schoolBASILICAMISSIONschool

BASILICAMISSION

annual report 2013/2014

I am honored to be the new principal of Mission Basilica School. Along with Msgr.

McKiernan, I am truly excited for the opportunity to lead such a prestigious

educational institution. From our illustrious past, represented by the beauty of

the Historic Mission and the Swallows that return each year, to the technologically

driven future of academics, there is much on the horizon.

In keeping with the school’s mission, I am thrilled to announce the debut of

our new Transitional Kindergarten Program in 2015. This new class helps realize

the Mission Basilica School’s commitment to educating the whole child as well as

advancing academic excellence. From preschool through eighth grade, the school’s

many faith-filled traditions help prepare our students for adulthood.

Through our faith formation, diverse academic programs,

after school sports, as well as a love of the arts, the school

partners with our parish and parents in its commitment to

nurturing spiritual growth while advancing the academic

achievements of each student. We open our students to

new avenues of creativity and build a diverse and inclusive

community which prepares our students to become leaders

dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

I look forward to many years of learning and

service in this historic school community.

Yours in Christ,

Alycia Beresford

WELCOMEWELCOME

Mission Basilica School has a continuous flow of history

from the establishment of Mission San Juan Capistra-

no, founded Nov. 1, 1776, to the present day. Through the leader-

ship of the Blessed Junipero Serra, the Mission became a center

for learning and evangelization. Serra Chapel, completed in 1782,

served as Fr. Serra’s venue for evangelization and continues to

be in service today. On July 5, 1910, Fr. John O’Sullivan became

Pastor of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Under Fr. O’Sullivan’s di-

rection, along with the Franciscan Sisters of Ohio, Old Mission

School was founded in 1928. Soon after the founding of our be-

loved school, Fr. John O’Sullivan began the Legend of the Swal-

lows. From such humble beginnings, these inspiring little birds

have been linked with the children of Mission School. In 1933, the

first radio broadcast of the return of the Swallows featured Mis-

sion School children. Current students of the school have the op-

portunity to share in this rich history.

In 1986, the completion of a grand church building ushered

in a new era for the parish and our school continued to flourish

as a result. On February 14, 2000, Pope John Paul II proclaimed

the Mission Parish a Basilica. To honor our connection to the rich

history of the Basilica and the Historic Mission, Mission Parish

School became Mission Basilica School in 2013.

The original school building, completed in 1928, continues to

be a vital part of Mission Basilica School. Along with the 1954 gym,

our newest and most state-of-the-art school, completed in 2001

and named the McDonough Building after the school’s benefac-

tor, provides a place to continue our goal of evangelization and

education which continues over two centuries of tradition.

“Through the leadership of the blessed Junipero Serra, the Mission became a

center for learning and evangelization.”

ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORYILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY

Our community is rich in heritage and tradition with a

focus on the Eucharist. We are bonded in the desire to

teach the Catholic faith, serve those in need, and provide students

with a challenging academic curriculum.

Attending Mass is an extremely important part of our religious

tradition. It is while we are connecting with Christ through the

Eucharist that our faith grows stronger and we can more clearly

see the plan God has for us. Our students attend Mass each Friday

morning. As they enter the prominent and beautiful Mission Ba-

silica to take part in the liturgy – they are reminded of the histori-

cal and cultural significance of the Mission.

Our Faith Families program allows our students to pray and

learn together across the grade levels. A faith family is comprised

of one student from each grade with an eigth grade student as

the family leader. On the first Friday of each month, Faith Families

attend Mass together and then take part in a faith building activity.

Students have the opportunity to participate in the Altar Server

Ministry assisting priests and deacons at Mass. Mission Basili-

ca, a National Shrine and one of only seventy-four Basilicas in the

United States, offers a unique setting for serving. Students may

also serve in the historic Serra Chapel. Built in 1782, the chapel is

the oldest Church in California and the oldest building still in use

in California.

