Activities

Activities
Activities at Saint Lawrence Academy are structured to be inclusive rather than elitist. They bring students and faculty together outside of the classroom to pursue common interests. Our "no cut" policy encourages students to participate in an activity even if they have no previous experience. Students are able to explore new interests knowing they will not be cut from activities as long as they fulfill their attendance and practice commitments and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
In addition to clubs, the Activities Program provides students with an opportunity to participate in assemblies, rallies, dances, Spring Musical, Homecoming Week, Unity Week and more. Individual classes may also host special events on behalf of their class. For example, each year the senior class sponsors the Senior Carnival while the Junior class has their annual Junior Ring Ceremony.
Travel opportunities are also available through the support of the faculty and staff.
Contact Information:
Director of Activities: Julie Tsutsui
Phone Number: 408-296-3013 ext. 712
Email: jtsutsui@saintlawrence.org
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
The Student Council Executive Board is the primary student group responsible for representing the students of Saint Lawrence Academy. The purpose of the organization shall be to promote an atmosphere where learning is enhanced, to promote a strong communication between student and faculty, and amongst the students themselves, and to promote an awareness for all others. The Executive Board is composed of the Student Council President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Student Activities Coordinator.
This year's Executive Board members are:
President – Urooj Saya
Vice President – Rachel Synegal
Secretary – Hien Phan
Treasurer – Yvonne Tran
Activities – Ambika Vaid
Class Council
Class Councils are primarily responsible for representing the ideas and needs of their individual grade levels. Class Councils meet regularly with the Executive Board to gather and then disseminate information about upcoming events and the role of the individual grades in these events. The Class Councils are composed of a class President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Student Activities Coordinator.
This year's Class Council members are:
Class of 2011
- President – Edward Suriaga
- Vice President – Jeanette Baltazar
- Secretary – Josh Lehga
- Treasurer – Kevin Nguyen
- Activities – Frank Ochoa
Class of 2012
- President – Aliza Rondez
- Vice President – Alisha Rondez
- Secretary – Ali Palla
- Treasurer – John Canfield
- Activities – Eva Romo
Class of 2013
- President – Jena Wijtman
- Vice President – Jorawar Gellon
- Secretary – Ryan Clark
- Treasurer – Ashish Velagapudi
- Activities – Tyler Ferrari
Class of 2014 (to be elected in August 2010)
- President –
- Vice President –
- Secretary –
- Treasurer –
- Activities –
CLUBS
Ambassador Club
Ambassadors are sophomore, junior and senior students who are chosen to represent Saint Lawrence Academy at Open House, Welcome Brunch, middle school visits, and as shadow greeters. Ambassadors also help the Admissions Office through administrative help. These students are selected at the end of each school year.
Freshmen and sophomore students are invited and encouraged to serve as shadow hosts to eighth grade students who spend the day visiting campus. Shadow hosts are eligible to earn service hours.
Moderators:
Mrs. Anne Eubanks – aeubanks@saintlawrence.org
Mrs. Mary Dixon – mdixon@saintlawrence.org
Bowling Club
This club is for bowlers of all abilities. It is a purely social club that meets once a month at Moonlite Lanes in Santa Clara. The approximate cost is $7 for each outing and you are required to provide your own transportation to the lanes.
Moderators:
Mr. Mike DeCarlo – mdecarlo@saintlawrence.org
Mr. Jason Ingebrigtsen – jingebrigtsen@saintlawrence.org
California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
The California Scholarship Federation is a statewide organization whose purpose is to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Qualifying for membership is on a semester basis following a point system, which requires A’s and B’s in the most difficult classes. All students are welcome to fill out an application after they have spent a full semester at Saint Lawrence Academy.
Moderator:
Mrs. Christie Filios – cfilios@saintlawrence.org
Cardsharks
Do you enjoy card games? Do you think you have the skills to challenge other card players? If so, this is the club for you. Join in on our monthly card parties.
Moderator:
Mrs. Sophie Lobry-Alvarez – slobry@saintlawrence.org
Chess Club
Whether you are a novice or a grand master, the chess club is the place for you. Chess can build logic and critical thinking skills while challenging your mind to outthink your opponent. Whether you would like to learn to play or your ready to challenge the best, consider joining the chess club this year.
