The world is dynamically connected today in ways that did not exist even ten years ago. With the advent of the Internet and technological advances, the pace of change is exponential. The challenge for our education system is to provide curriculum that keeps up with this pace of change. We believe that the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is poised to meet this challenge.

St. Mary’s is the only primary and middle school in Orange County to offer the International Baccalaureate Program. St. Mary’s delivers exceptional academics with a world-view to students from early preschool through eighth grade. The IB Program was founded in Switzerland in 1968 to prepare internationally mobile students for university. Today, it offers educational programs for students worldwide ranging in age from three to 19 by a community of educators motivated to create a better world through education. This kind of aspirational goal requires faculty excellence – over 70% of St. Mary’s teachers hold advanced degrees – and demands stimulating, individualized interaction. Teacher to student ratios at St. Mary’s range from 1:6 in Early Preschool, to 1:11 in Lower School, to 1:18 by the Middle School years.

“This student centered, inquiry based approach motivates students to engage in the curriculum and allows them to see how academic material applies in the outside world,” says Sharon Taylor, Head of School. Academic programs are designed so that each subject translates to another, enabling students to connect ideas and concepts in different fields. Taylor adds, “Our faith-based, extracurricular-rich, IB-inspired education delivers graduates who consistently show levels of communication, thinking skills and all-around knowledge that guarantees academic perseverance and flexibility, equipping them for success in high school, higher education, and life beyond.”

St. Mary’s School
7 Pursuit
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949.448.9027 • www.smaa.org

Always learning, The Parish School graduates are confident and compassionate young men and women who will make a difference.

Faithful to Catholic values, The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church sustains an evolving schoolwide learning environment that inspires each learner to achieve his or her God-given potential inside and outside the classroom.

Benefit: She Is Always Learning.
She digs out a rock during her class’s nature walk, her dirtied fingers deciphering textures to determine its geological origins. She collaborates with a classmate to code a game in Scratch, their story coming to life in scripts and pixels. She raises her hand as the priest asks about the Gospel reading. Her heart beats faster – she knows the answer. No matter where or what or when, she is always learning at The Parish School.

Benefit: He Discovers His Faith.
Though his shoes don’t quite touch the floor when he sits in the pew, he thinks deeply about God. Does God know his name? Is God watching him at this very moment? He finds himself doing things and not doing things because of God. More and more, something or Someone seems to be guiding his decisions. It is transformative. He is discovering his faith.

Benefit: She Speaks Her Mind.
At first she is scared to talk in class. But her teacher gently coaxes her. By lower school, her voice doesn’t tremble anymore. Her upper school teachers encourage her to ask big questions. Classmates sometimes challenge her ideas, and she defends them. She listens to other learners too, adopting bits of their new thinking even as she adapts her own. Confident yet open-minded, candid yet thoughtful, she is speaking her mind.

Benefit: He Is Resilient.
His engineering experiment doesn’t work. For a moment, he is embarrassed. His fists clench, but he catches himself. He sits and thinks. He soon gets back to work, disassembling and reassembling pieces of his machine. When he’s ready again, he releases the ball bearing. Eureka! He is so giddy he could dance. Led by expert educators who embrace classroom mistakes as real learning, he is becoming a resilient young man.

Benefit: She Gets Involved.
She has the worst balance on the Surf Team but is first to the beach for practice. She struggles with the F chord but plays her dad’s old Fender until her strumming hand aches. She runs for Student Government. She wins. While she is not the tallest or the most talented or that learner who others naturally follow, she refuses to be a bystander in school or life. She is going to be involved.

The Parish School St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church
33866 Calle La Primavera
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.496.1241 • www.StEdSchool.org

At Our Savior’s Lutheran School, class sizes are small so children have room to grow. Our Savior’s goal is to educate and inspire by creating a learning environment that balances the heart, mind and spirit. In this environment, individuals don’t get lost and students excel academically. In fact, Our Savior’s students tend to achieve above their ability, on both their schoolwork and national testing. In 2015 the fifth grade class at Our Savior’s produced three State History Day Champions.

