Latest News
Kindergarten, JH, & Spanish Highlights
Across our classrooms, learners continue to grow in faith, knowledge, and community through meaningful and engaging experiences.
Kindergarten: Growing in Faith and Learning
Our Kindergarten class has been enjoying time together and especially loved participating in the school Jog A Thon. During Lent, students tracked each day and worked to keep their personal promises to God. As a class, they focused on praying more throughout the day and being mindful of their actions. They even chose to give up Dojo Islands, a favorite interactive class world where they explore, build, and collaborate.
Kindergarteners continue to build strong academic foundations as they grow in reading and practice addition and subtraction fact fluency. Most importantly, they strive each day to show the best version of themselves.
Junior High: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our 8th Grade class recently visited the Planetarium at Orange Coast College, where they experienced an immersive presentation on the night sky, constellations, and the movement of celestial bodies. This visit deepened their understanding of how scientists study space and how patterns in the sky explain phenomena such as seasons and planetary motion.
Back on campus, these young scientists applied their learning by designing and presenting interactive models to teach younger students about key space science concepts. Through this work, they strengthened both their scientific understanding and their ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently.
Spanish: Language and Culture in Action
¡Felices Pascuas de Resurrección! Spanish classes continue to be filled with energy, learning, and cultural exploration.
In the lower grades, children are learning body parts, activities, and how to express what they like to do in Spanish. Fourth and Fifth Grade classes recently completed virtual trips to Costa Rica and Chile through engaging readings and activities. Sixth Grade learners are beginning their first Spanish novel set in Ecuador, while Seventh Grade explored the culture of Las Cholitas in Bolivia.
Our 8th Grade class continues strengthening verb skills and will conclude the year with a focus on conversation and real world language use.
2026 SJS Catholic AJHD Team
Makerspace & Technology
Students have been busy creating, exploring, and problem solving in both Makerspace and Technology classes this spring.
Makerspace
This spring in Makerspace, students explored art by learning about influential artists and artistic styles. They studied artists such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh, discovering what made their work unique and how their styles shaped the art world. After learning about these artists, students created their own artwork inspired by the techniques and styles they studied. Through this process, students gained an understanding of basic art techniques and genres while developing their own creativity.
Students created their own interpretations of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, practicing techniques such as intentional brush strokes and texture using oil pastels to design their own skies filled with stars. As part of this activity, students also reflected on Psalm 19:1 and how all of creation, including the skies, proclaims the glory and beauty of God. Students also explored Picasso’s love of shapes, lines, perspective, and color as they designed abstract guitars. Using a technique called pastel staining, they created bold and expressive pieces that showcased their growing artistic skills.
Technology
This quarter, students explored the world of coding through Code.org. As a class, they discussed foundational coding principles and learned how code can be used to build complex digital projects. As a culminating activity, Third through Fifth Grade students created their own chase games using Code.org. In these games, students applied coding concepts such as conditional programming and variables to design interactive games from scratch.
Meanwhile, Sixth and Seventh Grade students have finalized the vision for their fictional companies and are now focusing on branding, marketing, and advertising as they promote their businesses. Students explored how branding influences a company’s success by researching well known companies such as Starbucks and Nike. Through this research, they examined how companies build and maintain strong brand identities and then applied these ideas as they developed the branding for their own companies.
3rd Grade & Spanish Highlights
Third Grade: Curiosity, Creativity, and Growth
Third Grade continues to be filled with curiosity, creativity, and joyful learning. In Science, students explored the States of Matter and became detectives as they solved the mystery of who liquified the atoms, while Social Studies sparked excitement through a new chapter on Early Exploration. In Math, students continue strengthening their multiplication fact mastery and building on that foundation to learn division through engaging strategies such as fact songs, number bonds, and equal groups. Religion has been a highlight as students proudly displayed their Saint Cereal Boxes at Open House, where each student researched and designed a project based on a saint intentionally chosen to reflect their personality, interests, and goals. In ELA, students wrapped up their first novel study of Charlotte’s Web with a special class celebration and now eagerly look forward to beginning The Chocolate Touch. Third Grade has been filled with laughter, connection, and hard work, making this year a joyful and meaningful experience.
