Spring 2016 VOL. XXIII No. 2
Notre Dame Academy Elementary School was celebrated as a “Flagship School” after completing its most recent WCEA/ WASC accreditation cycle. STORY PAGE 5
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Spotlight on our Sponsored Schools VOL. XXIII NO. 2 – SPRING 2016 Vision & Challenge is published three times annually by the Sisters of Notre Dame, California Province. SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME Founded by Hilligonde Wolbring in Coesfeld, Germany in 1850, the Sisters of Notre Dame is an international congregation of women religious who serve the Church in eighteen countries on five continents. The Sisters of Notre Dame have ministered in California for ninety years, bringing hope to the world through catechesis, pastoral ministry, education, health care, social ministries and missionary activity. For more information, visit www.sndca.org. VISION & CHALLENGE TEAM Provincial Superior: Sister Mary Anncarla Costello Director of Mission Advancement: Christiana Thomas Contributors: Darlene Goodman Liliam Petzold Sr. Regina Robbins Christiana Thomas Staff: Notre Dame Sisters Mary Joanne Wittenburg, Betty Mae Bienlein, Mary Rebekah Kennedy, Mary Francelia Klingshirn, Mary Antonine Manning, Mary Regina Robbins, Mary Joan Schlotfeldt Send story ideas etc to Christiana Thomas cthomas@sndca.org or phone (805) 917-3714 Please accept our apologies for any misspellings or omissions. Kindly notify the Office of Mission Advancement at to make a correction. PRINTING Vision & Challenge is proudly printed locally by Vanguard Printing in Oxnard, Calif. Please remember to recycle your copy after reading.
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VISION & CHALLENGE | SPRING 2016
Dear Readers, The liturgical season of Easter and Pentecost coincide with the awakening of Spring, and even with a little rain here in Southern California, we see signs of green and new growth. Among the reasons for us to have hope and optimism is our ongoing friendship with all of you. We continue to hold you in our hearts with prayer and gratitude. You make possible for us to follow St. Julie’s call to the sisters, “We must have hearts as wide as the universe.” This issue of Vision & Challenge focuses on our sponsored institutions. While the Sisters of Notre Dame reach out into a variety of ministries, including education in order to respond to the needs of our times, we continue involvement in our schools. Primary among them are: Notre Dame Academy High School and Notre Dame Academy Elementary School; La Reina High School and Middle School; and Notre Dame Learning Center Pre-School. The sisters also participate in several other areas responding to the current needs of the poor and homeless. In so many ways we collaborate with our Associates, our teachers and staff members to further make known God’s goodness and provident care, believing with trust and courage we are helping to further God’s plan for the transformation of our world. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of St. Julie Billiart, which occurred on April 8, 1816. While she is not the immediate foundress of our congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame, she is recognized and honored as our “spiritual mother” as we follow her apostolic spirituality to share compassionate love with people of all faiths and cultures, particularly those who are poor and marginalized. St. Julie’s joy and educational heritage is expressed in this issue which particularly recognizes the far-reaching and ongoing influence of dedicated Catholic education, especially here in southern California. Thank you again for continuing to the life and ministries of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Together with us, you too, have “hearts as wide as the universe.” Sincerely,
Christiana Thomas Director of Mission Advancement Sisters of Notre Dame, California Province
La Reina High School & Middle School by Darlene Goodman
This past fall, La Reina extended its commitment to educating girls in a safe, nurturing environment by adding a 6th grade and opening the only all girls’ middle school in Ventura County, CA. Here, girls can develop their Godgiven talents, realize their strengths and discover their voice. The Mission Statement at La Reina helps the school focus clearly on the goal to provide an outstanding education for young women while helping to, “develop them into moral and self-confident leaders who work to transform individuals and society.” Living this mission each day are the Sisters of Notre Dame. Their four educational principles guide their work throughout the world and direct La Reina’s as well. To ensure that this legacy continues in an optimal learning environment, La Reina has made great improvements to the 51 year old campus. These enhancements include the addition of more than 15,000 square feet of
classroom and program space these past six months: REMODEL OF VILLA REGINA INTO PERFORMING ARTS LOFT (8,000 SQUARE FEET). The former auxiliary
housing for the Sisters of Notre Dame above the Cafeteria has been transformed into a black box theater, dance studio, choral and music room, film room, dressing rooms, and restrooms. This was funded through donations realized from the Capital Campaign. BUILDING OF MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS (6,000 SQUARE FEET – 6 ADDED CLASSROOMS) IN 75 DAYS.
The upper middle school softball field became the new middle school campus, adding 6 classrooms, a bathroom building, patio, and landscaping. This is being funded over
two years in the operational budget. RENOVATION OF SND GARAGES TO CERAMICS STUDIO AND STEM/ ROBOTICS LAB (1,500 SQUARE FEET). This is being funded by private
donations. ESTABLISHMENT OF A MAGIS CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION.