Our Savior’s students achieve through the perfect blend of high expectations, traditional academic skills instruction and an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration across the curriculum. Our Savior’s teachers understand that STEM is not just about doing science and having electronic devices, but requires students to be actively engaged in solving problems and creating solutions through multi-disciplinary activities.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Preschool children feel loved. When children feel loved, they love to learn. Our Savior’s Lutheran Preschool is a premier preschool in south Orange County. Students thrive academically and socially through a child-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum in a loving, nurturing, hands-on environment. Students develop the skills and critical thinking ability which lay the groundwork for success in elementary school and beyond.

To learn more about Our Savior’s Preschool or Elementary School, contact the school office or access the website. The administration is happy to provide a personal tour and answer any questions.

• Average Class Size is 17
• Small town community feel
• Nurturing Christian Environment
• All faiths are welcome
• Excellent Standardized Test Scores
• Fully Accredited
• Dynamic Physical Education, Spanish, Computer, and Music classes
• STEM emphasis schoolwide
• Fully Credentialed Teachers at all levels
• Strength is building community
• Extended Day Care Program
• Transitional Kindergarten- full day/5 days week
• Full-Day Kindergarten through 5th Grade
• Preschool for 3 & 4 years, 5 day Pre-K

Our Savior’s Lutheran School
200 Avenida San Pablo
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.6165 • OurSaviorsSchool.net

Some describe it as a hidden jewel by the sea. Perched hillside along Coast Highway, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School overlooks a panorama of the Pacific Ocean, from Montage Laguna Beach to Catalina Island. This backdrop sets the scene for the unique educational experience St. Catherine of Siena provides, blending academic excellence, spiritual development and a focus on the arts.

Serving students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, this tightly knit academic community offers a well-rounded curriculum designed to educate the whole child — mind, body and spirit. This is achieved through a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on cross-curricular, active learning that incorporates proven educational strategies and state-of-the-art technologies.

Originally opened in 1957, the school was completely reconstructed beginning in 2008. The facility offers larger classrooms, separate elementary and middle school buildings, a science lab, cutting-edge computer facilities, art lab, library, music room and gymnasium.

Although St. Catherine comprises only about 200 students, Principal Mike Letourneau notes that alumni are represented at top universities throughout the nation.

Laguna Beach has long been known for its flourishing artistic environment, a heritage St. Catherine of Siena eagerly embraces. The school employs experts in visual arts, music and theater, and holds its own annual Pageant of the Masters, where students bring to life such paintings as “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci and “American Gothic” by Grant Wood.

St. Catherine of Siena is served by the Pacific Symphony’s Class Act program, introducing students to symphony musicians who lead classroom lessons, ensemble performances, assemblies and concert performances.

The arts are also incorporated into St. Catherine’s cross-curricular learning platform. For example, students studying California history demonstrate what they have learned through art projects, student-produced theatrical productions and more.

As a Catholic academic institution, St. Catherine of Siena nourishes each student’s faith journey while embracing a diversity of creeds. The inclusive community makes catechesis and faith formation part of daily learning, developing students into responsible citizens ready to serve the global community.

Saint Catherine of Siena is hosting an Open House on February 2, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., the same evening as its community-wide Pasta Dinner hosted by the 6th grade class. Bring your child to look at the school, meet the teachers and sit down with the families. There isn’t a better time for prospective families to “Come and See” Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School
30516 S Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.7339 • www.StCathSchool.org

Temple Beth El’s acclaimed Early Childhood Center has been enlightening children for 15 illustrious years. The school has forged a strong reputation within the local community for its loving, experienced and long-term staff who are dedicated to each and every child in the program.

Temple Beth El offers a multitude of classes including Parent/Toddler classes for 7-24 months, Preschool for 2-4 years and a Pre-K program. In addition, Temple Beth El offers dynamic after school enrichment classes and before and after school care.

Each year, Temple Beth El has been able to provide early education for children with varying special needs in a traditional classroom setting. For example, a child in need of a support facilitator would be welcomed and immersed in the program.

Temple Beth El’s preschool curriculum is built with a balance between academic and developmental philosophies of education, with an emphasis on the whole child. It is designed to create an environment that encourages a love for learning, with a focus on the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of each child.

Pre-K students prepare for Kindergarten by utilizing the “Get Set for School/Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. All Pre-K teachers have been trained in this program to best implement the curriculum.

The Temple Beth El facility is clean, bright and cheerful and has large playground-facing windows in each room. The school goes the extra mile to help create not just a vivid and cheerful atmosphere, but a splendid learning environment.

