Archive for All News

For the last 4 weeks, the halls at UA have been filled with corny announcements, surprising statistics, eye-catching banners and artfully created music notes – all in celebration of MIOSM! “March has been officially designated by MENC: The National Association for Music Education for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM^®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages.”  (Taken from http://www.menc.org.) 

To kick things off right the High School Chorus, under the direction of Ms. Shannon del Corral ’91, sponsored a guest performance on Friday, March 5. The student body was treated to an amazing mid-day performance by Singers of United Lands (S.O.U.L.). That evening the Chorus joined S.O.U.L., Symphony Chorus of New Orleans and singers from other local school choirs in a community performance in the UA Auditorium as part of the SCNO 2009-2010 performance series. Our own faculty members – Karen Jakiela, David Kemp and Shannon del Corral – are members of SCNO.  In preparation, chorus members attended evening rehearsals with SCNO.  

As if that wasn’t enough, the Music Exchange, featuring the angelic singing of both the Cor Jesu Choir from St. Louis and our very own UAHS Chorus, kept music on the brain and in our hearts. Over 55 girls and their chaperones from Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis visited Ursuline on Friday, March 19. Each choir performed several songs and then sang as a combined chorus. Members of the Dead Poets Society and Key Club were gracious hosts and tour guides. Teachers and students alike had a great time exchanging ideas, music and traditions.

On Saturday, March 20, Ursuline held its annual Bach Festival. It was started by Mother Elizabeth Marie 49 years ago in celebration of the piano music of Bach and is held close to Bach’s birthday. Students across the Greater New Orleans area are invited to participate each year. Congratulations to Karen Jakiela and Phyllis Robert, festival coordinators, for a job well done! Special thanks are due to Debby Wood, Donna Engelhart and Key Club for their service at the event.

As the sun sets on the final days of March, we know that “The sun will come out tomorrow.” Annie had a tremendously successful six-day run at Ursuline, with a special Spaghetti Supper performance this past Sunday. The elementary and high school students pulled out another show stopper with David Kemp at the helm, assisted by Margaret Van Ryckeghem, Shannon del Corral, Bart Colosino, and many others among production staff and crew. As the curtain closes on this month-long celebration and the final performance of Annie, “maybe now it’s time”… to reflect on the amazing music in our school this month! Hip, hip! Hooray!

The Lionettes tryouts are being held in the Marjory Barbier Ourso Athletic Center (gym) on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10 a.m. to noon. Mandatory clinics will be held in the gym on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 and Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 4 to 6 p.m. At the clinics, the girls will learn dance techniques, a kick sequence and a dance routine that they will need to perform for the tryouts. Dance experience in jazz, pom, high kick, hip hop and lyrical is helpful, but not mandatory. Come dressed in dance clothes and dance shoes, and don’t forget to bring drinking water. 

Time and Financial Commitment

Lionettes perform at volleyball and basketball games, as well as other sporting events, school pep rallies, Mardi Gras Parades, summer dance camp, competitions and school activities. Practices will began shortly after tryouts, thus preparing the girls for summer dance camp competition. During the 2010-11 school year, practices will be held on Monday, Wednesday and sometimes on Sunday evenings. All dance members are expected to attend all practices and performances. Attendance is very important in order to have a well-polished dance team and will be strictly enforced. 

We will attend American All-Star Dance Camp during the summer. The exact date and camp has not been set, but it will one of the following dates: July 13-16 or July 22-25. Last year, camp cost around $270 per team member. Transportation to and from the camp will be the responsibility of each dance member’s parents. All Lionettes are required to attend summer dance camp.

Each dance member will have to purchase practice uniforms and a performance uniform. Last year, the cost for a new member was approximately $1,000. Uniform fitting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 4 – 6 p.m. in St. Ursula Hall should you daughter make the dance team.

Behavior and Attitude

Anytime you are in a Lionette uniform you are representing Ursuline Academy.  You are expected to follow the guidelines for behavior and conduct outlined in the student handbook.

I look forward to seeing you at the tryouts. Good Luck!

Allise Schmitt
504.258.6322

Click here to download the Lionettes agreement form.

Congratulations and Thank You to seniors Katie Becnel ‘10 and Gabby Lavelle ‘10 for their years of service to the athletic department and to Ursuline Academy. The only two seniors on this year’s softball team were honored on Monday evening following the team’s game against Dominican High School. Both players contributed well during the special game. Becnel ‘10 had two hits (including thefirst UA hit of the game) and Lavelle ‘10 was able to throwout a Dominican runner as she was attempting to reach third base.