Moderator:
Ms. Jen Claudio – jclaudio@saintlawrence.org
Chorus
Students attend choir two or three times a month in order to prepare and practice music for mass, concerts, Baccalaureate mass, and graduation. Members learn the basics of vocal technique, two, three, and four part harmonies, and choral singing.
Moderator:
Ms. Mary Carroll – mcarroll@saintlawrence.org
Cycling Club
For those who like to get their exercise by travelling the open road, the cycling club may be the club for you. Participants will have the opportunity to bike new or familiar paths each month.
Moderator:
FAST (Fitness, Agility, and Strength Training)
Members will be actively engaging in Olympic lifting, cross-fit training, and sport specific activities. Members will gain more athletic ability than they have had at any other time of their lives.
Moderators:
Mr. Brent Woodcock – bwoodcock@saintlawrence.org
Mr. Ryan Olein – rolein@saintlawrence.org
Hackers
Are you a golf hack? Do your golf skills need improving? Do you approach golf for fun rather than competition? Then, the Hackers Club is perfect for you. Head out to the links for some golf practice and fun.
Moderator:
Mr. John Bennett – jbennett@saintlawrence.org
Hockey Club
The Hockey Club participates in a competitive roller hockey league in San Jose. There are three seasons, each with 12 games and playoffs. Practices are every Tuesday afternoon, meetings are every Friday at lunch in room 12, and games are on the weekend.
Moderators:
Mr. Jason Ingebrigtsen – jingebrigtsen@saintlawrence.org
Mr. Michael Seidler – mseidler@saintlawrence.org
Ice Cream Team
What do you get when you mix equal parts campus ministry planning and deep insightful discussion groups with copious amounts of ice cream? The I.C.E.C.R.E.A.M. Team, thatΥs what.
Moderators:
Mr. Martin Argenti – margenti@saintlawrence.org
Improv Team
Students practice acting without preparation by doing warm-ups, exercises, and scene drills. Our Improv Team is based upon the Comedy Sportz model and we have in the past competed in the Comedy Sportz High School League.
Moderators:
Ms. Mary Carroll – mcarroll@saintlawrence.org
Interact Club
Interact is a community service club that also works with other area schools to fundraise for an international charity project each year.
Moderators:
Ms. Laura Stoll – lstoll@saintlawrence.org
Japan Homestay
The Japan Homestay Club encourages students to actively participate in the exchange program with Junshin High School in Nagasaki, Japan either as visitors or hosts. The club also explores and celebrates Japanese culture through art, food, and activities.
Moderator:
Mr. Kevin Carroll – kcarroll@saintlawrence.org
Mr. Brien Schmuck – bschmuck@saintlawrence.org
Literary Guild
The Literary Guild produces the school’s newspaper Celtic Mosaic. The Literary Guild is looking for students who enjoy writing, art work, photography, and using their computer skills. You can celebrate and preserve the history of Saint Lawrence Academy by joining the Literary Guild.
Moderator:
Mr. Kevin Carroll – kcarroll@saintlawrence.org
Movie Club
The movie club is all about watching movies. It is an opportunity for students to come together and relax. The club meets once a month to enjoy a movie and snacks.
Moderator:
Sr. Peggy Hurley – phurley@saintlawrence.org
National Honor Society
National Honor Society is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors based on academics and faculty nomination. Selection to this group is quite strict, based on four criteria: leadership, service, character, and scholarship. An academic grade point average of 3.5 out of a 4.0 is required. After meeting these strict criteria, these standards must be maintained. The purpose of the National Honor Society is service to both school and community; this is done through various projects completed throughout the year.
Moderator:
Mrs. Christie Filios – cfilios@saintlawrence.org
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Are you interested in hiking, bike riding, star gazing, rock climbing, skiing, or snowboarding? Join your fellow outdoor enthusiasts for fun while being active in the fresh air.
Moderator:
Mrs. Natalie Murphy – nmurphy@saintlawrence.org
Peer Helpers
The Peer Helpers Program is a club in which students are trained in communication and interpersonal skills. It is designed to teach students how to be facilitators in a variety of roles such as peer helping, conflict resolution and peer education. There are monthly trainings where students will learn about relationships, decision-making and problem-solving. They will learn how to facilitate others to think about ideas, feelings, and responsible behavior.
