Dear Parents and Students,

The last few weeks have been very exciting and productive at Star! Mrs. Robinson, with the help of Ms. Conway and Mrs. McCarthy, has assessed over 50 Kindergarten applicants and we are looking forward to a really great group of students joining us as the Class of 2021.

On the other end of the spectrum, Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Quintilian, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Lundy, Mrs. Slade and I have finished transcripts and evaluations of each of our 8^th graders and sent them off to all the high schools our Class of 2012 students have applied to.

By the time you read this letter, you should have seen your child’s Report Card and I ask that you spend a few minutes discussing the grades with your son or daughter. Be realistic as you do this, each of us has certain skills and certain areas in which we struggle. If I were to take a college level course in English, History or Theology, it’s a safe bet I would get a good grade. At the same time, a college level Science course would be very difficult for me. Remember that for some of us, in some subjects a C- would be a victory. Encourage the kids to do the best they can, to behave and have a good attitude about the subjects they struggle with. Another major concern of the Principal is that all of us show up on time! Please establish this good habit early with your children. When students come late to school it disrupts the entire class.

Have a happy Catholic Schools’ Week!

Terrence Hanley
Principal

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Dear Parents and Students,

The following is a form letter that we will be sending out once or twice per year in regards to student using the internet. Although we have not had any serious problems of the kind mentioned below, it seems better to avoid these issues than have to respond to them

Star of the Sea School prides itself on providing a safe learning environment for its students. An emerging national concern is the inappropriate use of the Internet by students. This problem has the potential to be harmful, and we ask your support in assisting us with this challenge.

Across the nation, schools have seen an increase in negative student behavior as a result of messages written using electronic technology, posted to popular social networking Web sites. Many sites contain instant messaging components that allow students to chat with other students and to post statements that ordinarily would not be said in a face-to-face conversation.

The popularity of these Web sites seems to be growing. Facebook.com, for example, is said to have more than 800 million members and has become one of the most popular “message exchange” sites among students nationwide.

Unfortunately, some of these Web sites are being used by child predators, “cyber bullies,” and con artists. To our knowledge, there are no adults officially responsible for monitoring the content on such Web sites, and some students use the sites to participate in online bullying or to threaten harm to other students. The so-called “cyber bullies,” mostly children between the ages of 9 and 14, use the anonymity of the Web to hurt others without witnessing the consequences. Students who are bullied online sometimes do not report these occurrences for fear that they will be barred from using the Internet.

Star of the Sea has blocked the use of these social networking Web sites from our school computers. We will continue to block objectionable material as we deem appropriate.

Parents should be aware of what their children are writing on the Internet and what others are posting in reply. These Web sites are public domain, and anything posted there can be seen by anyone who has Internet access. Although most of what is written is not immoral, offensive, or illegal, some of it is. If you choose to do so, you may investigate this site by personally logging on to the site. The services are free, and users may register and join the site by using an e-mail address. Once you have registered, you can search by name and e-mail address to see if your child is registered. You can narrow the search results by entering the name of your city. You will be able to view the kinds of personal information, messages, diaries, and photographs that students post to this Web site.

Helpful Tips and Resources

We encourage you to talk with your child about the potential danger of the Internet. Ask if they have an account with Facebook,Tumblr, or similar Web sites. If your child is using such a site with your permission, you may want to review his or her profile to ensure that no personal and identifiable information has been posted.

We also encourage you to establish rules and guidelines to ensure the safety of your child while on the Internet. Some Web sites offer parental or family guidance for Internet safety; for example, SafeKids.com, located online at http://www.safekids.com (Outside Source), and Web Wise Kids, located online at http://www.webwisekids.org (Outside Source), by telephone at 866-WEB-WISE, or by e-mail at webwisekids2@aol.com.

Star of the Sea School will continue to provide Internet security within our campus community. It is important that parents also monitor Internet use at home.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in keeping our students safe.

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Dear Parents and Students,

Growing up in the 1960s was an eye opening experience. There was a real social movement for equality that took place not just at the grass roots level, but in the halls of Congress and the White House as well. The teachers I had at Holy Name and Sacred Heart did not shy away from explaining how Church teachings supported the desire for equality and justice.

