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Co-curricular Programs & Field Trips

Co-curricular Courses

Spanish and Mandarin Foreign Language Program

All families participate in either the Spanish or Mandarin Foreign Language Programs at Holy Name School. All students in K-4th Grades receive foreign language enrichment twice a week for 30 minutes a class and 5th-8th grade students receive instruction once per week for 50 minutes. The goal of the program is to introduce students to another language and culture. Basic vocabulary and conjugation rules are taught. Students are introduced to reading, writing, and speaking in another language.

Art

All students participate in art class with our dedicated art teacher in our stimulating and inspirational art room. Students are taught art appreciation and are encouraged to explore their artistic sides in a variety of mediums. A multitude of media such as clay, wire, acrylic paints, pastels, water color, and fabric are used to create projects. The artwork of students is showcased throughout the year in classrooms, hallways, and at special events.

Music

The music program provides opportunities for all K-8 students to create and participate in musical experiences through voice and instrument. Students study singing, music theory and music appreciation with our dedicated music teacher in our music room. Students have access to instruments and are exposed to a wide variety of music, including liturgical, patriotic, modern, and classical.

Physical Education

Physical Education is directed towards helping students become healthy and active citizens. Students are involved in a variety of age-appropriate activities. The goal is to provide a life-long fitness framework of activities that will help to develop the whole child.

Technology

Students in grades K-8 participate in weekly computer technology class. Students are introduced to a variety of skills including keyboarding, how to use Microsoft Suites, and coding. 5th-8th grade students are issued a school hosted Chromebook to use throughout the day and at home. Please see the Science and Technology Page for more information.

Library

Students in grades K-5 are able to enjoy library time each week. Students work with the school librarian to learn how to find and check out books that are interesting to them. Please go to our Library Page for more information.


Enrichment Programs

Students take part in enrichment programs to provide extended learning opportunities and challenges geared towards their curriculum. Enrichment provides students with hands-on learning opportunities to study concepts with greater depth and complexity. Examples of enrichment programs include:

  • Opera Together
  • Walk Through History Presentations
  • Mobile Dairy Classroom
  • Bay Area Discovery Museum STEM Try-It Truck

Field Trips

Classes go on field trips each year that offer extensions to their curriculum and community bonding experiences. Annual field trips are traditions that are remembered and valued by our students and teachers. Examples of past field trips include:

  • Kindergarten: Lemos Farm, Botanical Gardens, Walt Disney Museum
  • 1st Grade: Randall Museum, Discovery Museum
  • 2nd Grade: Academy of Sciences; Hiller Air Museum
  • 3rd Grade: Academy of Sciences
  • 4th Grade: Gold Camp
  • 5th Grade: Hiller Air Museum, Oracle Park
  • 6th Grade: Alcatraz, NASA Ames Center, Academy of Sciences, Sutro Baths Hike
  • 7th Grade: Caritas Creek
  • 8th Grade: East Coast Trip

Building Bridges & Spiritual Retreats

Starting in 6th grade, Holy Name classes double in size and have an influx of new students from a variety of local schools. In order to assist with the bonding of new students with existing students, Holy Name School contracts with Paula Pardini, who leads the students in a 10-session series called Building Bridges. This program works on interpersonal relationships, friendship making, thought-provoking tasks and support, and reflective journaling for students to know more about themselves and the type of person they would like to be. Through the universal bond of our faith and the goodness of human dignity and respect, the Building Bridges program brings the student body closer to their God and to each other.

The 8th graders have two retreats during the school year led by Paula Pardini and assisted by Holy Name School alumni high school students. The first retreat focuses on the students becoming the leaders of the school. The second retreat focuses the students on the transition to high school. Both retreats aim of finding connection between God, the world, and themselves in order to become better leaders in our society.


8th Grade Musical

Shrek Jr. ~ Spring 2023