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Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School - Tustin

"If only I had a thousand lives" - Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac

SJDL Newsletter: Week of March 30

Posted Date: 03/29/26 (08:00 AM)


SJDL Newsletter

Week of

March 30, 2026
 
100 Year Anniversary Logo

Living Our Mission: A Call to Evangelize

Evangelization begins in the ordinary moments of our lives, through kindness, patience, encouragement, and service. Let us open our hearts to see where God is working in our families, our school, and our community. Let us be messengers of hope to those who are struggling, witnesses of faith to those who are searching, and instruments of mercy to those in need.

Every act of love, every choice to forgive, every moment of listening and understanding becomes a way to bring Christ to the world. This Lent, may our hearts burn with the desire to reflect His light, so that others may come to know His goodness through us.

Reflection

Merciful God,
As we begin this new week, guide our hearts and minds to notice Your presence in all that we do. Help us to act with kindness, to learn with diligence, and to serve with joy. May we grow in faith, make wise choices, and share Your love with everyone around us. Let this week be filled with purpose, hope, and Your guiding light. Amen.


 
Image of Saint Jeanne

Focus on the Foundress

"If only I had a thousand lives" - Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac (1556–1640) was a remarkable woman of faith whose life was dedicated to education, service, and the formation of young people in the Catholic tradition. Born in Bordeaux, France, Jeanne experienced both personal loss and the challenges of her time with resilience and grace. 
The “challenges of her time” can be directly connected to our mission today by focusing on courage, adaptability, and fidelity to Gospel values in the face of change. Just as Jeanne faced a society in flux, today’s students, and adults, encounter complex cultural, technological, and moral challenges actively designed to confuse and divide. She met societal needs with practical action, hands-on steps she took to address real needs in her community rather than just speaking about them or hoping for change. We attempt to teach students to recognize the needs of others and respond with compassion and service, reflecting Christ in everyday life for the Greater Glory of God.
 

Month At A Glance - April

Class of 2026 Study Trip to Washington, D.C.: March 29 — April 3
Easter Break — Campus Closed: April 1–April 10

Monday, April 13: Classes Resume
Monday, April 13: Home & School Meeting 7pm
Friday, April 17: Easter Mass (TBD)
Wednesday, April 15: Family Fun-raiser - Chipotle
Tuesday, April 21: Festival of the Flame (Class of 2026)
Benchmark Testing: April 20 - May 1
 

Week At A Glance

MONDAY
  • Schedule D - PE Uniforms for grades 1, 2, 4, 8
  • Spaghetti with French bread, fresh vegetables, salad and fruit.
  • May Festival Incentive Free Dress: >60 Tickets Sold by 3/27
  • Mock Trial Team Free Dress Day
  • No Practices (Both Volleyball and Football)

TUESDAY
  • Schedule A - PE Uniforms for grades 3, 5, 7
  • Chicken Nuggets with fries, fresh vegetables, salad and fruit.
  • No Practices (Both Volleyball and Football)

WEDNESDAY
  • EASTER BREAK - Campus Closed
  • Faculty Easter Retreat - Temecula

THURSDAY
  • EASTER BREAK - Campus Closed

FRIDAY
  • EASTER BREAK - Campus Closed
 

Important Message

Dear Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Families,

I am writing to share an important update regarding leadership at our school. The Company of Mary will be seeking a new principal to guide Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School for the Academic year 2026-2027 through an extensive search of qualified candidates. This process is undertaken in the spirit of the Ignatian magis, always striving for the “more” of our school in support of our students’ growth, formation, and well-being.

I am deeply committed to keeping us aligned with the mission of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, and our Catholic identity. I will remain a visible presence at the school, as I am now, just with a new role. I know that the Holy Spirit will guide us in this next chapter of our school. I will continue supporting our students, faculty, and families as we continue to live out our mission together.

Please be assured that this decision has been prayerfully and carefully discerned, as we recognize the vital collaborative role of lay leadership in carrying our mission forward into the future. I am blessed with good health, thank God, and I welcome this transition, as it will allow me to remain fully engaged in spiritually supporting our students, faculty formation, and school families.