Check the Temple Beth El website at tbesoc.org in February for registration forms and to learn all about programs being offered. Registration will begin in February 2017. The school welcomes prospective families to schedule a tour of Temple Beth El in January and February. You can contact the admissions office at (949) 362-3999 ext. 317 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Temple Beth El
2A Liberty
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 362-3999 • www.tbesoc.org

Carden Academy of Mission Viejo is joining the Stratford School family. Founded in 1999, Stratford School is a leading independent, co-educational private school located in Northern California and the Los Angeles Area. Together, they’re creating an outstanding educational experience for the community’s preschool through 8th grade students.

Both Stratford and Carden provide a balanced approach to learning and character development in a unique and safe environment where children are seen and heard. The schools believe in inspiring children to become the next generation of creative problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. These 21st century qualities provide children with the knowledge, confidence, and ingenuity to help them excel in future careers.

Stratford will be adding a preschool to provide a comprehensive program from preschool through eighth grade beginning with the 2017/18 school year. The preschool curriculum is designed to develop the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical building blocks to last a lifetime. Hands-on, multi-sensory activities, including Imaginative STEAM Play, encourage preschoolers to play and share with others, while developing their self-confidence. The teachers enrich the academic lessons with the “fun factor,” so each child discovers the joy and excitement of learning.

In Elementary School, the accelerated core curriculum motivates students to become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and proficient writers. It provides a rich balance of art, music, history, science, physical education, and foreign language programs — all of which provide students with a well-rounded education that is further enhanced by the teachers’ creative and individualized approach to learning.

In Middle School, the students are prepped and mentored for admission to top private high schools, or advanced placement in public high schools. Our curriculum delivers a broad base of knowledge that’s rich in vocabulary and critical thinking taught in a collaborative environment.

Visit www.StratfordSchools.com/mission-viejo and discover for yourself the Stratford/Carden power of two.

Stratford School
24741 Chrisanta Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949.458.1776 • www.StratfordSchools.com

While new to the San Juan Capistrano area, Heights Christian Schools are not new to Christian education. HCS has been serving 2,000 students, preschool through 8th grade, in the Brea, Chino Hills, La Habra and La Mirada communities for more than 35 years. And now, HCS is excited to announce the HCS–San Juan Capistrano Preschool. A Grand Opening event is scheduled for Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

HCS believes a comprehensive preschool education should be age-appropriate and based on solid principles of child development. Each child develops at his/her own pace, so it is important that each student is treated as an individual. Each child is encouraged to progress at his/her own rate toward enriched experiences, self-discipline, and the ability to make wise choices. The HCS program promotes the child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development. It is the aim of HCS to assist in developing the total personality of each child by providing an educational experience of lasting value.

HCS preschools provide a group setting in which each child can feel secure, learn to separate easily from parents, and interact with other children of the same age in group settings. Throughout each day and every activity, an emphasis is placed on biblical integration of Christian values, and helping students to develop an understanding of God and His love for them. The teacher/student ratio is intentionally low, providing teachers with the opportunity to observe play and creative expression, while providing a balance between child-selection and teacher-guided activities. Additionally, the HCS program prepares students academically for the next level with instruction in language and literacy, math and science concepts, creative expression, self and community awareness, and large and small motor development.

At HCS, learning is fun, and God is number one! Plan to call, click or visit!

HCS–San Juan Capistrano Preschool
31501 Avenida Los Cerritos
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.429.5660 • www.HeightsChristianSchools.org

OC Parks Annual Parking Pass Available Online

(Orange County, Calif.) – Give the gift of the great outdoors this holiday season with an OC Parks annual parking pass, now available for purchase online or in person at most OC Parks facilities.

OC Parks annual parking passes make perfect stocking stuffers and allow convenient parking at regional and wilderness parks, as well as all County beach parks. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, exploring, surfing or rest and relaxation in nature with simple pre-paid parking at all locations. Give the gift that’s ideal for adventurous friends and family.

The OC Parks annual parking pass rates are affordable and accessible. The annual regional and wilderness parking passes are available for $55 to the general public, and $35 for disabled with placard and to seniors 60 years of age and above. A pass for parking at County beaches is available for the same price. Or, explore all OC Parks and beaches with a combination pass available to the general public for $80, or just $50 for seniors and disabled. Distinguished Veterans are eligible for a combination pass at no fee.

