Principal's Message

SJND celebrated its 128th Commencement on May 29 on a beautiful sunny Saturday in Alameda at our Kelly Gymnasium. The building was packed with family and friends, a glorious and joyous occasion for everyone.

On a day such as graduation, I am so thankful for the friends, family and parents of the Class of 2010. Throughout the past four years, you have supported these young people physically, financially, academically and emotionally. As these young adults prepare to commence their journey into adulthood, we pray in thanksgiving for what all of you have done to help these students learn, grow and mature. We hope that we have successfully partnered with you during these four years to help educate and produce young people of competence, conscience and compassion who are confident, open-minded, generous leaders who are ready to live joyful lives of faith, scholarship and service.

Summer time at SJND is full of activity this year. We have begun construction on the Notre Dame campus as we commence our Smart Classrooms campaign, which will result in nine, state of the art, remodeled classrooms by the time school starts in late August as well as a completely redesigned Notre Dame Hall. The construction teams arrived at 7 a.m. on the Tuesday after graduation! It’s exciting to think about what our campus will look like when all the work in complete.

Our counselors are working hard preparing student schedules for next year. We anticipate that all students will receive a copy of the 2010-11 class schedule by the end of this month.

My best wishes for a safe and enjoyable summer. Whether your plans take you far away or just around the Bay Area, I hope you are able to spend quality time with your children and family!

Class of 2010 Celebrates Graduation

With a call to move into the future, the Class of 2010 celebrated their graduation from Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School on May 29 in the Kelly Gymnasium, surrounded by family, faculty and friends.

Valedictorian Katherine Riley, who will attend the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts, encouraged her fellow graduates to stretch themselves as they head off to college and beyond.

“Our SJND experience has prepared us for more than just college,” she said. “We have been guided by our teachers and our friends to discover new tools and new ways of doing things.”

The entire Class of 2010 has benefitted, she said, from the uniqueness that is SJND.

“Because of our school’s diversity, we know how to interact with anyone from around the world or from any walk of life,” she said. “We know people from dozens of countries, many religions and from different orientations and socio-economic backgrounds.”

Said Riley: “We also know how to build and maintain a community. Many of us take for granted the beautiful chemistry that our class has. We have created family-like bonds that have only strengthened during our four years here.”

The Class of 2010 also heard from Ariana Braga, salutatorian, who will attend the University of California, Berkeley. She pointed out that the class has seen truly historic events occur during their high school career, including the election of President Obama.

“Some of our classmates were lucky enough to witness this historic event, freezing themselves to the core in Washington, D.C., while the rest of us students here in Alameda eagerly crowded around campus TV sets that received the live news feed,” she said.

“We have experienced many transitions on a national, school and class scale, but other transitions,” she said, “the most important ones, have occurred on an individual level.”

Philip Gravem, who retired from the faculty at the end of the Class of 2010’s freshman year, gave the commencement speech. He compared the care he took with the class to that a father would take with a child.

Sarah Su, Alameda’s high school poet laureate and a 2010 SJND graduate, composed a poem entitled “the mighty oak” for the Baccalaureate Mass, held in the Basilica the evening before graduation.

our roots are the
foundation of this sturdy oak;
despite its age
and gnarled trunk
our bond will allow its branches
to extend and soar
to new heights
reaching out and creating
a tie to the sky.

our roots hold the courage
to let go of leaves
like gifts blown afar,
touching new ground
as we, the roots,
extend ourselves
toward endless limits
and possibilities.

Congratulations, Class of 2010! Best of luck and know you are always welcome home at Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School.

Welcome Class of 2014

The Class of 2014 arrived on SJND’s campus for the Pilot Welcome Night a few weeks ago, spending the evening getting to know each other and exploring campus a little bit.

The incoming freshman were introduced to their class moderator, Chris Pondok, who teaches PE, and they got to know some older students, who help out with the Link Crew, which serves as a bridge between new students and more experienced SJND students.

The Class of 2014 comes from a range of schools, including: St. Theresa in Oakland, Assumption in San Leandro, Julia Morgan in Oakland, St. Jerome in El Cerrito and Redwood Day in Oakland.