Yesterday we celebrated Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I was in 8^th grade when Doctor King was taken from us and I was aware that the ideas of “brotherhood” and “justice” that he expressed were considered “radical” by some in our country. Even then I was confused by the reluctance of some to accept and celebrate his teachings. After all, they seemed very much in line with the teachings of Jesus that the Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers put at the center of their curriculum.

The years have past. Some things have improved; some have not. But Martin’s dream is still alive in my heart (and I suspect in yours too).

‘I HAVE A DREAM THAT MY FOUR LITTLE CHILDREN WILL

ONE DAY LIVE IN A NATION WHERE THEY WILL NOT BE

JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN BUT BY THE CONTENT

OF THEIR CHARACTER. ‘

We try every day to live this dream, in Religion class and in every moment we interact with our students.

I hope you enjoyed your holiday. I hope you slept in, had a great breakfast and a leisurely day. But most of all I hope you spent a few moments talking to the kids about why we celebrate Martin Luther King Day and how we need to keep his dream of peace, brotherhood, and justice alive.

Sincerely,

Terrence Hanley
Principal

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Dear Parents and Students,

The sixth graders have been preparing a student body Mass to be celebrated this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.  As you know the readings (both Hebrew and Christian Scripture) are determined by the Church calendar and the first reading this Wednesday is a very special one for young students. It is taken from the Book of Samuel and tells the story of Samuel hearing a voice late at night as he slept in the Temple.

The gentle voice called Samuel by name. Waking up, Samuel assumed that his mentor Eli had called him. Samuel ran to Eli and asked why he had called. Eli told him that he had not called. This happens several times before Eli realizes that it is God calling Samuel. Eli instructs Samuel to respond if the voice calls again, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” God did call Samuel again and Samuel did listen and did serve the Lord.

All too often we are inclined to think of God as a giant being in the sky, with a thunderous voice. Just as often, we think of prophets as great magicians who foresee the future. But the voice of God came to Samuel gently and he grew to be a prophet who spoke the truth to God’s children.

When do you hear the voice of God? How do you respond?

Please join us Wednesday for 9:00 Mass.

Terrence Hanley

Principal

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Dear Parents and Students,

Happy New Year! I hope that your vacation was both fun and restful and that the Christmas season brought a strong sense of being loved to all of you. Although it was quiet here at school, we did pass a major milestone yesterday. On January 3, 1909 Star of the Sea School opened its doors for the very first time to children of the Richmond District. So our little school is now 103 years old and still serving the children.

Another big event, this one on the parish level, also took place over the last few weeks. Working with Catholic Charities, the City of San Francisco, and Salesforce, the old convent has been brought back to life. There couldn’t be a better time of year than Christmas to open our hearts and our doors to families in need.

The plan is to host families who need a little time, some job training and a chance to get back on their feet for 3-6 months. Other similar programs have been very successful and we pray this one will be too.

Somehow, I just can’t avoid comparing this to the Holy Family searching for a place to stay in Bethlehem. There probably won’t be three wise men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but we can provide shelter and hospitality.

God Bless You All,

Terrence Hanley
Principal

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Dear Star of the Sea Community,

As the year draws to a close, I thought it might be worthwhile to reflect on some of the major accomplishments here at Star over the last few years.

Of course, the biggest one would be that we are still a very tight knit family community. It is my firm belief that this, more than any other factor, accounts for the many accomplishments here. Children who feel loved are far more likely to be successful and confident. That also applies to us adults, and this small Catholic community is very nurturing.

In the area of academics, the most obvious success is the incredible jump in our Iowa Test scores. One parent pointed out that one really bright class could skew the school average, but that is not the case with these scores. Significant growth was seen across all the grades. Not only that, but as the highest scores improved, so did the lowest ones. Faculty members have really studied test results for the last several years and that has made our efforts to better meet the needs of each child pay off handsomely. This year our entire school average on the Iowa Test was in the top 21% nationally, the junior high was in the top 18%.

