From the President and Principal

Dear St. Francis Families and Friends,

Spring has sprung and with Easter behind us we have quickly jumped into the celebration season. For many, it is a time for celebrating first communions, confirmations, Prom, Mother’s Day, and Graduations. There is anxiety and excitement about moving on to the 9th grade or college as well as a mad dash to do well in class and on AP tests. For athletes, it is a time to PR in track and swimming or continue the Cinderella Dream Season in softball; I can also share that Mr. Dewig and his cast and crew presented three remarkable performances of the “The Drowsy Chaperon” musical and the culminating arts event - Concert on the Green. Thank you to the students as well as the parents who are part of the VAPA Booster’s team, as well as Mrs. Nicole Dewig for managing great events.
 
At this time I would like to thank and congratulate our two valedictorians - alphabetically recognizing Mr. EJ Kelly and Mr. Jesse Robinett, and our salutatorian– Ms. Ana Gabi Gutierrez. They worked very hard and the Academic Council recognized their individual and combined efforts academically, athletically, artistically, and through leadership. All three are very eloquent and will represent their class very well. Gabi will speak at the 2019 Awards Ceremony and both EJ and Jesse will speak at the 2019 Commencement Ceremony.
 
We have also secured 2015 alumnus and past valedictorian, Mr. Cooper Scherr, to be our keynote speaker. He and his family have done so much for the Salesians over the years and have done so well both in high school and university. We are very proud of Cooper’s accomplishments as he prepares to graduate from Santa Clara University, get married, and go off to med school.
 
On June 3rd we will have the BAC setup with tables and bleachers for students to share or sell their books and uniforms. We will have Merry Mart here for uniform purchases/orders as well as Sharkwear open. The primary focus of our June 3rd New Student BBQ & Orientation is to welcome all new students - incoming 9th and transfer students. It will be the first student and parent orientation for the 2019-2020 school year.
 
New students will have a chance to take the challenge exams in Geometry/Biology/Spanish, meet students in grades 10-12, meet teachers/coaches/administrators, and SFPA board members. This allows us to introduce all of the unique opportunities, services, and programs available for all students. This year’s freshmen parent reps are working with Haydee and me to address new-parent questions/concerns. This way, we start out communicating clearly and often to our new families/students.

Thank you for all of your patience and support while I was in China for two weeks. They were very productive as I met with international middle schools, students, families, and education service agents to ensure we are meeting international student needs and the right students are applying to/graduating from St. Francis.

As you’ve heard me many times, our goal is to continue to demonstrate great outcomes for all young people who choose St. Francis High School as their home during their high school years. We hope we continue to meet student needs, challenge and support them, as well as provide the necessary communication and resources for the parents/host families.

We are grateful for your leadership and support in this endeavor. God bless and GO SHARKS!

Yours in Christ,
Mr. Pat Lee
President and Principal
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