E-Lion's Tale - Closing the 2025–2026 Year

Dear OLG Families,

Well, here we are, still in the “old” format. The developer of our new website did not think that enough “techie” details had been ironed out, so we are finishing up the year as always. Watch for previews during the summer months.

It seems unbelievable that in what now feels like the blink of an eye, we are closing another year. It has been another one filled with joy and sadness as we said goodbye to Mrs. Dawson, rejoiced in the many, many academic successes of our students, cheered on our teachers as they marked milestones (wedding bells, anyone?) and got ready for the very exciting execution of the Shea grant, a project that I have had in the wings for two years. I still can’t believe that it is coming true!

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It has been another year filled with joy — academic successes, milestones, and a community that keeps showing up for one another.

So, this last edition of E-Lion’s is a list of both thank you’s and “things to come”.

A Big Thank You to the Dad's Club

I want to start by giving a great big shout out to ALL members of the newly formed Dad’s Club for coming out on Saturday and “emptying” the school. Special thanks to Mr. Noizumi and Mr. Alejos for spearheading the effort. Their next “big” event will be “putting it all back,” beginning the week of August 3. A big “put it back” party is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 8. Breakfast burritos and other libations will be in the plan, fear not.

Kindergarten Promotion

Congratulations to the proud members of the 2026 Kindergarten graduation class. They were celebrated at their promotion this morning and the joy in their little faces was a pleasure and a treat to behold. As principal, I was made aware that I failed to acknowledge the contributions of the English side of the kindergarten experience, the topics very ably taught by Ms. Castaing assisted by Mrs. Barrera. That was an error on my part and I acknowledge it. The issue, of course, is that at OLG the homeroom teacher is generally the one who takes the lead in any activity, and as homeroom teacher, Sra. Fajardo-Manifesto planned and executed the promotion exercise, just as her predecessor did. I also want to remind any who found my remarks lacking that I was specifically referring to the dual-language Spanish program when I thanked Sra, as well as Mrs. Hernandez, and in no way meant to slight the English teachers.

So, having said all that, CONGRATULATIONS to the entire class and to the entire dual-language team — Mrs. Fajardo-Manifesto, Sra. Perino, Ms. Castaing, Mrs. Barrera, Ms. Yvette, and Mrs. Jenny. You are the ones who make it happen.

Chess Club

Another big “thank you” to Mr. Noizumi for his tireless pursuit of excellence as he headed up our very first in-school chess club complete with a final tournament. Thank you again!

Mandarin Chinese

I am extremely excited to announce that we are entering into a partnership with “Little Apple” Academy in San Leandro. They will be offering after-school conversational Mandarin classes twice per week next year. If there is enough interest, they will even do a couple of levels. Watch this publication for more news.

Today — Last Day of School

As I close the 2025–2026 school year I do so with a spirit of great gratitude for all of YOU, the Our Lady of Grace Catholic School. May God’s blessings be with you throughout the summer months, and don’t forget Sunday Mass wherever you happen to vacation!