This newly-dedicated space offers staff and students the opportunity to collaborate on faith and leadership programs including retreat and liturgical planning and service learning work. The school is deeply grateful for the commitment and dedication of so many parents, current families, alumnae, and many other friends throughout the community who help us achieve our mission.
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Notre Dame Academy
Sister Mary Aloysia Service in Education Award
“Sister Mary Aloysia was a dedicated teacher whose concern for children reached far beyond the classroom.”
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Sister Mary Aloysia was a dedicated teacher whose concern for children reached far beyond the classroom. For over a decade, Notre Dame Academy has been presenting this prestigious award to an outstanding Notre Dame Academy alumna who: • Exemplifies a spirit of service and cooperation • Demonstrates a commitment to serve the Church • Makes a commitment to service through education. On December 12, 2015, the Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles were proud to present the annual, prominent award to the Sisters of Notre Dame. With hundreds gathered at the Christmas Bells are Ringing Open House in the beautifully renovated Rosa Mystica Hall, President Nancy Coonis presented Sister Antoinette Marie with the large composite that will forever hang in the front entrance of Rosa Mystica Hall. President Coonis said, “It is
VISION VISION&&CHALLENGE CHALLENGE||SPRING SPRING2016 2016
with an abundance of gratitude and deep appreciation that on this day, December 12, 2015, we present the Sister Mary Aloysia Service in Education Award to all of the dedicated and gifted Sisters of Notre who devoted their lives to education at Notre Dame Academy and Notre Dame Academy Elementary School.” The composite pictures all of the visionary and inspirational principals who served both the high school and elementary school for almost 70 years. In addition, all of the Notre Dame Sisters who taught, motivated and cared for so many alumnae and alumni over the decades are listed. All of the guests enjoyed a great day of fellowship, singing and bell ringing and the opportunity to express their gratitude and heart-felt thanks to the Sisters for their decades of selfless dedication, commitment to providing a superior education and their gift of sharing God’s love and provident care.
Notre Dame Academy Elementary School Los Angeles Flagship School of the Archdiocese by Liliam Petzold Notre Dame Academy Elementary School was celebrated as a “Flagship School” after completing its most recent WCEA/ WASC accreditation cycle. After three days of classroom visits, a review of data and student work, and interviews with students, teachers, and parents, the visiting accreditation team commended NDAE for its Catholic identity, data driven instruction, integration of technology, and overall well rounded education to support all learners.
“NDAE is the Flagship school of the Archdiocese. This school is what every school aspires to become,” the team said in its report. Since its last accreditation cycle six years ago, a new personnel and leadership structure has been established. Designed to support student learning through an integrated technology plan, intervention and enrichment programs, after school co-curricular and extracurricular programs, including a Transitional Kindergarten and research-based Fifth grade transition program to set students up for success in middle school. At the core of the leadership structure is the long-term professional development of the teachers to effectively sustain these programs. As a result of the transformation at NDAE, students receive a thoughtfully planned out education that engages them in higher-level experiences, structured and up-to-date physical education, college-to-career readiness and leadership skills. Teachers use technology to enhance learning in the classroom and students use technology to show mastery through innovative tools. NDAE students today are independent lifelong learners who take ownership of their own education by emailing teachers, collaborating with classmates and exercising Habits of Mind and Growth Mindset. Making changes is never easy, but NDAE teachers and administrators worked tirelessly for six years and never lost faith or sight of the goal: to propel NDAE into the future, while maintaining the academic excellence, and keeping the Catholic identity and traditions alive. As a result of their efforts, the WASC team gave the school marks of “highly effective” in all areas and commended its work ethic, dedication, and innovative work. Congratulations to the NDA community for this amazing accomplishment.
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New Preschool In Uganda In 2008 the Sisters of Notre Dame began offering nursery school for children between the ages of three and six as part of the sisters’ mission in Buseesa, Uganda. Since then hundreds of children have received loving care and patient instruction from the sisters. Today 100 children are enrolled at the nursery school. It includes three classes which are all taught in the two-room basement of our former convent building. Nursery school in Buseesa offers young children preparation for school that they might not otherwise get at home. Early childhood education socializes children and introduces them to a structured educational setting while also offering them ample time and space for free play. Many of our nursery school students are fed their first meal of the day at school. In 2015 we set out to raise $125,000 to build a new nursery school on the St. Julie property to accommodate the growth of this program. The design features a free-standing building with three classrooms, of6
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Tuition for one student at St. Julie Nursery School is 42,500 Uganda Shillings (15 US Dollars) per term.
fice space, and an outdoor gathering area for assemblies, a play area with a swing set, pit latrines, and an outdoor kitchen. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Newbury Park, California, and many individual donors to both the California and Covington, Kentucky provinces of the Sisters of Notre Dame, we were able to begin construction in 2015. Our builders are on target to finish the preschool by June so students can enjoy their new space in early fall 2016.
