Monthly Newsletter = September 2008 =

Congratulations to our students, faculty and staff on a successful first month of school!  We have students enrolled in all grade levels and all are performing well.  I extend my gratitude to the parents for their support and guidance.  It is apparent in the students’ excellent conduct and enthusiasm for learning.

Monthly Recap

Visits to our campus continue and have included the September 11, 2008 visit of Most Reverend Tomas Camacho, Bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Msgr. Brigido Arroyo, Rector of St. Anthony Church.

On September 20, 2008, we hosted a merienda in honor of His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales, D.D., Archbishop of Manila who arrived on that very day.

Mrs. Jane Sholing is shown in reception line bowing in a gesture of greeting and respect to His Eminence.  It is abundantly clear that our religious leaders are committed to helping St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School fulfill its educational service and ministry.

Open house on September 12, 2008 was well-attended by parents.  The relaxed atmosphere of faculty and parents sharing information is just the climate we had hoped to create and maintain here at St. Thomas Aquinas.

The first of visits from college and university admissions staff was held on September 15, 2008 with the University of San Francisco.  Please see Novus for the list of upcoming visits and encourage your children to ask questions.  This is a great way to prepare for the college tours and the eventual application process in your child’s senior year.

Physical education courses are being held at the LeoPalace Resort Guam following the signing of Memorandum of Agreement with the school.  We have been holding swimming and weight training at the resort which is just a few minutes away.  We are transporting the students in the school van.

News and Announcements

Soon, we will be receiving the first of our fitness equipment and will then be able to hold weight training on campus.

Interscholastic sports participation is a priority for St. Thomas Aquinas even with our small enrollment.  We are seeking membership in the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Association of Guam (IIAAG) and hope to partner with another school so that our students who wish to participate in team sports will have those opportunities.

We are also working on a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Guam to use their facilities to augment the school’s resources.  This will be done in collaboration with university faculty who have expressed interest in working with us.

Communication is fully operational with telephones, facsimile and online access.  Please take advantage of the information available on our website at www.staguam.com which is updated daily and use email to send and receive documents.  On our end, we will work to limit the amount of paper that goes home.

Our new school records management system, RenWeb School Management Software, is an internet-based school management system that integrates the various needs of administration, staff, teachers, students and parents. Student assignments, progress reports, attendance and many more information can be accessed anytime anywhere via the web.  The first training for parents was held after school on September 26, 2008.

Safety training for faculty and staff with Guam Fire Department and Homeland Security is currently being rescheduled after its postponement during the pre-opening faculty development activities.

“Based on our philosophy to create and maintain a leadership culture of true service to the school, our students, their teachers and the administration, our policy and procedures call for elected representatives from the parent body to one unified leadership group.  These 4 representatives will become full members of the advisory board.  All parents are urged to attend on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multimedia Center for voting.” (from September 16, 2008 Memo to Parents from Msgr. James L.G. Benavente)

Mark Your Calendars

October 4 and 11, 2008 – Flea Market for Ritsumeikan, 6am to Noon

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School is committed to preserving our precious natural resources and protecting the environment.  To support these objectives, we are hosting Global Issues:  Energy Alternatives Conference on October 9, 2008 from 1pm to 3pm.  The public is invited.  Come and see our student displays on alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, ocean current, biodiesel, and bioplasma trash facility.  Local businesses will also be hand to present their products and services on energy alternatives and to discuss energy conservation.

The After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) starts on October 20, 2008.  The ASEP is an individualized program designed for students in the sixth to twelfth grade who would like to gain in-depth knowledge and develop skills in a variety of subject areas.  Please see the front office for more information and registration forms.

October 10, 2008 – Parent Teacher Conference

November 4, 2008 – Visit of Most Reverend Anthony S. Apuron, Archbishop of Agaña

University Visits

Monday, Oct. 6 at 2:30

Chaminade University -by Martin Motooka

Friday, Oct. 17 at 2:30

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) -by Narleen Narciso

Friday, Oct. 24 at 2:30

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) -by Heather Augar