On behalf of the entire Ursuline Academy family, thank you to Katie and Gabby for doing a superb job representing the academy both on and off of the field.

Ursu-online staff 

ANNIE^TM Delivered A Clear Message that No One Should Ever Give-Up; State St. Applauds Latest Production

Chelsey D., a fifth grader at Ursuline Academy, delivered a remarkable performance in the lead role as Annie during the second night of the performance

Exactly two-hundred years after the creation of the greatest democratic nation the world has ever seen, a new masterpiece was created. In 1976, at a theatre in Connecticut, a director took his chance on producing a musical based on the long-running hit comic strip known as Little Orphan Annie. By taking the plot of the comic strip and adding two numerous soon-to-be classic songs A Hard-Knock Life and Tomorrow, the musical grabbed the attention of the top brass on Broadway in New York City. In 1977, the musical ANNIE arrived on Broadway where it would run for six years, packing the house night after night. When it was all said and done, the production entertained audiences for 2,377 performances. In 1982, Hollywood knew a hit when they saw the musical and the big screen version of ANNIE became an instant classic with Aileen Quinn as ANNIE and one of Hollywood’s greatest treasures, Carol Burnett, casted as the evil-villian Miss Hannigan. The final curtain call for ANNIE occured in 1983, however, there was no doubt that the feel-good story of a young girl overcoming all odds to remind us that Tomorrow is Another Day, and that better things are always around the corner, was sure to remain a huge part of American culture. On March 25, 2010, the Elementary and High School Divisions of Ursuline Academy joined together to be a small part of ANNIE lore. When the performance concluded, it was clear that nothing was small about this production. With elaborate costumes and an impressive set, the Fine Arts / Drama Department of Ursuline Academy, through the talent of our wonderful students, produced one of the most memorable evenings of the year.

Review of the performance

On Opening Night, Caroline S. kicked-off Ursuline Academy’s performance of ANNIE^TM. Caroline S. was joined by Chelsey D. and the two talented youngster rotated their performances of the lead actress. Caroline S. performed on Thursday and Saturday while Chelsey D. performed on Friday and Sunday afternoon. Our photographer was only in attendance for the Friday night performance, therefore, the pictures in this article are from the performance with Chelsey D. as Annie, however, Caroline S. delivered an equally impressive performance. When Caroline S.concluded her Opening Night performance, students returned to campus and informed their friends that they should attend the Friday performance. This placed a lot of pressure on Chelsey D. to perform at her best. Without a doubt, Chelsea D. came through for Ursuline and continued the level of excellence started by Caroline S. At the Friday performance, with the largest crowd in attendance – not including the Spaghetti Sunday afternoon performance – (thank you to the High School Division for including the production in their year-long Spirit Competition onFriday and Saturday), Chelsey D. became an immediate hit within the High School. One member of the High School Division student body responded, “She was sooooo cute” and of course the student’s friend chimed in with the only question that matters at Ursuline, “What is she?”. Yes, they are aware she is a human, but what everyone wanted to know was whether she was a MAC, SKIP, or SIOUX. 

de Gravelle '11 portrayed Miss Hannigan and attempted to stop Annie's pursuit of happiness

The musical is set in a 1933 orphanage where a young girl named Annie, who was recently orphaned, is willing to do anything possible to escape the orphanage…perhaps to one day reunite with her biological parents. However, the mean, ill-spirited leader of the orphanage will spare no costs in ensuring that Annie, and her fellow orphans, never leave the indoor version of the Great Depression’s Hooverville — the portions of town where the homeless lived during the administration of President Herbert Hoover. Elizabeth deGravelle’11 was given the tall-task of portraying the character that Carol Burnett mastered in 1982. From her first scene, to her grand exit from the stage…kicking and screaming…it was clear that deGravelle ‘10 was casted perfectly for the role. Everyone in attendance could not help but hate Miss Hannigan and that hatred is the one characteristic you want the lead evil-character to produce.

Annie at the Orphanage

The orphans kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.

After a failed attempt to escape from Miss Hannigan’s awful orphanage, Annie was forced to return to the one place she wanted to leave more than any other place in the world. While at the orphanage, Annie became friends with the the dozens of other orphans. To Miss Hannigan, Annie was the ring-leader and troublemaker of the group. However, to the other orphans, Annie was their shining light and beacon of hope. If Annie could stand up to Miss Hannigan, and eventually escape this Hard-Knock Life, then there was hope that one day, they too could leave the tight, forceful hold of the hated Miss Hannigan.