Our graduates’ acceptance rates at a number of excellent high schools remains very high. Star is traditionally a great feeder school to SHC, SI, Riordan, Mercy, Convent, and ICA. But the most impressive statistic recently is the increased rate of acceptance at Lowell High School.

Arts seem to be the orphan programs in most school districts, but at Star we continue to provide a full range of Music, Art, P.E., Computers, and Library. Add to that the multiplicity of after school programs offered, and the special art projects and you see a truly well rounded program of arts. By the way, please try to be here at 2:00 on December 9 for the “Opening Ceremony” when we officially unveil the newly decorated north wall. Under the direction of Professor Eric Hongisto, four art students from the University of San Francisco (working with our first graders) have created a beautiful mural / mosaic on the wall between Star and the Academy (Laurel School). Thanks to Claudine Van Delden, Laura Adachi, and Aly Pence for all the time they put into coordinating this project.

The Sisters of Saint Joseph who established this school in 1909 are quite fond of the phrase “neighbor helping neighbor” and I am very proud of our students for the community outreach programs in which they participate. The food drive, Christmas Families, Pennies for Patients, the Breast Cancer Walk, visiting the elderly at several sites around the City, visiting the V.A. Hospital, collecting socks and blankets for the homeless are just a few of the ways Star students live the Corporal Works of Mercy. I hope the Sisters know we haven’t forgotten what they taught us about being good neighbors.

Several physical plant projects have been taken on over the last several years and they too are very important. The biggest project was the renovation of two Academy classrooms into the new Father William Duggan Science Lab. Through the generosity of two foundation grants ($105,000), one alum ($100,000), and the hard work of this community ($120,000) we not only built a beautiful lab, we had it paid off before it was completed! A group of Dads worked very hard to upgrade the gym and they did a great job. Several schoolyard beautification projects were completed, including the mural / mosaic mentioned above, the mural in the alley between the school and preschool, and the tile work done by all the kids in the main yard. The Tire Garden evolved into several new trees planted both inside and outside the yard. The preschool garden has been well maintained by one of our Moms for the last several years, so our little urban schoolyard has some sense of nature present.

It was only a few years ago that Star of the Sea Preschool opened, and that has been a great success! Most of the funding for that came from a long time parishioner who was very generous to Star in her will. She left a sizable sum to the parish and the pastor and his staff immediately offered to use those funds to establish a preschool.

As we look backward, it is clear that Star of the Sea is not a building; it is a community of very diverse people who share one thing in common, a love for Star. I think we should all (from the Sisters who opened this school in 1909 to the youngest preschooler) take pride in our accomplishments.

As we look forward, it should be with faith in God and love for our sisters and brothers as the foundation of this special community.

Have a great Christmas and a glorious 2012!

Sincerely,

Terrence Hanley
Principal

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Dear Parents and Students,

The month of November has been full of drama in the junior high. Not the social and emotional drama often associated with adolescence but on-stage drama. At the beginning of the month the seventh and eighth grades were invited to Sonoma State University by Professor Paul Draper (Will’s Dad) to see his presentation of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mr. Quintilian was able to get a donor to sponsor the bus ride to Sonoma and lunch was provided to our students by the Sonoma State Drama Department. Star students raved about the production and the opportunity to visit a college campus.

The following week the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades were able to see Sacred Heart Cathedral’s presentation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird starring our own Class of 2010’s Miciah Maigatter as Dill. Again the Star kids had a great time.

I want to thank Mr. Draper, who invited us to Sonoma State University, provided lunch for everyone, and arranged an informal tour of the University. Thanks also to the anonymous donor, who paid for our transportation to Sonoma. Thanks to Mr. Tim Burke (Admissions Director at SHCP) for changing the schedule thereby allowing Star to attend the play.

It’s a pretty good month when students get to attend performances of a play by Shakespeare and a dramatic presentation of the novel recognized by the American Library Association as the most important piece of fiction in American history.

Sincerely,

Terrence Hanley
Principal

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Dear Parents and Students,

A wise man once told me that I would usually find what I was looking for. I can’t help but remember his words when I hear the students recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. After being perfectly synchronized as they pray the Hail Mary, they seem to totally lose track of each other during the Pledge. I suppose some would be tempted to point to this as a flaw in their ability to work together, but I find their cacophony refreshing.

