Weekly Letters from the Principal

To date we have learned about 3 of the 5 Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs) for SFdA students. The five SLEs are Following Christ, Acquiring Knowledge, Inspiring Daily Conversion, Taking Responsibility, and Helping Others.

A student who takes responsibility recognizes that their actions, words, and choices have meaning and impact. They act with integrity, follow through on commitments, and strive to do what is right, even when no one is watching. Taking responsibility means being accountable for one’s behavior, learning from mistakes, and showing honesty, perseverance, and respect in all situations. A responsible student uses self-discipline and good judgment to make positive choices that reflect their faith, values, and respect for others.

At San Francisco de Asis Catholic School, we want our students to know their faith and live it in meaningful ways. Inspiring daily conversion means opening our hearts to Christ and allowing His love to shape our choices. Through our example, we can encourage others to draw closer to Him, too.

In our Catholic faith, conversion is an ongoing journey. Each day brings opportunities to turn toward God: choosing kindness, asking for forgiveness, making amends, or helping someone in need. These everyday choices help our students grow as faithful disciples and become a light in the world.

At SFdA Catholic school, "Acquiring Knowledge" is more than just learning facts, it is about growing as a whole person in mind, heart, and spirit. It means committing fully to our education, showing curiosity, and appreciating all areas of learning, from academics to the arts, faith formation, and physical education.

School-wide Learning Expectations (SLEs) are the core skills, values, and knowledge that students are expected to know, understand, and demonstrate by the time they graduate from San Francisco de Asis Catholic school.

Our SLEs are anchored in the acronym F.A.I.T.H., a powerful reminder of who we are and who we are called to be as a Catholic school community. Each letter in this acronym represents an essential part of educating the “whole child,” spiritually, academically emotionally, socially, and physically.

This week, we are beginning a school-wide focus on our School-wide Learning Expectations (SLEs), a core part of who we are as a Catholic school community. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing more about each of our specific SLEs, but today I would like to introduce what SLEs are and why they matter.

The SFdA Parent Student handbook in Section III, Academic Information, H and I, describes two ways we keep families informed and connected: report cards and parent-teacher conferences.

Students in Kindergarten through eighth grade receive report cards four times a year: October, December, March, and May. After the first and third quarters we set aside dedicated days for parent-teacher conferences. After the second and fourth quarters we send home a copy of the report cards for families to review.

Section VII: Safety and Legal  

1. Diocesan Safe Environment Training (SET). Our handbook encourages the active involvement of parents and families in supporting our students and school community. Before an adult may volunteer with students, a completed Safe Environment Training (SET) certification is required.

Religious education is an essential part of the academic and spiritual formation of every student at San Francisco de Asís Catholic School. Our students receive regular instruction in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture, prayer, and the sacramental life of our faith.

It is hard to believe that we are already five weeks into the 2026–2027 school year! Everyone has settled into their routines, and things are running smoothly once again. Thank you to our parents and students for your attention to our school dress code. Overall, our students are looking professional and modest, and we are proud of the way they represent SFdA each day. We are really shining!

Each week, we highlight a section of our school handbook to help families better understand the foundations that guide our work together. This week, we are focusing on accreditation and what it means for our school community.

San Francisco de Asis Catholic School is a fully accredited educational facility. Our accreditation is granted through the Western Catholic Educational Association, or WCEA, following a comprehensive self-study process. This reflective work allows us to carefully examine our mission, academic programs, faith formation, and overall school culture. It is both a moment of accountability and an opportunity for growth.