May 20, 2015 Dear Parents, On behalf of the entire

May 20, 2015
Dear Parents,
On behalf of the entire OLQA Community, I would like to thank Amber Orradre and her committee, Missy Held,
Jeanette Houfley, Kelly Bosley, and Blair Treska, for a wonderful fun filled weekend. Many hours went in to the
planning to mark this very special occasion. Our Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration Weekend kicked off with a
beautiful evening reception at Big Canyon Country Club. It was a wonderful opportunity for alumni and alumni
parents to visit and remember the happy stories from their years at OLQA School.
On Sunday, we were honored to have Bishop Vann celebrate noon Mass. The parish children’s choir sang at
Mass and we all felt that angels were singing to us. After Mass the party started at the carnival. I am sure you
will agree that the carnival was festive and bright!! The “old fashion” carnival had something for everyone –
good food, fun games, and lively tunes. A special thank you is extended to the “Bristol Boys” (aka graduates of
our school) for their magnificent performance on Sunday. Thank you to the parents and students who helped
made this carnival such a huge success!
Eighth Graders
Seventh Graders
Sister Joanne Clare and Mrs. Van
PLEASE PRAY
For our health and safety as the school year comes to an end
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ALUMNI AT MATER DEI
There are currently 95 students from OLQA at Mater Dei. Over 75% of OLQA students are on Mater Dei’s
Honor Roll
GPA Breakdown
Principal's Honor Roll
4.0+
36 students
3.5 First Honors
3.9
21 students
3.0 Second Honors
3.4
18 students
SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
This morning, May 20, the OLQA Safety Committee had its regular meeting. The objective of the Safety
Committee is to carefully examine the OLQA campus and policies/procedures and determine the key actions
necessary to enhance the security of the students, faculty and staff at the school.
The Committee received its regular report from Newport Beach Police Officer Vlad Anderson,
our School Resource Officer. As always, NBPD and Officer Anderson have done a great job of responding to
any of OLQA’s needs, and helping to ensure a strong working relationship with our partners at CDM High
School and Middle School.
Coach Mercer reported that the new radio communication system and handheld radios are all working well.
The Committee, particularly Ms. Speier, continue looking at various security camera options and Ms. Speier
has been kind enough to apply for a grant on OLQA’s behalf to help underwrite security cameras.
Committee members, Mr. Fraher and Ms. Speier, have worked hard on various signage issues and soon there
will be a consistent and helpful set of signs directing folks around various OLQA buildings to the appropriate
check-in location at the school.
There was an update on “drop off” & “pick up” traffic policies and procedures. Generally speaking, the
drop off/pick up seems to be going well, although there continue to be issues. There are two noteworthy
issues: 1. A few parents continue to text and talk on their mobile phones while working their way through dropoff/pickup lines; and 2. During the last one or two months there has been a notable increase in the number of
rushed drop offs (I.E., “Speed Drops”) happening after the Morning Bell. Parents (and children) are urged to
make every effort to ensure that drop off is done in a timely fashion so children are not rushing/running across
the parking lot creating an undue risk of a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident.
The OLQA Safety Manual is in the final edit stage. All committee members have been asked to provide their
final edits within the next two weeks.
A special shout out to former OLQA student Elijah Speier, who undertook as part of his Eagle Scout project,
the replenishment and update of OLQA School’s safety/emergency supplies, and to ensure that our
Emergency Go Kit (if we ever have to leave the building due to earthquake, etc.) is stocked and up to par.
THANK YOU ELIJAH!
Lastly, the Committee has encouraged the Newport Beach Police Department SWAT Team to use the campus
(particularly during summer months when no students are present) for training purposes. This of course not
only helps our local Police Department, but helps ensure that our SWAT officers are especially familiar with the
layout of our campus.
As always, any questions or concerns regarding campus safety are always welcome to be directed to
Committee Chairman Robert Gerard or to Ms. Fedak.
A THANK YOU NOTE FROM THIRD GRADE BROWNIES
Thank you to everyone who supported the third grade brownie troop’s service project as they collected shoes
for the Magic Shoe Foundation. With more than 135 pairs of shoes collected, many girls, boys and adults –
from elementary and high school running programs, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, Boys & Girls Clubs and
Working Wardrobes - will benefit by having shoes and the chance to start or continue their running careers.
CONGRATULATIONS BROOKE
The Pageant of the Masters is an annual festival held by the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California. The
event is known for its "living pictures" in which classical and contemporary works of art are recreated by people
who are made to look nearly identical to the originals through the clever application of costumes and makeup.