Incoming freshman also hail from the following Alameda schools: ACLC, Chinese Christian School, Lincoln, St. Joseph, St. Philip Neri and Wood Middle School.

Parents of the Class of 2014 got to know each other, too, at Pilot Welcome Night, and they were able to get their questions answered by Jean Kuznik, assistant principal of student life, and   Catherine Cook, assistant principal of academics.

Freshman orientation is August 19, and the first day of school is August 23. Go Pilots!

Principal Chiu’s Accomplishments at SJND Recognized in the News

SJND is in the news for Principal Simon Chiu's success in strengthening the school's academic program while at the same time expanding the science curriculum since he joined the school in 2007.

The profile of Mr. Chiu by journalist Rin Kelly recognizes his efforts at SJND to provide academic excellence, while at the same time giving students the type of caring education that the school is known for and was provided for decades under his predecessor, Tony Aiello.

SJND has expanded its academic offerings and improved its campus at a time when most schools are suffering severe budget woes, the article says.

To read the complete article, which was published by the Alameda Times-Star and the Alameda Journal, see St. Joe's 'new' principal managing to fill big shoes.

Break out the Bounce Houses, It's Fun Day!

SJND students had a blast at Fun Day, which featured bounce houses, a blow-up version of Twister and a taco truck on campus to mark the end of classes.

Students spent the last period of the day, a collaboration class, on May 19 enjoying bouncy jousting and boxing. Others sprawled on the Quad, signing each other’s yearbooks, which were also handed out that day.

“It’s fun to have days like this,” said Leonardo Hutton, a senior. “It keeps everyone hyped up before finals.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” agreed Alison Ganci ’13. “I liked seeing everyone having fun.”

Parents Share Ideas in Parent Survey

Parents at SJND shared their ideas with us through an online survey that the school hosted this past spring, and we’re happy to report on their comments about the school’s academics and student life.

More than 120 families completed the survey, a response rate of over 35 percent, which is considered high for an online survey. It shows that parents are very involved with what we do at SJND.

The survey results were gratifying. For example, 99 percent of parents were extremely pleased or satisfied with the community feeling at SJND.

Some other details of the survey responses:

• When asked about their current experience with the overall curriculum, 100 percent of respondents rated it as either excellent (53 percent) or satisfactory (47 percent).
• Parents said the top factor in evaluating the school’s overall program was the quality of the teachers.
• When asked whether parents would recommend SJND to other families, 96 percent said yes.

In other areas, parents raised questions that are already being addressed at SJND, through the school’s strategic plan.

One parent wondered if SJND has resources for students with learning disabilities. Another wanted to make sure the school better develops its rigorous college preparatory education. And some parents were concerned about their dealings with the school’s book vendor and uniform provider.

The school is in the process of hiring a learning differences professional for the coming school year, and our faculty is undergoing more and better professional development to continue our goal of academic excellence.

For parents who asked for more exposure for students to college counseling early on, the school is planning to implement in the coming school year more opportunities for students to meet with counselors about college.

“Overall, I am happy that our current parents have very positive impressions of our school,” said Principal Simon Chiu.

In the meantime, the school is working on improving communication with its book vendor and uniform provider.

Thank you to all parents who responded to the SJND Parent Survey this year. We appreciate the opportunity to get feedback from you and to include it in our planning.  

Golf Team Recognized for Scholarship

The SJND men’s golf team has attained the highest goal of educational athletics, combining outstanding academic performance with interscholastic athletic participation. With the grade point average of 3.52, SJND athletes earned the NCS Scholastic Boys Golf Championship Team Award for Spring 2010.

“Congratulations to your team members, coaches, parents, faculty and staff who contributed to this worthy accomplishment,” said Gil Lemmon Commission of Athletics, NCS

This award is presented to the top three NCS varsity teams in each division or classification of each sport with the highest composite GPA of 3.0 or above. Recognizing that there are 168 schools in the NCS, this is indeed an outstanding achievement.

NCS presented a pennant to SJND to mark the accomplishment, and each member of the team received certificates.

Student Art Work in Congressional Art Competition

Several SJND students entered drawings and paintings in the annual Artistic Discovery art competition sponsored by their local representatives in Congress, Pete Stark and Barbara Lee.

