problem solving skills as well as giving exposure to disciplines not taught in the traditional classroom.

 “Faith, Community, Service.” These are the words of focus as we celebrated Catholic Schools Week from January 29 through February 4. Hallmarks of the educational experience for our students are “educating the head, the heart, and the hands.” We journey with our families and our students in nurturing their Catholic faith, encountering Christ through community, and witnessing that faith with multiple opportunities to serve their local church or civic community through service projects. 

SAN BERNARDINO—The San Bernardino Catholic Elementary Schools (SBCES) held the first Guardian Angel Gala October 29 at Holy Rosary Academy. 

 Attended by Bishop Gerald Barnes, the event was held in recognition of the contributions of Catholic education in the City of San Bernardino. The two current Catholic elementary schools in San Bernardino are Our Lady of The Assumption School and Holy Rosary Academy. 

LA QUINTA—More than $300,000 was raised at the 15th Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic on December 1 to aid children seeking a Catholic education.

 Held at PGA West in La Quinta, the Bishop’s Golf Classic drew the participation of 220 golfers. Proceeds from the signature fundraising event go toward the tuition assistance programs for Catholic schools in the Diocese and toward the Catholic Education Foundation. This year the Diocese will distribute $171,000 in tuition assistance for students attending Catholic schools.