This year the theme is "The Pursuit of Happiness."
We are happy to share with you the news that Brooke Morris, an OLQA Kindergartener, has the honor of being
the youngest child in the pageant this year. She will be in the picture "Betsy Ross Presenting the Flag." If you ask
her she especially loves the makeup and the costume and at a countdown of 3 she must stand motionless for 90
seconds. She has been practicing a lot. This is a summer commitment that she is excited to be a part of and if
you see her around campus she will tell you all about the presidents that are in the picture with her.
Ou Sponsors:
 Ivy Funds
 Parker
Graphics
 Harbor
Distributing
 Pau Vodka
We would like to thank all of our
 Hotel
California
golfers, volunteers and sponsors
Tequila
for their support and contributions
 Artist, Mike
Sullivan
to the 2015 OLQA Golf
 Natalie Gulbis
Tournament!! Without your
 Roger Dunn
wonderful support this event
Golf
 BioStructures
would not be the success that it
 Twistband
is!!
 Naughton
Family
 Fletcher Jones
 Archer Norris
 Hendrickx/
Luizzi Family
 Fanticola
Family
 Strawberry
Farms Golf
Club
COACH MERCER’S CORNER
Thank you all for a great 2015 PAL Track Meet! Our athletes competed against 29 other Orange County
schools last weekend and represented our school wonderfully. The results for the meet can be found at the
links below. Our grades 1-4 team placed first in the small schools elementary division. Athletes will receive
their ribbons at school next week. Thank you very much to all of our parent volunteers!
Junior High Results
http://www.microsport.com/cgi-bin/tmr.cgi?id=1682
Elementary Results
http://www.microsport.com/cgi-bin/tmr.cgi?id=1681
FREE DRESS REMINDER
Reminder: Free Dress will be this Thursday, May 21st for all students whose families purchased it at the
Mardi Gras Auction. Thank you for supporting the auction fundraiser!
THE RECORDER CONCERT: SUNDAY, MAY 31st at 4:00 PM IN THE HALL
On Sunday, May 31st, we will be hosting the Laguna Youth Recorder Ensemble for a
concert in the Annex. OLQA 5th and 6th grade students are invited to join the Ensemble on
some of their musical selections and perform some of their own music.
All School families are invited to attend the concert and enjoy a fun musical hour.
We especially would like to encourage our 4th graders and their families to come and see
what they will be learning next year in music.
If you are a 5th or 6th grader, please arrive at 2:30 for a combined rehearsal with the
Laguna ensemble. We will also have a refreshment time so you can get to know the
visiting players. Don’t forget your recorder and music binder.
5th graders, please RSVP to Ms. Landis at [email protected] .
6th graders, please RSVP to Ms. Hwang at [email protected].
We need to know how many chairs to set up and how many refreshments to provide. If you are willing to
assist with refreshments, please notify Ms. Landis. Thank you.
Calling ALL Angels!!
We are looking for families to become “Angel Families” to new parents and incoming students for the new
school year. This is a great way to earn your volunteer hours and help make a new family’s transition to OLQA
smooth and effortless. Please look in your Family Envelope for the flyer with more information about becoming
an Angel Family.
**Current kindergarten families are needed for the 2015-2016 incoming kindergarten class. Please consider
becoming an Angel Family!!
Email the 2015-2016 PSA Membership co-chairs if you have any questions.
Kristi Johnson: [email protected]
Jenni Krogh: [email protected]
PSA Enrichment / OLQA Garden
We are looking for families interested in helping to maintain the OLQA Garden over the summer. This is a
great opportunity to earn volunteer hours!! The schedule is currently being assembled. If you have a green
thumb, or just like to work outside, please email the Enrichment co-chairs with your questions, and/or your
availability.
Kristi Johnson: [email protected] Trina Saeedi: [email protected]
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 21
Free Dress – an auction item
May 22
Pastor Holiday – no school
May 25
Memorial Day – no school
May 26
Jr. High Concert
May 29
Jr. High Dance
June 1
Eighth Grade Retreat
June 2
8th Grade Brunch hosted by 7th
June 3
8th Grade Disneyland Field Trip
June 4
8th Grade Luncheon hosted by PSA
June 5
8th Grade Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation
June 11
Field Day
June 11
Uniform Sale in Hall from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
June 12
Last day of school
August 31
First Day of School 2015 -2016
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Eileen Ryan
Our Lady Queen of Angels Pray for Us