All students in grades kindergarten through eighth participate

in a daylong class retreat. Retreats are created and sponsored by

volunteer parents. Our parish priests often will join the children

while on retreat for prayer, song, and activities. Class Retreats pro-

vide our students with a safe place to grow in their beliefs as they

journey to become faith-filled Catholics.

“...a safe place to grow in their beliefs as they journey to become faith-filled Catholics.”

STRENGTHENED BY FAITHSTRENGTHENED BY FAITH

Fr. Robert Capone (left) received First

Holy Communion and Confirmation at

Saint Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo.

Fr. Capone graduated from The University of

San Diego in 1991 with a degree in Business Eco-

nomics. He entered Saint John’s Seminary in

1994 earning a degree in Divinity and a Master

of Arts in Religion. Fr. Robert was ordained in

the jubilee year 2000 in the Diocese of Orange.

He has served in the parishes of Holy Family,

Saint Anne, Saint Joseph, Saint Vincent de Paul

and Santiago de Compostela, mostly recently.

Fr. Capone began ministry here at Mis-

sion Basilica in July of 2014.

Msgr. Arthur Holquin

(right) serves as Pastor

Emeritus since retiring as Pastor of

the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano

in June of 2014. Msgr. Holquin continues to

serve Mass for the parish and serves on many

committees and boards including the Mis-

sion Preservation Foundation and the Design

and Renovation Committee for the Diocese of

Orange. While in service to the Historic Mis-

sion, Msgr. Holquin celebrated his fortieth

year of ordination and continues the theme of

his illustrious predecessors “Siempre Adelante,”

always moving forward through preservation,

education and spiritual growth for our local

parish community.

Msgr. J. Michael McKiernan (left)

serves as the 35th pastor in a line

of succession from the Blessed Junipero Serra,

founder of the Historic Mission San Juan Cap-

istrano. Msgr. McKiernan was ordained as a

Diocesan Priest in the County of Orange on

June 8, 1991. Prior to his post as Pastor and

Rector of the dynamic Mission Campus, he

was the founding Pastor of Christ Our Savior

Catholic Church in Santa Ana and the Director

of Clergy Personnel for the Diocese of Orange.

Msgr. McKiernan’s educational background

includes a Master of Arts in Pastoral Liturgy

from Santa Clara University, a Master of Arts

in Theology and a Master of Divinity in Reli-

gion from Saint John’s Seminary College. He

began his education with a Bachelor of Arts in

Philosophy also from Saint John’s Seminary

College.

Along with his many and varied duties

at the Historic Mission, Church and School,

Msgr. McKiernan also serves on the School

Board of J Serra High School, on the College

of Consulters, the Diocesan Council of Priests,

the Bishops Liturgical Commission, and the

Design and Renovation Committee for the Di-

ocese of Orange.

DEDICATED CLERGYDEDICATED CLERGY

Students from kindergarten through fifth

grade learn through a rigorous curricu-

lum delivered by highly skilled credentialed

teachers using state of the art technology, and

up-to-date textbooks. Religion is interwoven

throughout the entire school program. Our

philosophy supports the achievement of each

child’s learning potential in an environment

where the whole child approach is the basis for

curricular planning.

A strong core curriculum, utilizing the best

educational resources, is implemented by

qualified and experienced faculty and aides.

Enrichment classes are viewed as critical com-

ponents of an all-encompassing elementary

program.

The Middle Grades (grades sixth—eigth)

Program was developed to provide a compre-

hensive and challenging academic curricu-

lum that is appropriate for the personal and

spiritual growth of young adolescents. An ac-

ademic core is aligned to what students must

know to succeed with college-preparatory En-

glish, mathematics, and science. Faculty and

staff take a deep interest in our students’ suc-

cessful learning and growth.

Technology is integrated into the learning

environment within the school communi-

ty. Responsible use of technology is continu-

ally discussed and practiced. Each classroom

is equipped with a Hover Cam, projector, and

SMART Board for use in instruction, creating

lesson plans, reporting grades, and research.

