Over the last three weeks, Chaminade has been celebrating the Advent theme, “So We Wait.” As a community, we reflected on the coming of our Savior, Emmanuel, God-with-us, and are now ready to celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent on December 22, which will mark the final week of prayer as we wait for the birth of Jesus Christ on the eve of Christmas. This final candle, the “Angel’s candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on earth, goodwill to all people.” As a Chaminade family, let us unite in peace and hold each other in prayer, knowing that our God of peace will soon be born and will ring hope to a new year!
For the past 27 years, during the Baccalaureate Mass, Chaminade has upheld the tradition of presenting a special award to Chaminade families who have made a long-standing commitment by sending three or more children to Chaminade throughout their tenure.
As a Marianist school, Chaminade strives to create a community that is truly a family, consisting of students, faculty, staff, and parents working together in the spirit of cooperation, respect, and honesty. There is no greater trust on the part of parents than to place their children in the hands of our school community.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
On May 31, we proudly recognized 11 families with The Family of Mary Award, marking their exceptional involvement with the Chaminade family. Congratulations to The Family of Mary Award recipients:
Kim and Michael Akerson
Alexa ’08, Nicollette ’10, and Isabella ’19
Beth Albrecht and James Albrecht
Emily ’14, Hannah ’16, and Rachel ’19
Salve and Lukman Alli
Nicole ’07, Kimberly ’14, Diana ’15, and Oluwakemi ’19
Heather and Brian Angel
Alexandra ’15, Ben ’17, and William ’19
Maral and Eli Chorbajian
Abraham ’16, Arthur ’18, Maral ’19, and Sophia ’19
Yvette and Gavin Leaver
Jesse ’12, Aidan ’19, and Emily ’19
Yolanda and Hector Romo
Danielle ’08, Christopher ’09, and Isabella ’19
Julie and Andrew Rowlands
Taylor ’14, Emma ’16, and Lauren ’19
Anne Marie Svolos and James Svolos
Christina ’12, Julianna ’15, and Amanda ’19
Mona and James Thomas
Isaiah ’16, Joshua ’17, and Imani ’19
Mary and Richard Yerzyk
Nicholas ’09, Katherine ’11, Cameron ’15, and Meghan ’19
In March, Chaminade inducted 18 students into the school’s first Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH) also known as the Hispanic Honor Society. SHH is a nationally recognized honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish and Portuguese. Sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, SHH currently has more than 2,900 active chapters worldwide. To be eligible, students must be actively enrolled in a second-year honor level Spanish class or higher. Students also have the opportunity to apply for college scholarships and travel awards.
“I am thrilled to have established Chapter Misión Marianista Española for the Hispanic Honor Society at Chaminade College Preparatory,” says Yesenia Macias, program moderator. “We are in our initial stages, but pleased to have initiated 18 students. As part of the expectations, students will participate in community service projects working with the Spanish speaking community. The overall mission is to raise awareness of the Spanish language and culture throughout both Chaminade and the greater community.”
To learn more about Chaminade’s Hispanic Honor Society contact Yesenia Macias at ymacias@chaminade.org
Jordan Axani has a long track record of bold acts that move and inspire people. His unique background and immense vulnerability have made Jordan a sought-after speaker on mental wellness and leadership. To learn more about Jordan, visit jordanaxani.com.
The Chaminade Wellness Program welcomes Jordan Axani, mental wellness and leadership expert, Monday, April 8, to speak to parents, students and teachers about the biggest problems facing our mental wellness.
During his visit, Jordan will give the following presentations:
Middle School: What’s Your Big Truth? Jordan shares stories and lessons of his struggles with letting his family and friends in on some of his mental health challenges and ways to cope by being open and honest.
High School:What’s Your Big Lie? Jordan focuses on the mental health struggles that affect high school students today and offers coping skills such as acceptance, peer support, and awareness of local mental health resources.
Parent Presentation 5:30 p.m. Reception | 6:00 -7:00 p.m. Presentation Tutor Family Center for the Performing Arts, West Hills campus Jordan talks about the state of mental health in teenagers and discusses how parents can better communicate with their children on this important topic. All parents with a student(s) in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend. Click here to RSVPfor the parent presentation.
This event is made possible by funds raised from the 2018 Chaminade Gala Benefit and Auction providing Chaminade the tools to expand our vision to develop resilient young men and women who can advocate for themselves and successfully balance school life.
Middle school students making blankets at SHINE Faith Sharing Lunch. Photo by Instagram@campusminnadems
Another successful
Catholic Schools/Marianist Heritage Week has concluded at Chaminade College
Preparatory. Students on
both campuses enjoyed fun-filled, mission-driven activities. Middle schoolers
enjoyed Dr. Seuss-themed special dress days and celebrated the week with an
NJHS Bake Sale, Mix It Up Lunch, Faith Sharing, house picnic, and energetic Faith
Rally.
High school students on a service trip with Habitat for Humanity. Photo by Instagram@nadeactivities
High school students commemorated the week with Random Acts of Kindness Lunch, an Instagram contest, the annual Fr. Chaminade Contest, a service trip with Habitat for Humanity, and an exciting Formation in Faith Rally.
Marianist Educators honored
three fellow employees with the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Award: Kelly
Benning and Paul Sauter from West Hills, and Oscar Perez from Chatsworth. Each recipient
was nominated by his or her peers for demonstrating one or more of the
Characteristics of Marianist Education: integral, quality education; family
spirit; adaptation and change; formation in faith; and service, justice, and
peace.
Pictured left to right: Luis Guerra, Kelly Benning, Paul Sauter, and Bro. Adam Becerra, fsp. Photo by Pam Liceralde
Kelly Benning is the librarian at the West Hills campus. She makes the library an innovative learning space for discernment, reflection, and academic research. Under her leadership, the library is a gathering place where students are challenged to consider how they can contribute to society with their gifts and talents.
Paul Sauter, biology teacher and science department chair on the West Hills campus, demonstrates compassion, humor, and love in all he does. Paul serves through the Kairos retreat every year and has coached in the past. He is always willing to give of himself to serve his students.
Pictured left to right: Nikki Russ, Oscar Perez, and Fr. Josephraj Rymond, S.M. Photo by Tommy Smeltzer
Oscar Perez is on the facilities staff at the Chatsworth campus. With a positive attitude, Oscar imparts warmth, understanding, and generosity in all he does, from setting up for Masses and rallies, to finding solutions to complicated campus problems. His work is precise, accurate, and done with a smile. Dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff, Oscar has a hand in everything on the Chatsworth campus.