Moderators:
Mrs. Cheryl Weeks – cweeks@saintlawrence.org
Student Council
Student Council gives students a voice in determining school activities and environment. It helps promote activities for the entire student body at Saint Lawrence Academy and fosters a positive element throughout the school. Elections for freshmen are held in September; elections for sophomores, juniros and seniors take place in the spring. Interessted students may run for class offices or executive board positions.
Moderator:
Mrs. Julie Tsutsui – jtsutsui@saintlawrence.org
Student Council
The Varsity Club is looking for students who have school spirit and who enjoy athletics. Be a part of the school’s Varsity Club where you can support fellow athletes, show school spirit, and enjoy some great athletic performances.
Moderators:
Mr. Joe Endaya – jendaya@saintlawrence.org
Mr. Andy Ward – award@saintlawrence.org
Important Dates
- August 15 Freshman Orientation from 9 am 3 pm in the Community Center and Academy
- August 15 New Parent Coffee at 10 am in the Parish Hall
- August 17 Uniform sales from 3 7 pm in the Academy Library
- August 19 First day of classes; school pictures taken
- August 19 Finance Council Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Rectory
- August 25 Chalk the Walk at lunch in the pavilion
- August 25 Magazine drive begins
- August 27 Welcome Back Rally at 1:15 pm in the Community Center
- August 27 Welcome Back Mixer from 7:30 10:30 pm in the Community Center
- August 30 Back-to-School Night beginning at 6:30 pm in the Church
- August 31 School theme day to include freshman elections
- September 1 Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated with the Elementary and Middle Schools at 8:30 am in the Church
- September 2 Pastoral Parish Council Meeting at 7 pm in the Rectory
- September 3 Minimum Day 12:15 dismissal
- September 6 LABOR DAY No school
- September 7 Parent Club Meeting at 7 pm in the Little Theater
- September 9 Education Council Meeting at 6:30 pm in SLEMS Faculty Lounge
- September 10 Mass at 8:30 am in the Church
- September 10 Freshman Zacchaeus Retreat from 8:30 am 2:30 pm
- September 11 Parent Club BBQ from 11 am 2 pm in the pavilion
- September 14 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at Most Holy Trinity School
- September 14 Mens Club Meeting at 6:30 pm in the pavilion
- September 15 Youth Advisory Board Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Rectory
- September 16 Finance Council Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Rectory
- September 16 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. Lucy School
- September 17 Trivia Game Night from 7 9 pm in the Parish Hall
- September 17 Student Council Lock-In from 7 pm until 8 am on September 18 in the Academy building
- September 20 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. Catherine School
- September 20 Toilet Paper Drive begins
- September 22 Magazine drive ends
- September 23 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. Clare School
- September 23 Senior Breakaway Day
- September 24 Celtic Pride Day
- September 24 Celebrity Sandwich Day at lunch in the pavilion
- September 24 Laps for Lyme and Lymphoma from 8 11 pm at Rollin Ice
- September 25 Campus Restoration Day from 9 am 4 pm
- September 26 Academy Sponsored Mass at 6 pm in the Church
- September 27 Make up Picture Day
- September 28 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at Holy Spirit School
- September 30 High School Information Night from 7 8:30 pm at St. John Vianney School
- September 30 Class of 2011 College Night at 7 pm in the Church
School News
ACADEMY WELCOMES NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
As the Academy prepares for the arrival of new students and the reappearance of returning students, the Academy also welcomes some new faculty and staff. Joining the Academy for the 2010 – 2011 school year are:
Kelly DeBarr who will be joining the staff as a Spanish instructor, teaching levels 1 and 3. Additionally, Kelly is interested in coaching swimming, working in Campus Ministry and involving herself with activities dealing with foreign language.
Richard (Rick) Louie is our joining our science department. Rick will be teaching Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Physics and Honors Physics. Rick comes to St. Lawrence Academy with a wealth of experience in teaching at small Catholic high schools, having worked at both Bishop Garces High School in Bakersfield and St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School in Watsonville.
Kelly Schlernitzauer has joined our front office staff as school register. Having worked at Harker Academy for ten years, Kelly brings a wealth of front office experience to our campus.
And, Janet Yamada has stepped into the role of Development Director for the Education Center. Janet has been a volunteer at the Education Center for a number of years. She has a wealth of fundraising and event planning experience both here at Saint Lawrence and with her volunteer work with Girl Scouts (Troop 61331), San Jose Youth Community Service, and Suzume no Gakko, a Japanese culture program.
We welcome all of our new personnel and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming school year.