Jared Alokozai ’11, of Oakland, received an honorable mention for his self-portrait in Lee’s district art contest.

Other students from Lee’s district, which includes Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley and Emeryville, who entered the competition are: Viet Nguyen ’10, Fernando Barragan ’12, Benisa Garcia ’11, Elizabeth Avalos ’12 and Joy Elizabeth "Lizzy" Easterday ’10.

In Stark’s district competition, which includes portions of Alameda and Santa Clara countie, the following students entered their art work: Jean Eisenman ’10, Meredith Ratto ’10,Lea Irlanda ’11, Kate Lassalle-Klein ’12, Amanda Khoo ’12, and Jeanette Mei ’12.

The students were feted at receptions in May at the district offices of their congressional representatives.

Crystal Lee '12 is a Karate Champion

At SJND, Crystal Lee is an excellent student who enjoys hanging out with friends on campus. Off campus, she is a karate champion.

Crystal, 15, who lives in Oakland, won a gold medal in the 2010 International Junior Olympics in the advanced sparring division, and she also won three bronze medals in the 2010 US Open in Las Vegas during spring break.

At the Sanyo Invitational  Ryobu-Kai karate tournament earlier this year in Gresham, Oregon, she won a silver medal for her forms, a gold medal for sparring and a gold for her team.

Congratulations, Crystal!

Costa Rica Trip Planned for Spring Break 2011

Students are invited to join Kristina Stone, director of SJND’s Science Department, on a trip to Costa Rica over spring break that will include visiting a volcano and experiencing a jungle canopy tour by zip line.

The tour, April 14 to 23, gives our students the opportunity to explore the ecological systems of the Central American country, renowned for its natural resources. The trip will be operated by Education First Educational Tours.

The cost of the trip, including all taxes, transportation (including airfare to and from San Francisco and all travel while in Costa Rica), lodging, food (three meals a day), bilingual guides, activities and entrance fees is $2,107. Students will be doing fundraising to help cover the cost of the trip, and families can set up a payment plan now to help pay for the cost.

At least one other faculty member will join the group, and the ratio of faculty to students will be 1 to 6. Passports are necessary, and the trip can be rugged.

For more information, visit EF Tours. You will need the tour number: 430210. Ms. Stone is the registered tour leader. Or call EF Tours at 1-800-665-5364.

Parent Association News

A special thank you to everyone who helped out with Senior Recognition night. Great job!

Uniform Day is Saturday June 5, 10 a.m. – noon. Slightly used uniforms will be available at no cost. If anyone has uniforms they no longer fit or need, please contact Mrs. Kuznik at 510-995-9442 or jkeuznik@sjnd.org. Our last meeting of the year is a potluck in the Faculty Lounge, Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

SJND Chorus Recognized for Performance in Pleasanton

The school’s chorus put in a splendid performance last month at the California Music Education Association Choral Festival in Pleasanton. Our choir was rated “Excellent” in competition with 20 other choirs who competed.

“Thanks to all who participated for a job well done,” said Didi Kubicek, chorus director at SJND.

Rotary Scholars Recognized at SJND

The Rotary Club of Alameda recognized three SJND seniors for their academic accomplishments by awarding them scholarships.

Dr. Terry Pratt, scholarship program coordinator for the Rotary, announced the scholarships during a visit to campus.

Chris McClintock, who is heading to University of California, Berkeley, was awarded a scholarship for $3,000.

Nkeiruka Umeh, who will attend Duke University in the fall, received a $1,000 scholarship.

Jean Eisenman, who is going to Smith College in Massachusetts, received a $750 scholarship for fine arts.

Men’s Volleyball Players at SJND are Recognized

Congratulations to SJND’s men’s varsity volleyball team for their third place finish in the Bay Shore Athletic League. Also, Coach Ed Chen and the entire school extend congratulations to Andrew Snyder ’12, of Castro Valley, and Tim Louie ’11, of Union City, for making First Team All BSAL and to Elliot Fong’11, of Alameda, and Ira Juntilla ’12, of San Leandro, for Honorable Mention in the BSAL.