Monthly Newsletter = December 2009 =

Dear All,

He is the reason for the season! Yes Christ is! Let us remember the Best Gift of all: Jesus Christ! As we are preparing to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, we here at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School would like to invite all members of our community to our Christmas Program and help celebrate the Joy of his birth and the Peace that he brings on December 19, 2009 from 5:00P to 7:00P. Everyone is also welcome to join us in sharing a meal before the Christmas Break on December 21, 2009 at noon.

Monthly Recap

Formal faculty evaluation is complete with classroom observations by the principal and review of student and parent surveys.

STA recruitment campaign is ongoing and will continue until January 2010 with visits to Guam middle schools (Public and Catholic schools).

STA students participated in the Ritsumeikan Super Science Fair in Kyoto, Japan in early November, 2009.

During the month of November, STA welcomed the following university representative:
-    Portland University

Student Life

The Freshmen hike and retreat was a great success from a slippery slide to a wrestling match on side of the retreat.

STA Choir was invited to perform at Skinner Plaza in Hagatna on November 28, 2009 for the official lighting of the Christmas lights by the First Lady of Guam.

STA athletes shine at international levels with participation in national soccer team (in China) and national swimming team (in Hong Kong)

Summary of Upcoming Events

STA Choir is invited by the Archbishop to perform at the Cathedral-Basilica on December 04, 2009 at 6:00P. Please come and support our choir.

December 8, 2009 is “Our Lady of Camarin” day. There will be a procession from the Cathedral-Basilica with all Catholic schools on Guam.

December 11-12, 2009: Sophomore hike and spiritual retreat

December 16, 2009: Guest speaker for “Motivational Seminar and Career Interests”: Dr. Malakooti, Veterinarian.

December 18, 2009: STA Science Fair from 8:30A to 12:00P, followed by Parent Teacher Conference from 1:00P to 6:00P.

December 19, 2009: “Coconut Christmas” in the Prayer Garden from 5:00P to 8:00P.

Next School visits:

-    December 9, 2009: Untalan Middle School (Barrigada)
-    December 10, 2009: Jose L.G. Rios (Nimitz Hills)
-    December 21, 2009: Agueda Johnston (Ordot)
-    January 5, 2010: FB Leon Guerrero (Yigo)
-    January 8, 2010: San Vicente Catholic School (Barrigada)
-    January 20, 2010: St. Francis Catholic School (Yona)

Typhoon Make-up day: December 21, 2009. Christmas Potluck Lunch in the Prayer Garden at noon.

Christmas Break starts on December 22, 2009 and classes resume on January 4, 2010.

January 11-14, 2010: First semester exams.

January 14, 2010 (1:00P to 3:00P): Bowling at
Leo Palace (whole school).

January 19, 2010: Faculty professional development (Cyber Learning and Catholic Education).

January 20, 2010: Second semester begins (third quarter).

January 22-23, 2010: Junior/Senior hike and spiritual retreat.

January, 28, 2010: St. Thomas Aquinas Day. Eucharistic Celebration at San Juan Bautista Church presided by the Archbishop at 8:00A. Dismissal at noon.

Thank you,

Hauhouot Diambra-Odi, Ph.D.
Principal