Sometimes it is easy to take our own safe and clean homes, schools and workplaces for granted; but the impoverished children of Buseesa rely on the Sisters of Notre Dame for many of those basic needs. We are so grateful for everyone’s help building a nursery school that will transform the lives of children in Buseesa for years to come.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING THE SISTERS IN UGANDA, PLEASE CONTACT CHRISTIANA THOMAS DIRECTOR OF MISSION ADVANCEMENT AT (805) 917-3714 OR CTHOMAS@SNDCA.ORG
“I very personally see your spiritual and monetary contributions at work in the Uganda mission. None of this would have been possible without you! Thank you, thank you! Webale muno!” – SISTER MARY COLETTE THEOBALD
Notre Dame Learning Center Is Growing At first glance, the new preschool room appears to be full of colorful toys. Look closer and you see the makings of hours of imaginative play. There’s a microscope and leaves, colorful rocks for counting or stacking, and snails sneaking along paper and leaving trails behind them. This is teacher Erika’s classroom where three year olds get to enjoy hours of imaginative fun every day.
Notre Dame Learning Center has been growing, and with more students comes the need for more classroom space and great teachers.
able to open up a smaller room that is a wonderful transitional space for children who may not immediately be comfortable in the larger groups.” When she’s not with her students, Erika can be found monitoring the outdoor space and helping run the daily center activities. “My hope is to eventually start a small garden here” Erika said. Until then, you can find her in her classroom, sharing hugs and her love of learning with our youngest students.
Teacher Erika Wolfe-Heckler began working at NDLC in January 2016. Erika has worked at other preschools in the past and says that she was very excited to find NDLC. “It’s rare to find a place where the teaching philosophy aligns with your own personal philosophy of early childhood education” she said. Erika has found that place in NDLC and the play based learning program. Sister Betty Mae Bienlein is thrilled to have a new classroom open. “With Teacher Erika here, we were A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME
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SISTER MARY JOSANNE FUREY, S.N.D. 1925 – 2016 Sister Mary Josanne Furey entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in September 1945, following her graduation from Notre Dame College, Cleveland. After teaching high school for several years in the Cleveland area, Sister transferred to California in 1960. She subsequently taught at Notre Dame Academy, Los Angeles, La Reina High School, Thousand Oaks, and St. Bonaventure High School, Ventura. As principal at La Reina, Sister oversaw the addition of the seventh and eighth grades Sister Mary Josanne joined the community at Notre Dame Center in 2007 where she continued to remain active and to enjoy a wide circle of family members and friends in both California, Florida and Ohio. Sister died peacefully on January 29, 2016, just two weeks before her 91st birthday. SISTER MARY DONNAMAY WEIGLER, S.N.D. (1924 – 2015) Sister Mary Donnamay Weigler came to California in 1953 from Cleveland, Ohio where she had entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in February 1946. Sister spent forty years in elementary education as a teacher and/ or principal in both Northern and Southern California primarily at St. Joan of Arc, St. Timothy, and St. Francis of Assisi, all in Los Angeles, and at St. Mary Magdalen in Camarillo. She was especially generous with her time as a mentor of new principals. Sister moved to Notre Dame Center in 1993 where she served as treasurer for the local community, receptionist for the Learning Center Pre-School and a faithful participant in the Apostolate of Prayer. Sister Mary Donnamay died peacefully on October 24, 2015.
PERMIT #5
The Grapevine
CHECK OUT OUR NEW BLOG! Written by Sisters Marla, Mayra, Nicole and Rose, the blog, Nuns in the Making tracks the journey to becoming a sister. Check us out at: http://nunsinthemaking. blogspot.com/ CONGRATULATIONS TO Associates Joseph and Audrey Hamamoto. Joe will be ordained a permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Los Angeles on June 11. Our prayers are with them both. CONGRATULATIONS TO our newest Associates, who will be making their covenant on June 4th! We wish you joy and peace in this new phase of your journey. SR. MARY KATHLEEN BURNS has recently returned from Africa where she has been working in formation with young African Sisters of Notre Dame. We look forward to welcoming the Ugandan Temporary Professed sisters to California for more study and fellowship in late June! WE LOOK FORWARD TO the Jubilee celebration on July 9th. Please contact Christiana Thomas in Mission Advancement for more details. WE WISH TO RECOGNIZE THE PASSING OF OUR VERY DEAR RELATIVES:
December 15 - Bob Roxburgh, the father of Sister Valerie Marie Roxburgh February 8 - Hurbert Appert, the father of Sister Donna Marie Appert March 27 Easter Sunday – Mary Rosaria Grech, the mother of Sister Marie Paul Grech Please join us in praying for these sisters and their families.