Technology is an integral part of the school’s

overall plan to move children toward high ac-

ademic and Christian standards. Mission Ba-

silica School is proud to be one of the first Di-

ocesan schools to offer one-to-one iPads in the

Middle School grades. This year, new iPads

were added to the fifth grade and another

grade will be added each year until all grades

are supported by one-to-one technology.

Students were tested with the IOWA Form

E Assessment Tests. This assessment tests stu-

dents’ standard scores in relationship to their

grade equivalence. The 2014 assessments

show that students in third through eighth

grades exhibited an average of 1.2 years of

grade equivalent growth (GE) in their stan-

dard scores on the composite battery of tests.

The graph below shows that each grade sur-

passed the grade equivalence in English for

that grade. We are proud of the work both stu-

dents and teachers have shown in these scores,

and our faculty is dedicated to utilizing this

data to help tailor future curriculum stan-

dards.

thirdgrade

fourthgrade

fifthgrade

sixthgrade

seventhgrade

eighthgrade

Mission Basilica School

Grade Equivalent

“...where the whole child approach is the basis for

curricular planning.”

“By the eighth grade –students exhibited a strong average of 2.4 years growth

over grade equivalent.”

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Another avenue of teaching is through the formation of

faith-filled leaders. We believe that every aspect of the

student experience contributes to this formation. Every interac-

tion and activity can serve to uncover each individual’s unique

gifts to be used in the service to Christ.

We find that leadership skills are garnered through many dif-

ferent curricular and extra-curricular activities. Competitions

such as the Academic Decathlon and athletics have proven influ-

ential in teaching valuable leadership skills. Confidence comes

from real accomplishments. Our small environment coupled

with a wide array of activities, both inside and outside the class-

room, allows every child access to discover their skills. Our low

staff-to-student ratio ensures that we can amply support each

student’s efforts.

Students become competent public speakers. They are given

opportunities to lead the congregation at weekly Mass through

practice at becoming a cantor. At morning assemblies and other

special events children are given the opportunity to lead and par-

ticipate. Behind the scenes, teachers and staff support these lead-

ership lessons with individual rehearsal and coaching.

We have a strong tradition of Catholic faith and values

rooted in the practice of service to those in need within

the greater parish community. We teach service and steward-

ship to the students through support of many local and Catho-

lic groups.

Young children learn about our faith by seeing and doing. Each

grade chooses a service project relevant to their age. Our Kinder-

garten Readiness class provides jars of peanut butter and jelly to

Serra’s Pantry and our kindergarteners collect baby clothes and

items for Birth Choice. Service to others is one of the foundations

of Christ’s teachings. First graders collect pull tabs for Ronald

McDonald House. As children grow they become more involved

in service. Our second graders make blankets for cancer patients

and the third graders work in partnership to reach out to our el-

derly and homebound in the community of San Juan Capistrano.

The Service Project is a learning opportunity for our older

children to focus on the “Gift of Giving” through hospitali-

ty. This allows our children to embrace brotherly love in ser-

vice through Christ. Our fourth graders write letters to soldiers

while our fifth graders craft cards and decorations for a commu-

nity Christmas party at Serra’s Pantry and Outreach. The sixth

and eighth graders partner together in another unique opportu-

nity. They capture surplus produce from farmers’ fields to feed

the hungry with Second Harvest Food Bank. Finally, our gener-

ous seventh graders help at the Richard Henry Dana Exception-

al Needs Facility. Here, they serve special needs children from

birth through fifth grade. They sing songs, create fun art proj-

ects and play parachute games together with the Exceptional

Needs Facility children.

“Service to others is one of the foundations of Christ’s teachings.”

