National Catholic Schools Week celebrated with a “bang”

National Catholic Schools Week was celebrated with a “bang” last week, but never have I been so moved as on Friday, when 320 children from St. Elizabeth Elementary School participated in their annual Peace Parade around our East Oakland neighborhood.

Led by their 35 member band playing “When the Saints Come Marching in,” all classes with their teachers, principal and two City Council members grabbed the attention of neighbors who, with huge grins, waved at the children and carefully read the colorful, artistic and poignant signs. Each class had selected a theme, ranging from “Live in Peace,” “Be Kind to our Earth,” “Appreciate Each Other” to “Stop the Violence,” “No More Shooting and No Guns.” The kindergartens bopped along with individually made signs showing the globe smiling at all who looked on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i0mTJTA5OM

I couldn’t help but think of the children in Connecticut and the tragedy that had befallen their “safe” neighborhood. I know our children grieved that loss; I wonder if that sparked a new determination among our Oakland darlings to convince others to make our communities safe for one another and to value each other. The children were proud, well-mannered and friendly to all. Neighbors thanked us for the influence of the school and the Sisters in our underprivileged community. I caught some of this on video and hope you, too, can celebrate peace for all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdGaihi_ZDw

Congratulations to all our Vision of Hope schools, who held many celebrations honoring the gift of Catholic education. Thank you to each one of you for making this possible for hundreds and hundreds of children. We couldn’t do it without you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR24gYBKHTw

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Board leadership finds new sources of support

Saint James School is benefitting from a newly formed development board that is bringing a fresh outlook along with a network of supporters who believe in the mission of Saint James and are committed to its long-term sustainability. The Board met for the first time in  November, 2010, chaired by Sheri Stuckey, a member of  the Vision of Hope Advisory Board. Sharing their  professional expertise and varied talents, the group has already spearheaded a successful major fundraising campaign and has formed sub-committees to focus on  budget preparation, marketing and more fundraising  events. The Board will play a critical role in assisting the  school to keep Catholic education affordable for inner-city youth now and in the future.

In the fall, a Halloween Hop is being planned for  October 28 at Immaculate Conception Academy’s  auditorium. Principal, S. Mary Susanna says, “If you’re in the vicinity, get your costume ready and come join us for a ghoulish, good time!”

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Fore! Students hit the links

This year the children of Saint Elizabeth have been part of a wonderful non-profit program called First Tee. More than 50 students are learning to play golf once a week, journeying by bus to local courses. The Saint Elizabeth golfers, from 2nd to 8th grade, are learning the important lessons of the game, including respect, [...]

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Holstein Awards

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Vision of Hope plans for the future

The annual Catholic Schools Week celebration provides a fitting context for Vision of Hope (VOH) to begin a new strategic planning process. Our eight member schools find themselves in a rapidly changing environment. Economic recession, demographic shifts, rising costs, and increased competition for funding pose burdens on our schools and their families alike.

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SAIC Helps Out at the Food Bank

As part of SAIC’s ongoing mission to help our community, the 6th grade accompanied the 8th grade to the San Francisco Food Bank on November 24, 2010. For THREE hours, we worked on taking broccoli (and then beans) from enormous boxes and packing them into smaller boxes to send to other agencies around the city. [...]

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St. Frances X. Cabrini Elementary School Student of the Month: Janice Vega

            St. Frances X. Cabrini Elementary School chose Janice as their student of the month because of her unwavering determination and her commitment to her education. An eighth grader at Cabrini, Janice has a variety of activities in which she is involved. A student at the school since the third grade, Janice believes that the [...]

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Sacred Heart Elementary School Student of the Month: Samantha Martinez

            Incredibly bright and outgoing, Samantha constantly amazes those around her. An obvious extrovert, she radiates positive energy and is a delight to all. A quick-witted young girl, Samantha has a great sense of humor and takes great pleasure in making others smile and laugh.             A student at Sacred Heart Elementary school since kindergarten, [...]

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Santa Teresita Student of the Month: Ever Barrios

            Although Ever has only attended Santa Teresita for a year, he has already endeared himself to his teachers and principal. A third grader, Ever loves going to Santa Teresita School, and it is obvious that he is loved as well. Santa Teresita principal Sister Mary Catherine describes him as an incredibly friendly young man [...]

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St. Elizabeth Elementary School Student of the Month: Saul Cuevas Landeros

            An astoundingly smart and talented young boy, Saul impresses the adults around him with his knowledge of technology. Sister Lisa Marie, on the St. Elizabeth’s elementary school staff, even called the SEE third-grader, “a wiz at technology.” Saul remains humble, and does not even attempt to boast about his abilities.             An incredibly social [...]

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