Spanish K through 8: Language, Culture, and Discovery
Spanish classes have been buzzing with learning and excitement across grade levels. Lower grade students are exploring winter themes while learning the alphabet, food, and clothing through games, songs, and hands on crafts. Students in Grades 4 through 7 are preparing for virtual trips to Costa Rica, Chile, Panama, and Bolivia, discovering culture, geography, and traditions across the Spanish speaking world. Our 8th Graders continue building strong language foundations as they strengthen their verb conjugation skills through engaging and interactive activities.
Catholic Schools Week & Open House Updates
We are excited to celebrate Catholic Schools Week as a school community! This special week is a time to recognize the gift of Catholic education, celebrate our faith, and enjoy meaningful activities together.
Today’s celebration begins with Mass at 10:00 AM, followed by refreshments and our Open House from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM. We warmly welcome families and visitors to tour classrooms, view student work, and experience the faith-filled spirit of our school.
Please see the two flyers below for important details:
We look forward to celebrating with our students, families, and community throughout the week as we give thanks for our school, our faith, and one another!
Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, & JH Highlights
As we move into Ordinary Time, our students continue to grow in faith, learning, and service across grade levels.
Kindergarten: Gratitude Like Saint Francis
Kindergarten students took one final photo of their birthday gifts to Jesus, bringing our Christmas celebrations to a meaningful close. In January, we focus on Saint Francis of Assisi and the virtue of gratitude. His life teaches us to see everything as a gift from God. During our monthly virtue practice, students are learning to say thank you, first to one another and then to God. Sometimes they share their gratitude out loud, and sometimes they offer it quietly in their hearts. Joy, faith, and kindness fill our classroom each day, and we thank God for these gifts.
Second Grade: Saints in the Making and Flat Stanley
Second graders are working on their Saints in the Making projects, where they reflect on their personal strengths and set goals as they grow on their paths to holiness. This work helps them build strong friendships and show love through their daily actions. In literacy, students began their first novel study with Flat Stanley. They use their own Stanley books as they explore the story. They practice critical thinking, grow their vocabulary, and use text evidence to explain their ideas. This study builds both excitement and confidence in reading.
Junior High Science: Social Justice in Action
Middle school science students applied their knowledge of thermal energy and chemical reactions in a hands on engineering challenge. They designed food containers and tested materials to see which ones kept food warm or cold most effectively. As they worked, students used their understanding of heat transfer, insulation, and energy flow to guide their decisions. This project helped students see the order and complexity of God’s creation while showing them how science can serve real human needs.
During Catholic Schools Week, we celebrate our faith filled community in a special way. We look forward to gathering for our Catholic Schools Week Mass and welcoming families to our Open House on Sunday as we celebrate the gift of Catholic education!
Preschool, JH, & Makerspace/Technology Highlights
This past week, our students engaged in meaningful learning experiences across campus. In Preschool, our youngest learners explored fire safety while connecting the theme to the letter F. They practiced the /f/ sound, identified words starting with the letter F, and especially enjoyed putting out pretend “fires” during a hands-on sensory activity.
In Junior High Religion, students deepened their understanding of faith and the life of the Church. Eighth Graders completed their study of The Mystery of the Church, Seventh Graders reflected on the significance of Jesus’ Baptism, and Sixth Graders began learning about Abraham and God’s covenant of promise.
In Junior High History, students continued to build their understanding of the past and its impact on the world today. Eighth Graders examined the effects of European Colonization, Seventh Graders wrapped up their study of Ancient Rome, and Sixth Graders moved from the Neolithic Revolution into the Bronze Age, exploring how early civilizations developed.