Opportunities To GrowIn Leadership Include:

• Academic Decathlon • Altar Serving

• Cantor Program • Cheerleading

• Classroom Projects • Drama

• Faith Families • Service Projects

• Athletics • Performances

• Student Council • Talent Show

CALLED TO SERVE LEADING THE WAYLEADING THE WAYCALLED TO SERVE

Campus life at Mission Basilica School is rich with diversity

for our children. In addition to the solid academic

curriculum, we also have many co-curricular classes. These classes

are part of the school day and are taught by a specialist in that field.

These programs include Physical Education, Technology, Spanish,

Art Masters, Spelling Bee, and Music. We maintain the belief that

having these programs available for our students to participate in

during the school day leads to a better education for the whole child.

Extracurricular activities provide a way for students to be in-

volved after school and to challenge themselves. Dressed proud-

ly in red and white, the Swallows of Mission Basilica School

have established a respected presence in South County private

school athletics. The sports program, dating back to the 1930s,

has evolved into a well-rounded array of sporting pursuits for

boys and girls in grades five through eight. The fall season in-

cluded boys’ flag football, boys’ basketball and girls’ volleyball.

Our award-winning cheerleaders cheered them on enthusiasti-

cally and brought the spirit of goodwill to our competitions. The

sports year concludes in the spring with girls’ softball, boys’ vol-

leyball, coed soccer and track.

Singing, music and drama have been long-standing traditions

at Mission Basilica School. From the early days at our Mission,

our children have greeted the return of the Swallows in song!

The children sing traditional liturgical songs at special school

Masses throughout the school year including United Nations

Day, St. Joseph’s Day in the Historic Mission, and the spirtual May

Crowning celebration. Our successful drama program teaches

acting and stage presence to participating children. This pro-

gram continues to grow in popularity and this past year saw over

80 students performing on stage.

“The sports program, dating back to the 1930s, has evolved into a well-rounded array of sporting pursuits.”

VIBRANT CAMPUS LIFEVIBRANT CAMPUS LIFE

SCHOOL INCOME Tuition and Extended Care Income $1,844,818 $1,834,534 $2,001,217

Scholarships and Parish Support 52,000 43,070 29,000

PTO Income and Scrip Sales 129,000 116,269 65,000

Registration, Program and Tech Fees 102,800 128,279 114,000

$2,128,618 $2,122,152 $2,209,217

SALARIES AND BENEFITS Teachers and Aides $920,856 $956,417 $980,696

Administrative Personnel 277,090 279,443 271,570

Janitorial and Maintenance 184,297 152,406 125,925

Payroll Taxes and Benefits 380,054 355,490 401,843

$1,762,297 $1,743,756 $1,780,034

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAM COSTS Education $46,920 $54,613 $46,820

Administrative 82,701 79,338 82,700

Development 20,904 30,701 23,500

Technology 35,000 41,900 40,300

Maintenance and Repairs 44,329 46,098 75,000

Utilities 71,367 55,868 88,000

Insurance and Taxes 60,800 56,810 71,850

$362,021 $365,328 $428,170

TOTAL OPERATING RESULT $4,300 $13,068 $1,013

This Year’s Budget

2013-2014

This Year’s Actual

2013-2014

Next Year’s Budget

2014-2015

Mission Basilica School has a dedicat-

ed group of parents, parishioners,

faculty and staff that donate the gift of their

prayers, time, talent and treasure to provide

for the school. Their efforts allow our Swal-

lows to soar to new heights each year. Due to

this much needed support, our Blue Ribbon

School continues to thrive as an extraordi-

nary faith-based educational institution.

Contributions to the Annual Fund, the Tina

Rolewicz Scholarship Endowment, and the

sensational Serenade Gala positively impact

student learning as well as the entire school

community.

Fully 83 percent of tuition dollars each year

support teacher and faculty salaries. Our

staff directly guide the learning of each child

through their combined skills and education-

al background.