It is our shared responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of the school, a responsibility that becomes increasingly important as those of us who have served for many years transition into new roles. I have every confidence that Mrs. Spillman, our leadership team and our devoted faculty and staff will continue to share their professionalism, care, and love for your children into this next chapter of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School’s history.

For a full explanation of this leadership transition and the ongoing role of the Sisters, I invite you to read the official statement from Sister Maria Helena Peña, our Provincial Superior of the Order of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, below this message.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership and support. I look forward to all that God has in store for our school community, and I remain committed to helping our students grow in faith, purpose, and passion for the Greater Glory of God.

In the Company of Mary,
Sister Cecilia Durán, O.D.N.
Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School

A formal letter dated March 25, 2026, from the Order of the Company of Mary N.S. Province of the Pacific.
 

2026 May Festival

Riding the Trail of Faith

Howdy, Lancer families, students, staff, and alumni!
Get ready to tip your hats and hold on tight, because the 2026 May Festival is here—and it’s a wild ride! This year, we’re taking you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the rodeo, where courage, community, and a little bit of faith lead the way.

Join us as we ride the trail of faith together, celebrating the spirit of our school with games, laughter, and a whole lot of fun. There’s something for everyone—students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni alike!

One of the highlights of the festival is the Raffle Rodeo Challenge! The more tickets your child sells, the bigger their chances of wrangling amazing prizes for themselves, their grade, and their family—just like roping a champion steer!

Round Up Your Adventure:
  • Purchase raffle tickets – Boost your chances of winning big and join the rodeo excitement!
  • Donate a sponsorship – Unlock exclusive perks and support our school community.
  • Spread the word – Share the festival fun with family and friends!
Don’t miss the ride—join us as we saddle up and celebrate together, Riding the Trail of Faith!
Raffle Tickets and Sponsorships
 

Strategic Plan: Goal 2 - Strengthen Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity

Our goal is to guide students and parents in navigating the digital world safely and responsibly. Through lessons in digital literacy and workshops for parents on the impact of social media, we promote balanced, healthy, and faith-filled technology use, forming students who are both digitally savvy and grounded in Catholic values.

A Call to Action for Parents: The Addiction is Real

In a landmark decision on March 25, 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Meta (Instagram’s parent company) and Google (YouTube) liable for "engineered addiction" and harming the mental health of a young user. This "bellwether" verdict is the first of its kind to hold social media companies legally responsible for addictive platform designs rather than the content they host.

While the monetary payout is minor for tech giants, legal experts suggest the ruling could trigger a "flood" of thousands of similar pending lawsuits. The case bypassed traditional protections for social media giants because it focused on product design as a defect rather than the speech or content posted by users.

For families, this moment invites reflection and renewed intentionality. As parents, you remain the primary educators of your children, not only in academics and faith, but also in the habits that shape their daily lives. Technology, while offering many benefits, must be approached with discernment. Not every child is developmentally ready for social media, and access should be thoughtfully considered in light of maturity, responsibility, and the ability to engage with content in a healthy way.

At home, simple but consistent structures can make a meaningful difference. Creating device-free spaces and times—especially during meals, family conversations, and before bedtime—helps prioritize relationships and fosters a sense of balance. Keeping devices out of bedrooms overnight, monitoring usage, and setting clear expectations are not merely rules, but acts of care that protect a child’s growth and freedom.

Equally important is ongoing conversation. Helping children understand that these platforms are designed to keep them engaged empowers them to think critically and act with greater self-awareness. When parents remain attentive to changes in mood, sleep, or behavior, they can respond with compassion and guidance, ensuring that no child navigates these challenges alone.

As a faith-filled community, we are called to something deeper. Our use of technology should always be measured against what is true, good, and life-giving. When approached with intention, discipline, and faith, technology can serve as a tool for learning and connection. But when left unchecked, it can quietly compete for the attention and identity of our children.

Together, let us continue forming young people who are not shaped by the pressures of the digital world, but grounded in truth, strengthened by virtue, and confident in their identity as children of God.
 

Library Center News

Library News for the Week of March 23-27

Upper Grade Picture Book California Young Reader Medal Winners
Our 4-6 grade students enjoyed three fabulous stories and chose Rise to Liberty as the SJDL winning book. This is a wonderful tale of how American children helped build the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. We will look forward to April when we get the state voting results.

