Monthly Newsletter = October 2009 =

Dear All

Congratulations to all members of our school community for another great back to school and promising year.  We are very proud of the accomplishments of the year and are renewing our commitment to continue in the tradition of excellence with a focus on the student.

Our school is growing rapidly and we need to start planning for expansion.  We have doubled enrollment after one year and are continuing to offer financial assistance.  Fifty percent of student inquiries are translated into admissions.  Our strategic plan under review by the Advising Board calls for a vigorous recruitment campaign to start in December 2009.  A plan of work has been developed to implement goals and objectives.

Monthly Recap

August 3, 2009: Open House for prospective students.

August 12 – 15, 2009: Faculty Orientation, Faculty Professional Development, and Faculty/Staff Retreat.  Topics covered ranged from “Cyber School Experience” (Presented by Mr. Peter Caso), “Technology in the Classroom” (Mr. Norman Babia), “Academic Safety Net” (Dr. Diambra-Odi), “Preparedness for H1N1 Virus” (Department of Public Health and Social Services), “Suicide Prevention” (University of Guam) and “Renew Your Energy: Harnessing Your Inner Resources (Fr. Danny).

August 20, 2009: First day of school.  Thirty nine students have registered and are attending St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School.

September 4, 2009: Visit of the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, O.F.M. Cap., D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana.  The Eucharist was celebrated at 7:45am followed by refreshments and by discussions with the student body.

September 21, 2009: St. Thomas Aquinas “After School Enrichment Program” (ASEP) starts with English and Math.  Please visit school website for enrollment at www.staguam.com.

News and Announcements

Soon, our new website will be available.  We have added a page for parents (Parent’s Corner) and for students (Pluma).

Two of our students have joined the Volleyball Team at St. John’s School for the first quarter of IIAAG Sports.  Students are encouraged to affiliate with a school of their choice to participate in the IIAAG Sport Program for next quarter.

A session on RenWeb will be featured in the MRC on October 9, 2009, from 4:00P – 6:00P, during the PTC (Parent Teacher Conference).

Parents are invited to demonstrate full support of our programs with a perfect attendance (100%) at our first PTC on October 9, 2009.

This year’s theme on Global Issues is: Technology – How it impacts our lives.

The conference will take place in the MRC on October 16, 2009 from 1:00P – 3:00P.  The public is invited to see the students’ research projects and the exhibits from local businesses.

Three representatives from STA attended the Archdiocesan Catechetical Conference on Saturday, September 16, 2009.

Please attend 11:30A Mass on Sundays at the Cathedral and support our students who shine on the choir stand.

Please check our website www.staguam.com for the daily bulletin Novus for announcements and reminders.

Again, thank you for supporting St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School’s vision for quality education on Guam.

Sincerely,

Hauhouot Diambra-Odi, Ph.D.

Principal

University Visits

Friday, Sept. 4 at 2:30P

Seattle University

by Jason Moy

Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 2:20P

University of San Francisco

by Edward Yoon