Saint Anthony Junior Senior High School

Monthly Letter to the Parents

March

Easter Greetings to All!

So many events have taken place in one month – let me bring you up to date on the happenings at St. Anthony’s.

On 02/01/05, we had a spiritually uplifting Mass for almost all of the Catholic Schools on Maui. It was a great way for students and faculty to come together.
Our Student Government embarked on a month-long fund-raising effort to assist the victims of the Asian Tsunami. They were VERY successful!
At 5:00pm, our PTG hosted a brief meeting and an Open House. Attendance was high and informative discussions were held in classrooms or in the library.
Mr. Ernie Mendoza, our Campus Minister, escorted Christianne Cardoza and Jessica Pacubas to San Antonio, Texas for Marianist training for student leaders.
I attended a statewide Administrative Retreat hosted by Maui Catholic principals for 2½ days at the Royal Lahaina Hotel. The theme was “Discovering The Gifts Within” and the facilitator was Fr. Stephen Tutas of St. Anthony’s. What a phenomenal time for reflection, intense personal introspection and and exchange of administrative experiences and strategies!
On March 9 th, Deacon Ron Gonsalves conducted a meaningful service and distribution of ashes to open the Lenten season. His message to our students was well-received.
02/10/05 was our Career Day for Sophomores and Juniors. 10 members of Maui’s business and professional community came to share their experiences with students. The entire event was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Maui.
Mary Rodriguez (science teacher) coordinated an 8 th Grade overnight retreat up at Camp Maluhia on 02/15/05 and a great time was had by almost all attendees.
On this date, the Mayor and heads of the Public Works Department met with our Board and representatives of our St. Anthony complex to share plans to upgrade and widen the old plantation road adjoining our school. Needless to say, this is a major issue which will require many future discussions.
On Feb. 17 th, the Kiwanis Club of the Valley Isle inducted a group of our students into our very own Key Club – the first joint venture of its kind with a private school. Maui County’s Managing Director, Keith Regan conducted the induction ceremonies and their club advisors are Leslie Baldridge, Bernice Takahata and Jan Shishido.
At recent MIL Executive Board and Athletic Directors’ meetings, we are discussing the possibility of operating the concessions at MIL events in War Memorial Stadium. This is a tremendous fund-raising opportunity for us – yes, it’s hard work too. The details are being worked out and we will keep you informed.
The Senior Ball was held at the Renaissance Wailea and the Freshmen Banquet was held at Sandlewood/Kamehameha – both successful events on Feb. 20th.

Our Faculty Retreat was held at St. Ann’s Church in Waihee under the direction of Ernie Mendoza and Kathy DeLima. What a rejuvenating and team building experience!
Our Math and Science Department have conducted an indepth review of their curricular areas and the Math Department has made a comprehensive report to us with recommendations for changes in what, how and when we offer different courses. We are reviewing this proposal to see how we can implement those changes which will benefit our students; respond to teacher and parental concerns; and help us provide a well-defined, sequential program.
Sylvia Bronson, our Admissions Director, coordinated an excellent Open House for prospective students and their parents on Saturday, Feb. 26 th from 9:00-11:00am. This event was well-attended and participants were enthusiastic with the presentations and student-led tours. Well-done, Sylvia!
Kainoa Arensdorf and I attended a luncheon meeting with the HELIO Foundation Board under the chairmanship of Lloyd Sodetani. This group is working to support Catholic schools on several fronts – the first being to fund the PSAT/SAT classes held during the summer at St. Anthony’s. With excellent teachers and more interested students, our program this summer promises to be Great!
We continue to make progress with repairs to various sections of the campus and we will provide you with a more complete report (and pictures) in our next newsletter.

I’d like to close with the following on Excellence:

For us excellence is an aspiration

An attitude

A pursuit

A way of life.

Excellence is all of us working together

Aspiring to the fullness of our potential,

Always in pursuit of a higher standard---

Determined to do everything we do

Somehow better than it ever has been done before.

Excellence is found in the caring

In the trying