November 2025 Parent Newsletter

Campus Ministry

Emmaus Junior Retreat

Our junior class kicked off our school retreat season with their Emmaus retreat last month in October.  Led by our senior Faith In Action (FIA) leaders, our juniors had an amazing experience out in Silverado, walking with Jesus as they prayed and thought about the deeper meaning behind what it means to journey with Jesus. While the weather started off a little wet on the first day, the sun came out and treated our retreat goers to a beautiful view of the southland as we celebrated Mass together led by Fr. John.

If your junior wasn’t able to make it this semester, mark your calendars because our next Emmaus retreat will be March 10-12, 2026.

Kairos Senior Retreat (November 18 - 20) 

Registration is now open for November’s Kairos retreat.  This retreat, designed for our seniors, is a three day experience that will help strengthen our senior’s relationship with God and the world around them. We strongly encourage any seniors involved in winter or spring activities to attend this session of Kairos.
 
Those parents who are interested in sending their senior on Kairos will need to attend a mandatory meeting, Tuesday, November 4th at 6:30 pm. 

Permission slips are located outside the Campus Ministry Office and you can sign up and pay for the retreat ($300) at the following link: 

Register for Kairos

Caritas Service Retreat

On November 5 & 13,  our Sophomores will be on their Caritas Service Retreat at the LA Foodbank, where they will prepare thousands of food boxes for people in need. Let's include them in our prayers.  Virtus certified parents who wish to chaperone, please contact Mr. Kasilag at bkasilag@biishopamat.org.

Family Ministry Events

November Family Evening of Reflection

Bishop Amat Family Ministry will be hosting a Thanksgiving Faith Sharing evening on Thursday November 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Library.  We will gather as the Amat family to reflect on the many blessings God has given to us.  

This event is open to all grade levels. Students attending will receive one Christian Service Hour and Parents attending will receive one parent hour per family.  We hope you will consider joining us at your Amat home for this special evening.  

RSVP HERE

For more information, please contact Ms. Nicole Pfiester at npfiester@bishopamat.org.

Family Virtue Discussions

Virtue Spotlight: Tenacity
Definition: The strength to persist and endure in difficult situations, to keep striving toward a goal, no matter the obstacles or setbacks. It’s the will to remain faithful to your purpose and to keep pushing forward when things get tough, driven by the hope and trust in God's plan.

Suggested Reflection-Discussion Questions: 
1. Think of a time when you experienced a challenge. How did you find the strength to persevere?
2. How can we as a family encourage one another to stay strong when faced with difficulties?
3. What role does prayer play in helping us remain tenacious during struggles?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help our family to always remain faithful to our purpose of growing in your love. Amen. 

Infirmary Volunteers

Parent volunteers are needed to work in our Infirmary on a daily basis.  If you are Virtus trained and are interested in earning parent hours in this capacity, please contact the Attendance Office at 626-962-2495 ext. 7440 or send an email to attendance@bishopamat.org. Thank you in advance for volunteering!

From the Attendance Office 

Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen an increase in student illness.  As a reminder, if your student is experiencing any symptoms, especially a fever, he/she should stay home to avoid getting others sick.   

Additionally, if your student begins to feel sick during the school day, please remind them that they should not sit in a classroom potentially getting others sick.  Instead, they should come to the Attendance Office where we will make parent contact and will be able to quickly release him/her.   

Here are some other important Attendance Office reminders:

• All students arriving on campus after 8:10 am MUST check in at the Attendance Office.  Students who fail to check in are subject to a dean’s detention.
• If arriving on campus after 8:50, the student is considered absent for the first block and a signed absent note should be provided.  It can be emailed or sent with the student to be submitted when checking in.  If the student does not have a signed parent note, he/she is still expected to check in at the Attendance Office.
• A student should never leave campus without checking out at the Attendance Office.   This is considered truancy.  For emergency purposes, it is extremely important to know exactly which students are on campus at all times.
• Early Dismissal requests should be dropped off by the student at the Attendance Office by 8 am.  Be sure to include the name, ID number, time and reason for the early dismissal.
• Early Dismissal requests can also be emailed ahead of time to attendance@bishopamat.org.
• Students cannot be pulled for early dismissals during break, lunch or scheduled activities (i.e. assemblies, retreats, Mass, picnics, etc.)
• Please do your best to ensure that your son/daughter has his/her lunch and personal belongings before leaving the house in the morning.  Per school policy, we do NOT accept lunch deliveries for students.  
• Please ensure that your student’s name is on his/her belongings (i.e. books, lunch bags, hydroflasks, backpacks, sweatshirts, etc.) so that the item can be returned to him/her if it is lost.