St. Margaret’s comprehensive college counseling program, and particularly the expert on-campus college counselors, play a large role in the development of Upper School students as they prepare for graduation and transitioning to a college or university. The college counselors bring a wealth of experience to the college process and are professionally active and maintain a national profile to proactively strengthen the relationship of St. Margaret’s with colleges and universities. The college counseling office helps St. Margaret’s students and their families plan for future education, with personalized family meetings beginning the …

Early this morning, the Orange County CAPPIES announced the 2010 Nominees and Commendees for the 2010-2011 theatre season. St. Margaret’s students received 17 nominations for their work on Blithe Spirit and Jane Eyre in performing, design, technical and critical categories.
The Cappies is a national program, sponsored locally by The Orange County Register. It recognizes achievement in high school arts and drama programs. Sixty-one theatre productions performed by 33 high schools were eligible for this year’s awards. The Orange County Cappies Critic’s teams select “Critic’s Choices” in all eligible categories. Those …

St. Margaret’s Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano was recently awarded a $30,000 three-year grant from United Way Orange County. This grant will go a long way in helping St. Margaret’s continue its service to local students who are on the road to becoming the first in their families to graduate from college.
Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano is a year-round program with a strong summer contingent serving about 50 local middle school students and more than 60 high school students. Participants in the program are high-potential students from low-income families who are preparing …

Dave Weaver, grade 8, has placed first in the Fluid/Aerodynamics/Thermo-physics category for the California State Science Fair.
He was awarded a gold medal and $250. This award also qualifies David to enter the Broadcom MASTERS™ (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars), the national science, technology, engineering and math competition for U.S. students in grades 6, 7 and 8. David will have a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., where he will compete for awards and prizes, including the top education award of $25,000 presented …

Last week, the American Association of Physics Teachers announced that senior Johnny Li has qualified to compete in the International Physics Olympiad as a member of the U.S. Physics Team. This is Johnny’s second year qualifying for the U.S. Physics Team.
Last January, approximately 3,600 students participated in the Fnet=ma exam for a chance to qualify for the 2011 U.S. Physics Team. Out of the 3,600 students, 20 qualified for the team. These students are in the process of training for the mentally grueling exams and lab tests that they will …

Last Friday, more than 500 grandparents and special friends came from around the country and as far away as Ecuador to participate in a memorable morning of student performances and classroom activities during the cherished annual Grandparents & Special Friends Day.
The day began in the Pasternack Field House where guests enjoyed a catered breakfast and slideshow of photos from throughout the school year. Father Earl Gibson gave a wonderful homily during this year’s Chapel service followed by outstanding musical performances from students in Kindergarten through grade 5. Grade 2 students …

Thirty years ago the St. Margaret’s Parent Teacher Fellowship rode in like a knight in shining armor and began the beloved tradition of the Library Luncheon, a gathering of friends to celebrate our school and support our Library. The St. Margaret’s Library has received its loyal support ever since and according to Library Director Darla Magaña, who commented at the royal event, “The Library has emerged as the crown jewel of the school that links all divisions, all subjects, and all learners.”

The Spring All-School Dance Recital, held on April 29, featured nearly 125 skilled St. Margaret’s student dancers from preschool through grade 12. This year’s theme was “eMotion.” The dancers’ repertoire featured songs that spanned a range of emotions with songs such as “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
This Spring Recital was directed by dance teacher Jamie McCann and featured the choreography of Ms. McCann, Dance Program Director Holly Mehling and dance teacher Mona Lenihan-Costanzo. The performances featured the work of guest choreographers Kellie Johnston, Amanda Wanstreet, …

The performing arts are thriving at St. Margaret’s across all divisions. The spring concert season at St. Margaret’s included the Lower School Pipers performance, a vocal concert, a band concert and an orchestra concert. Director of the Arts Darcy Rice said, “Attending the spring concerts provides a vivid illustration of the depth and breadth of St. Margaret’s music programs. I am inspired by the tremendous development that our students display as they progress as musicians from grades 4-12.”
The Lower School Pipers were directed by Lower School Choir Director Diane Hawkins …

This spring, the St. Margaret’s Early Childhood Development Center invited families of young children to participate in a preview of the Preschool experience by offering a Mommy & Me class. For the child who has never been to school before, this is a wonderful introduction to school—with the safety of mom close by.
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., the children have been exploring art, dramatic play, math games, music and stories –and loving it! The children have been enjoying class time with Mrs. Ingrid Andrews and …