Book Clubs will be Meeting the Week We Return from Easter Break
We are all looking forward to our March/April book clubs meeting the week we return to school. Take a look at what each group is reading and enjoy these great stories during our break.
  • First Grade- The Kingdom of Wrenly Book 1 Meets April 14th
  • Second Grade- My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Book 1 Meets April 15th
  • Third Grade- Time Jumpers Book 1 Meets April 16th
  • Fourth Grade- Upside Down Magic Book 1 meets April 21st
  • Fifth and Sixth Grades- Aru Shah and the End of Time Meets April 22nd
  • Seventh and Eighth Grades- Hunger Games Meets April 28th

Have You Read Andrea Beatty's Books?
This week K-3 students enjoyed Andrea Beatty's The Questioneers series featuring STEM-focused picture books like Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist. Her books, often illustrated by David Roberts, use charming rhyming text to encourage curiosity, persistence, and resilience in young readers, celebrating inquisitive children who pursue answers. Check them out at your local OC Public Library.

The New Trimester Begins for our 7th and 8th Grade NJ and CJ Readers
Congratulations to all our 7th and 8th graders! Students were very successful reaching their goal of 1000 pages and have much to be proud of. As the last trimester begins, because it is a bit shorter in length, students need to read 800 pages to meet their last trimester Honor Society requirement by May 22nd.

Have a wonderful Spring Break.
Happy Easter!
Mrs. Venable
 

Lancer Athletics

Go Lancers!

Spring Sports News

We are proud of our SJDL Lancer student-athletes and the growth we continue to witness, both in skill development and in the spirit of teamwork that is evident in practices and games. We are especially grateful to our coaches for their dedication to fostering this development with purpose and care.

In light of the upcoming Easter Break, there will be no football or volleyball practices this week, as many of our students will be traveling.

As a Lancer Athletics community, we extend our prayerful wishes to all of our families for a blessed Easter. May the joy of the Resurrection renew your hearts and deepen your experience of Christ’s love.

Scheduling Notes:
  • The A-Team football game previously canceled due to heat has been rescheduled for April 30 at SJDL.
  • There will be no practices held during Easter Break.

Let us continue to strive for excellence with faith, discipline, and unity.

Let’s go, Lancers!

All Lancer Athletics Parents

Please be sure to review the Spring Sports Athletics Presentation and return the Lancer Athletics Parent Code of Conduct page as soon as possible. Players may not be issued a team uniform and be ineligible to participate in games if Athletic Fees have not been submitted, TeamSnap registration (New Athletes ONLY) has not been completed and the Lancer Athletics Parent Code of Conduct has not be returned.
TeamSnap Portal
Fire Wings Sponsorship

Proud Sponsor of Lancer Athletics

 

Home and School Association News and Events

Subtitle for context

Logo for Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Home & School Association featuring a house, open book, and hands.
 
Poster seeking volunteers for the May Festival on May 3rd, featuring a cowboy on a horse.
 

Get Involved in the HSA!

The Home & School Association (HSA) is our parent volunteer group dedicated to supporting SJDL through fundraising and community-building events that enrich the experience for all of our students and families. It’s a wonderful way to get involved, meet other parents, and make a meaningful impact in our school community.

We invite all parents to join us at our next HSA meeting on April 13th at 7:00 PM. Come learn more about what we do, share ideas, and connect with other parents in a welcoming and friendly environment. 

We’d love to see you there! 
Home & School Association

 

Clothes Closet Accepting Donations!

If you are spring cleaning and need to pass on gently used uniforms, please feel free to donate them to the Clothes Closet! If you have any questions, please email clothescloset@sjdlschool.com

 
Father Daughter Save the Date
 
Home and School Board Members
 

Other Interesting Items

Ongoing and future news

 
A large group of children and adults stand on a grassy field, posing for a photo.
Join us this summer for an exciting season of adventure, discovery, and fun! Our camps offer a variety of experiences designed to inspire teamwork, personal growth, and create lasting memories. Each week brings new opportunities for learning and exploration, ensuring that every camper has a rewarding and enjoyable time. Our camps are a great way to stay engaged and make the most of summer. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Rosary Academy!

Camps are open to rising 3rd-8th graders

Camps will be held Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm and 12:30pm-3:30pm
Summer Camp Information