Annual passes are available for purchase online and at an OC Parks facility near you. Visit OC Parks online at http://ocparks.com/about/fees/pass to renew or purchase an annual parking pass and for a list of convenient locations. Spend some time in the great outdoors with family, friends and OC Parks all year long.

Ross Legacy Medical Group

Modern Medicine. Traditional Care.

When Dr. Karl Gebhard, the founder of Ross Legacy Medical Group, was a young boy, Little House on the Prairie was filmed on a horse property near his house in the L.A. area. “It was fascinating to watch famous actors play their roles, but what struck me most was Doc Baker and his vintage doctor’s bag. I wondered if actual physicians still used those doctor’s bags and if they were as much a part of their town and families as the Doc Baker character was on the show,” says Dr. Gebhard.

Many years later, Gebhard was talking to an older physician and noticed he carried a black bag almost identical to Doc Baker’s. He pondered if he had finally met a real life “Doc Baker.” It turned out that he had, and that man was Dr. Ross.

After graduating from medical school and working in several corporate-owned clinics, Dr. Gebhard formed a partnership with Dr. Ross. He wanted to practice family medicine that cares for an entire community, focusing on traditional ideals and a strong work ethic while being innovative and technologically current. When Dr. Ross passed in 2008, Dr. Gebhard promised himself that he would continue that same mission.

Dr. Gebhard feels fortunate to be back at the Mission Viejo location that Dr. Ross founded over forty years ago. He and the team at Ross Legacy Medical Group are proud to serve the families of south Orange County. To schedule an appointment, please call 949.305.0110 or visit RossLegacy.net. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Ross Legacy Medical Group
26922 Oso Parkway, Ste. 380, Mission Viejo
949.305.0110 | RossLegacy.net

The Dish On Holiday Hangs

Want to chill with Santa this holiday season? We’ve got the DISH  on where you’ll find him in South Orange County. Take a peek at these events for some face time with Mr. Claus and his South Pole peeps.

TREE LIGHTING & FESTIVAL
The City’s annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting returns to La Plaza Park on Saturday, December 3 from noon to 7. New to the event this year is an ice skating rink! The festival includes a craft fair, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and cookie decorating. The Christmas Story will be screened with complimentary popcorn immediately following the hot-chocolate-and-cookie-accompanied Tree Lighting at 5:15 p.m. Please remember to bring an unwrapped, new toy for the OC Spark of Love Toy Drive. The City and Capo Care are also holding a Tree Lighting on Monday, December 5 at Pines Park from 4 to 6 p.m. It’s a family-friendly event with crafts, carolers, cookies, hot chocolate and more!

MINGLE AND JINGLE
Holiday in the Harbor spreads the spirit of the season on December 2, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf.  The celebration features family fun of all kinds, including performances by various characters, holiday crafts, people painting, carolers and visits with Saint Nick. Santa is anxious to hear holiday wishes and is available for photos (bring your camera). The parking and events are free. For more info, call 949.496.6177 or visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

DON’T ROCK THE BOAT
Join boaters from all around Orange County as they light up the holiday season at the Dana Point Boat Parade on Friday and Saturday, December 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. This year’s “Under the Sea” theme will certainly have participants diving deep for some “mermaizing” ideas! Make reservations early at your favorite waterside eatery for a warm and comfy spot. Go to DanaPointHarbor.com to learn more.

SEA TO BELIEVE
Come aboard the “Sum Fun” for a twenty-minute Harbor Boat Ride with Santa and his helpers. On December 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saint Nick will be on board spreading holiday cheer and taking note of your little one’s holiday wishes. For a $3 donation, the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club will happily capture the moment with a keepsake photo. Santa and crew will launch from the Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks. For more information, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

READ MY LIPS
Holiday Storytelling returns to The Ritz-Carlton on Friday and Saturday, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Eco-Adventure Center. Classic tales will be read aloud to the kiddos followed by a visit with Santa. Donations of a new children’s book are greatly appreciated.

TOP DOG
On Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Pet Project Foundation is excited to host the 5th Annual Santa Paws event. Bring your four-legged friend to the El Torito Courtyard and have a picture taken with Santa for a nominal fee. All proceeds benefit the Pet Project Foundation and the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

BARK YOUR CALENDAR
Join other canines and their companions to sniff and schmooze at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Yappy Howl-iday Celebration on Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The “Big Dog” will be on hand for photos with Fido. In keeping with the resort’s season of giving, guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to local animals in need.