Americans have rarely marched in step to a single drum. Politically, socially and culturally we have almost always clung to our right to be individuals. Love of country has as many definitions as the United States has citizens. And the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of Many, One) is probably the very best way to describe our Nation.

Star of the Sea is very similar. We come from different backgrounds. As individuals we are ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse. But at 8:00 o’clock every morning, there is only one group of us here: Star of the Sea. Out of many, we become one. Our love for Star may come from different places and each of us may profess our love for Star in different ways. But this is home: we are family. God bless you and know that I give thanks for being part of this family.

Sincerely,

Terrence Hanley
Principal

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Dear Parents and Students,

Thank you all for coming to Parent/Teacher Conferences last week. I cannot stress enough how important it is for the kids to know that we (parents and teachers) work together for their benefit. I know the meetings were short, but remember that you can phone or email anytime to speak to us about your children.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been reflecting on things for which I am thankful.  It’s obvious to me that I have been spoiled all of my life. Since September 1959 I have spent most of my waking hours in a variety of Catholic schools. Sisters of Mercy, Christian Brothers, Jesuits, and a great group of lay teachers have instructed, guided, sheltered and nurtured me. I belatedly offer them my sincerest gratitude. But I have also been blessed with fantastic colleagues, students, and parents. In other words, you folks reading this are a blessing to me. Thank you and may you always be aware of God’s abundant blessings in your life.

Sincerely,

Terrence Hanley
Principal

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Dear Parents and Students,

This week is special for a couple of reasons: first, because we are holding Parent-Teacher Conferences all week and those are very important. Second because we will be observing Veterans’ Day this Friday.

Parent-Teacher Conferences begin this afternoon and run through Thursday. Dismissal time will be 12:30 on Monday through Thursday and Friday is a holiday. Each teacher will meet with the parents of all of her/his homeroom students. The outline for each 15 minute meeting is: Report cards, Iowa Test scores (grades 2-8), upcoming events (First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in second grade, Confirmation and high school applications for eighth grade), and your concerns. I know that 15 minutes is a short time, but some of our teachers have more than 20 sets of parents to meet. Please be aware that you can always have follow up meetings or email exchanges. Finally, it is imperative that you be on time to begin and conclude all conferences. We don’t want to throw everyone off schedule.

Veterans’ Day has always been a dilemma for me. My grandfathers fought in “the war to end all wars” but it didn’t. My Dad went off to the same place to fight in World War II. Guys a few years older than I am went off after high school to fight in Vietnam and too many never made it back home. I have grown up a pacifist, teaching my students and my children that war can never be acceptable other than as a last resort against real evil. We must work for peace and justice and try to see all women and men as our sisters and brothers.

During the turbulent 60s and 70s we spoke about the need to respect and appreciate the men and women who serve in our military, who are willing to risk their lives to protect our freedom, even if we did not politically support the conflict. And though this may be easy to say, it isn’t always easy to live out.

The son of the pacifists (yes, his Mom too) has volunteered to serve his country. I am proud of him for making such a serious commitment, but I still worry about the politics of war. My prayer life has reawakened, as it always does when fear enters my life. I pray that diplomacy will work, that government leaders will find better ways to settle disagreements, that my son (and those who stand beside him) will be protected from all harm as they protect us. I pray that his sister and mother can sleep peacefully until he comes home to us.

Attached to this letter is a copy of the traditional Catholic Church teaching about “just wars”. Please take the time to study it and please keep all those who serve their country in your prayers.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Terrence Hanley
Principal

Traditional Catholic Teachings About Just Wars

The Catholic Church begins with a presumption against war, always promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes. However, in extreme cases (like unjust aggression), as a last resort, the Church recognizes that governments have the right and responsibility to pass laws to enlist citizens to help defend the nation. It is possible for Catholics to fight in a “just” war if all the following conditions are met (CCC, 2309):

7.       Armed conflict must not create even worse evil than that to be eliminated. Therefore, military damage and costs must be proportionate to the good expected.

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