Dear Parents,

Welcome to school year 2007-2008! We especially welcome our newly enrolled families and those still in the enrollment process. We here at St. Augustine Academy are happy to have you all on board and hope you are praying with us for an exceptional year.

School begins Monday, August 20th at 8:00 a.m. sharp. We will be wearing High Convocation uniforms for this first day. We look forward to worshipping together and praying for our year.

REJOICING NEWS: We recently received an anonymous gift of $25,000, most of which was designated for computers. What a blessing and an encouragement! Our fund raising goal this year is $150,000 so this gift amount is a great leap forward. Already the technology committee is working to secure computers for the school.

WORK DAYS: Saturday, August 4th, 9:00 until ??? Please bring tools, work clothes, gloves, lawn equipment, painting supplies, etc. We still have many projects to complete before school begins. Thanks for your help! Students are welcome to come and help move bookshelves, books, desks, etc. on Tuesday, August 7th, and Wednesday, August 8th beginning at 9:00 both days. Students will earn community service points for their House by attending work days.

REMODELING: Work is progressing on our summer remodeling projects! Library walls have been removed, the computer lab and library have been painted, floors are being redone in Mrs. Miller’s room, Mr. Tracy’s room, the computer lab and library. Miss Phillips room is getting new paint and carpet. LIBRARY – Donations have come in to cover the cost of the librarian’s desk and one bookcase. There are 17 more bookcases left to be donated at $175 per bookcase. Consider donating one in honor of or in memory of someone of your choice. A dedication plaque will be placed on the bookcase.

ORIENTATION: The Grammar School orientation is Tuesday, August 14th and the Secondary orientation is Thursday, August 16th. Come at 6:30 for a bite of dessert and time of fellowship. The orientation meeting will begin at 7:00. Plan to attend! We have many things to share with you about the new school year and you will want to visit the classrooms and chat with your students’ teachers.

POSITIONS OPEN: We are in need of an After School Care coordinator. This is a paid position with hours from the close of school each day until 5:00 – 5:15. Call the school office if you are interested in this position. We are also looking for a volunteer attendance and lunch order person. This would be every morning from 7:45 until about 9:00. If you can volunteer for this position, please call the office.

CHARGER ROUND TABLE AT NEW LIFE RANCH: Thursday, August 23, 8:00 a.m. – Friday, August 24, 3:10 p.m. This is a time for students to get away and build relationships for the new school year. We encourage every student in grades 6 – 12 to attend, both full-time and part-time students. The cost of $80 covers transportation, lodging, 4 meals, and all activities. This is a very important beginning to our year and sets the tone for much of what happens during the year. Plan now as this event occurs just three days after school starts.

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY: Homes for 4 or 5 international students, boys and girls. Are you, or someone from your church, willing to host a student from abroad for this school year? If so, call the school office immediately. We want our international students to be in the homes of our school families or in the homes of families from the same churches as our school families. It’s a great opportunity and an exciting adventure for our school. Pray about it?

UNIFORMS: Parents, we do have some slightly worn uniforms for sale here at the school, or you can purchase uniform items at C & J Uniforms in the Fontana Shopping Center. New this year is a fleece jacket with the school name that can be worn instead of the blue cardigan sweater.

ANNUAL FALL BANQUET: Mark your calendar now for our annual fall banquet to be held at the Renaissance Hotel on Friday, October 26th. You will not want to miss this event.

ISRAEL TRIP: Plans are already underway for the bi-annual Israel Tour. The tour is open to Juniors and Seniors, teachers, parents, alumni, and friends from our extended SAA family. The tour dates are March 6 – 19 with an approximate cost of $3000 which will cover transportation, hotels, meals, and site entrance fees. This is a great opportunity to travel to the Holy Land with Dr. & Mrs. Ehrlich who have many years of touring experience. We particularly encourage our students to go on this trip as it is a life changing experience.

Our teachers return to school Monday to prepare for the school year. Pray for us as we begin meeting together and getting everything ready for your students. Blessings to you as your family prepares for this new year.

Sincerely,

Larry Ehrlich