RIDE THE WAVE
The Ritz-Carlton is partnering with Surfers Healing to help children with autism through its annual Holiday Surfboard Auction. This year’s auction showcases more than two-dozen boards donated by renowned artists, actors, musicians and surf industry greats. Visit BiddingForGood.com/SurfersHealing through December 31 to place your bid for a great cause.

SANTA DELIVERS
On December 3, San Clemente is the place to be for an action-packed holiday spectacular. The festivities begin with Casa Romantica’s Christmas at the Casa from 5 to 7:30 p.m. featuring letter writing and photos with Mr. Claus, crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, Dickens Carolers and other entertainment. The action continues with Santa’s Village by the Sea at the Community Center from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for the annual snow hill, holiday games, cookie decorating, visits with Santa and the tree lighting at 8 p.m. From 6 to 10 p.m., Avenida Del Mar hosts Puttin’ on the Glitz, where mom and dad can get a jump on their holiday shopping and the kiddos can take train rides and watch a holiday movie. For more information, visit San-Clemente.org or call 949.429.8797.

ALL IN A DAYíS WORK
You better watch out, you better not pout…Playschool is decking the halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement at the Lil’ Elves Workshop. On December 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from your tiny tots to put crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies, and more. The registration fee is $20 per child (ages 3-5) at San-Clemente.org.

PICTURE THIS
Come to The Outlets at San Clemente’s Center Court on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 16 – 23 from 1 to 7 p.m. and on Christmas Eve from 1 to 6 p.m. for a Photo Op with Santa. Bring the kids and your camera for a complimentary photo and an opportunity to check off your holiday gift list at more than 50 stores.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
San Clemente residents and business owners, it’s time to untangle those lights and get ready for your chance to win prizes in the City’s Winter Wonderland Light Decorating Contest. Go to SCChamber.com for a registration form and return it by December 12 to enter. Judging takes place on December 13 from 5 to 8 p.m.

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Come to Historic Town Center Park on December 3 at 4:15 p.m. to kick off the festivities with music and other live entertainment before the City’s Tree Lighting Celebration at 5:15 p.m. From there, take the family and head over to Los Rios Park, Zoomars, and the downtown area for free photos with Saint Nick, a puppet show, a Christmas train ride, crafts and extended shopping hours. Zoomars is opening the gates to its petting zoo free of charge and is offering train and hay rides for a nominal fee. Mrs. Claus will entertain children with a holiday story at the O’Neill Museum.

MERRY-ACHIS & MORE
Mission San Juan Capistrano will host Christmas at the Mission on Saturday, December 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Bring the family for a fun evening featuring real snow sledding and a play area (bring mittens!). Kids will have a jolly time visiting with Father Christmas and decorating cookies. Carolers, choirs and chamber music will entertain guests as they enjoy tamales, chili, sweets, cider and cocoa. General admission is $6, $4 for children ages 4-11 and free for members. Visit MissionSJC.com for more event information.

MERRY & BRIGHT
Laguna Niguel’s City Hall will brighten up the sky at its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join in the countdown to powering up the tree while you keep warm and happy with hot chocolate and cookies. Bring your camera and snap a quick pic with Saint Nick.

LIGHT UP THE TOWN
Laguna Niguel residents can get into the spirit by entering the Holiday Lights Decorating Contest before December 5 at 9 a.m. Winners in each category receive a Visa gift card and a yard sign with bragging rights! The entry form, rules and information are located in the City’s Winter Recreation Brochure or you may go to CityofLagunaNiguel.org for more.

WALK THIS WAY
“Home for the Holidays” is the theme for the City of Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Parade taking place on Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. This year’s Grand Marshall, Rita Rudner, along with Teen Grand Marshall Brec Bassinger, from Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs, will lead the way. The parade includes beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, world-class athletes, spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and some of the biggest attractions in the nation! To learn more, visit LagunaNiguelParade.com.

A LATKE FUN
A blizzard of holiday fun awaits the whole family as Chabad Laguna Niguel and the City host its Chanukah Wonderland and Menorah Lighting on Wednesday, December 29 at 5:30 p.m. The merriment happens at City Hall, with live entertainment, arts and crafts, and traditional Chanukah treats. Go to ChabadLagunaNiguel.com for more information.