Monthly Newsletter = January 2010 =

Dear All,

Happy New Year 2010 to all! May this year be the year of the fulfillment of your dreams and the witness of great miracles!
We are grateful for the continued blessings of St. Thomas Aquinas from God who uses many people as instruments of His Glory!

Monthly Recap

Dr. Malakooti, veterinarian and owner of Animal Medical Clinic in Harmon, was invited to discuss about his profession to students as part of STA “Career Interest” program. This presentation generated a lot of enthusiasm and helped students with a better understanding of the role of a veterinarian in our society.

The second annual STA Science Fair was held on December 18, 2009. All eight judges came from the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Guam. We are grateful to all the judges for their service, expertise, and inspiration provided to our young scholars.

The second Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC) of the academic year was held on December 18th with an outstanding participation rate over 80%. This high level of parent involvement is the third pillar of student success, along with student engagement and the devotion of our faculty.

During the month of December, the STA recruitment team composed of the Principal, the Director of Admissions and selected students visited Jose LG Rios Middle School in Nimitz Hills, and Agueda I. Johnston Middle School in Ordot. Invitation letters have been sent to parents of prospective students to attend one of our open house series (January 4, 2010; February 1, 2010; April 7, 2010).

STA School Community extends its appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Tribaudini, Mr. and Mrs. Yang, Mr. and Mrs. Shen, and Mr. and Mrs. Sabeti for their gracious donations to the school music ministry and the door prizes during STA Second Annual Coconut Christmas Program.

Student Life

STA Choir was invited by the Archbishop of Agana to perform on December 4, 2009, at the Cathedral-Basilica.

STA school community took part in the procession of “Our Lady of Camarin” on December 8, 2009, among catholic parishes and other catholic schools of Guam.

The sophomore class went on a hike at “Lost Pond” on December 11, 2009, and collected trash along the beach. The spiritual retreat will be rescheduled.

The calendar year ended with an exceptional Christmas Program in the Prayer Garden on December 19, 2009, followed by a gourmet-style potluck lunch on December 21, 2009. We seize this opportunity to thank students, parents, and faculty and staff for the success of these events.

On December 21, 2009, STA Choir was invited by the Bank of Guam to perform Christmas Carols at the bank headquarters in Hagatna.

Summary of Upcoming Events

January 11-14, 2010: First semester exams.

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

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

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 8:00 A. Dismissal at noon.

Next School visits:

-    January 5, 2010: FB Leon Guerrero (Yigo)
-    January 8, 2010: San Vicente Catholic School (Barrigada)
-    January 20, 2010: St. Francis Catholic School (Yona)
-    January 21, 2010: Untalan Middle School (Barrigada)

Thank you,

Hauhouot Diambra-Odi, Ph.D.
Principal