Over in the Makerspace, students have been applying creativity and engineering thinking to hands-on challenges. Kindergarten through 5th Grade practiced the Design Thinking process as they created prototypes, solved problems, and worked collaboratively. The Makerspace continues to be a joyful space filled with curiosity, innovation, and teamwork.
In Technology, students have been practicing digital literacy and creative problem-solving. K–5th Graders used tools such as Google Docs, Google Slides, and Canva while learning how to be responsible digital citizens. Meanwhile, Junior High students applied critical-thinking skills to projects focused on company planning, marketing concepts, and advocacy campaigns, all while considering how to use technology with integrity and care.
As always, we are grateful for the partnership of our families and the enthusiasm of our students. It is a joy to watch them grow as learners, creators, and children of God each day.
6th Grade Vocations Retreat
Our 6th graders had a wonderful experience at the Sacred Heart Retreat House! A heartfelt thank you to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for warmly welcoming our students. The day was filled with joy, reflection, and inspiration as the students sang, played games, created beautiful arts and crafts, and learned about vocations in a meaningful way.
We also want to give a special thank you to Father Oliver, who took the time to speak with our students and celebrate Mass to close our day together. It was truly an amazing and faith-filled experience that helped our students grow in their understanding of God’s call in their lives.
As we reflect on this special day, let us remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”
May our students continue to seek and embrace God’s calling in their lives with faith and courage.
4th Grade & Spanish Highlights
Our 4th Graders have been thriving this trimester, diving into multi-digit multiplication and exploring California’s diverse regions in Social Studies. They have journeyed inside the human body in science, learning how the brain controls everything, while in religion, they memorized the beautiful Memorare prayer and reflected on Mary’s love and faith. In English Language Arts, students are strengthening their writing by identifying main ideas in animal stories and expanding their sentences. They have also enjoyed calming fall art projects and building friendships with their 1st Grade reading buddies, making this season full of curiosity, creativity, faith, and friendship.
Across the lower grades, Spanish classes are lively with practice in colors, animals, feelings, and essential verbs like quiere, tiene, and es. Meanwhile, students in 4th through 6th Grade have embarked on virtual trips to Mexico, Cuba, and Chile, learning about chocolate, dominoes, and Rapa Nui culture. Seventh Graders are wrapping up their trimester by exploring El Salvador’s vibrant surfing scene and 8th Graders celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with projects that showcase the richness and diversity of Spanish-speaking countries.
We are proud of all our students’ hard work and enthusiasm this trimester and look forward to many more moments of learning and joy ahead! As Proverbs 1:5 reminds us, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
2nd-3rd Grade and Sports Highlights
As the new season unfolds at Saint Joachim, our students are thriving both inside and outside the classroom. From faith-filled lessons and creative projects to exciting sports seasons, there is so much to celebrate. Here is a snapshot of what has been happening with our Second and Third graders, along with updates from our athletic teams.
Our Second Graders have been celebrating God’s creation through prayer, worship, and sharing their favorite parts of the world. They contributed beautiful drawings and writings to an interactive bulletin board and recently deepened their faith by learning and praying a Novena together as a class.
Third Graders are busy mastering multiplication, exploring plant life cycles, and discovering California’s diverse geography. They wrote postcards describing deserts, mountains, valleys, and waters, bringing their learning to life. A highlight was their Reader’s Theater performance of “Take Me to Your Litter,” where they acted out a story about recycling and protecting the environment, strengthening both reading skills and teamwork. God’s love shines through their learning journey!
Our Boys’ Flag Football teams are off to a great start, with the A Team aiming to three-peat as Diocesan Champions. The 5th and 6th Grade teams are showing strong teamwork and skill development.
Girls’ Volleyball is thriving across all grades, with teams building leadership, confidence, and a love for the game. Coaches and families are proud of our athletes’ dedication and sportsmanship as they strive for excellence on and off the court.
We are grateful for the vibrant learning, faith, and teamwork happening every day at Saint Joachim. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the year continues!