Please consider supporting our school to

help sustain its high level of excellence. A gift

to the Annual or Scholarship Funds will con-

tinue to advance our school’s academic en-

richment, technology, extracurricular oppor-

tunities, professional development and also

provide tuition assistance for those in need.

“Fully 83 percent of tuition dollars each year support

teacher and faculty salaries.”

FISCALLY SOUND FISCALLY SOUND

SUPPORT

Through our longheld traditions we find

comfort and community, giving our

children the structure and environment from

which to soar. They grow with a solid core of

faith, tradition and learning. To further this

growth Mission Basilica School is excited to an-

nounce the addition of a new Transitional Kin-

dergarten Program in the fall of 2015. The be-

ginnings of a lifelong joy in education begin in

preschool. From this start, Transitional Kinder-

garten is the necessary bridge into kindergar-

ten for our younger children.

Transitional Kindergarten provides a full-

day academic experience for students turning

five years old between September and Decem-

ber. This essential program provides students

with a faith-based learning environment that

nurtures students through a curriculum that

is dedicated to teaching the children physical-

ly, socially, and emotionally. This academical-

ly and spiritually comprehensive method offers

children a rigorously interactive, learning ex-

perience that is aligned with California Pre-

school Learning Foundations.

The curriculum is tailored to meet individu-

al needs in language arts including: vocabulary,

Here at Mission Basilica School, we like

to think of our students, parents, and

faculty as a close-knit family. Traditions are an

important part of our Mission family life. They

bind us together and create long lasting memo-

ries that carry on for generations.

Memorable traditions include St. Joseph’s Day,

May Crowning, and United Nations Day. These

events establish feelings of closeness and be-

longing. Our traditions have been passed on by

the student body for many decades and build

upon a shared past.

St. Joseph’s Day celebrates the miracle of the

Swallows' Return to Capistrano. To commemorate

the return of these special, diminutive birds

to our historic walls, the costumed students of

grammar, phonics, reading comprehension

and writing. The mathematics curriculum in-

cludes arithmetic, measurement, and geometry.

Other areas of learning are history, under-

standing the physical world through drawings

and maps, economics and the marketplace. Our

students will learn about the sciences through

observation and investigation. Children learn

about living things and non-living things as

well as how to document their findings. Finally,

they learn about the earth sciences.

This enriched curriculum will include art

and music integrated with social studies and re-

ligion, focused through technology and season-

al themed parties. Extended daycare and piano

lessons are also available.

Mission Basilica School attend the St. Joseph’s

Day Mass. From Mass, students are led by the

Royal Court to the Mission grounds where they

perform traditional dances.

The St. Joseph’s Day Royal Court began in 1953

to represent Spain’s King Carlos and Queen Is-

abella, who were reigning monarchs in 1769

when the California mission system was found-

ed. The Royal Court consists of eighth grade stu-

dents who embody excellence academically and

spiritually. Students then have the pleasure of

representing their school in San Juan Capist-

rano’s famous Swallows' Day Parade. It is a truly

memorable event where our students, parents,

and staff come together.

United Nations Day has been celebrated for

over thirty years. Each class studies a country’s

culture, geography, people, and traditions. This

culminates in a school-wide celebration. The stu-

dents arrive in costumes depicting their nation

of study and attend Mass. The school choir sings

and saints are honored. The parents provide fes-

tive decorations and authentic foods to enjoy at

lunchtime. Lunch is followed by a Parade of Na-

tions to entertain the crowd with singing and

dancing from different countries.

From our illustrious past to our bright future,

we share these traditions that link us together in

faith and community. As the little Swallows con-

tinue to return year after year so our students

also return and continue to grow in our shared

history.

“We share traditions that link us together in faith and community.”

“Transitional Kindergarten provides a full-day academic

experience for students turning five years old between

September and December.”

FROM OUR PAST TO OUR FUTUREFROM OUR PAST TO OUR FUTURE

mission basilica school949-234-138531641 EL CAMINO REAL

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675

missionbasilicaschool.org