Eventually, Annie was given a golden opportunity. The opportunity to leave Miss Hannigan’s orphanage to spend the holiday season with one of New York’s wealthiest citizens — Mr. Oliver Warbucks. Hannigan wanted to gain favor with the billionaire and would have happily spent the holiday season with him, however, as his assistant Ms. Grace Farrell stated, Mr. Warbucks wanted an orphan and did not want her.

Jessica Bagneris '11 (Ms. Farrell) introduces Annie to everyone at Warbuck's Home

Immediately, Annie and Ms. Farrell formed a close relationship. Realizing that Annie was about to get the better of her, Miss Hannigan tried to prevent Ms. Farrell from taking Annie, however, Ms. Farrell insisted that it would be Annie and only Annie who wouldspend the holiday with Mr. Warbucks.   

ANNIE MEETS BIG DADDY WARBUCKS

Once Ms. Farrell brought Annie to Mr. Warbuck’s home, it was clear that Annie was out of her element. When the mansion’s butler Drake (portrayed by Rachel Marie Charbonnet ‘13) asked Annie if he could take her coat, Annie responded, “Will I get it back?” As well timed as her lines were, it was the facial expressions of Chelsey D. that made the audience fall in love with her character. Everyone wanted to see Annie obtain her goals and dreams and it was at this point that Mr. Warbucks entered stage-left.

Warbucks arrives

Portayed by Jalan Richardson ‘11, Mr. Oliver Warbucks clearly had no idea who he was about to meet. To Mr. Warbucks, this orphan would be with him a few days, and upon her departure, he would successfully complete his civic duty. Little did Warbucks know that Annie was not going to want to leave nor would he eventually want her to be part of his life.

After an evening out on the town with Ms. Farrell and Mr. Warbucks, Annie fell in love with her knew lifestyle. Annie knew that Oliver Warbucks could do anything. With that being said, Annie asked Warbucks to help her locate her parents. How could Oliver Warbucks decline such a request? Annie presented Warbucks a locket that was given to her by her parents. Oliver Warbucks would use his finances and political connections to find the individual who purchased the locket /necklace…. in turn, finding Annie’s parents. With everything going well, something bad had to happen.

Evil Comes in Bright Clothing

Songy '13 and Elbaum '12 colorful performance almost stole the show

 Just when it appeared that no one could be more hated than Miss Hannican, two rascals entered stage-right: the couple of Lucy St. Regis (Rachel Songy ‘13) and Rooster (Julia Elbaum’12). From the first time the audience laid eyes on the duo, it was clear that the two could not be trusted. As the musical continued, Lucy and Rooster created a sneaky plan that would net them a huge payday thanks to the deep pockets of Oliver Warbucks….. even if this meant breaking the heart of little Annie.

As the play continued, it appeared that Annie’s dream of happiness would be ruined by Lucy and Rooster. When Rooster informed Miss Hanniganof his plan, the Jersey-born scam artist had found a way to outsmart Oliver Warbucks.

NOOOO do not let them win!

 When Lucy and Rooster delivered their heartless, greedy plan, Oliver Warbucks was devastated by the look of sadness on Annie’s face. At that moment, Warbucks declared that he would use all of his power and money to find out what Rooster was up to… something was clearly wrong.  Warbucks called in the help of President Franklin Roosevelt (Courtney Frazier ‘12). The 32ndPresident of the United States was willing to help his friend Oliver Warbucks solve the puzzle of who was really Annie’s parents. To Warbucks and Roosevelt, the puzzle pieces of Lucy and Rooster did not fit well.

The musical concluded the way all of life’s stories should conclude…with a smile on a child’s face. Sure enough, Warbuck’s came through for Annie and with the help of Roosevelt, exposed Rooster, Lucy, and Hannigan for being scam artists. With the trio of terror headed to jail, the audience waited for the much-anticipated climatic ending. When Warbucks asked Annie if she would be willing to let him adopt her and become her new father, and Annie responded that if she could not have her real parents back and that there was no one else in the world she would rather have as her father, the audience applauded as the final curtain closed on one of the greatest performances ever held on State St.

Ursu-online staff

we are including all of the pictures we took. Some are blurry,but we tried.we will add more during the day…almost 100 more… so check back soon.

Lights, Camera, Annie!

The Ursuline Academy Theater Department presents, “Annie”.  The cast and crew have been working very hard for many months.  The performances are March 25 – March 27 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 28 at 4:30 p.m. (following the Spaghetti Supper).  Contact Ms. Melanie, to reserve your tickets at 504.866.5260 or mprovenzano@ursulineneworleans.org.  Don’t miss a spectacular performance!

Junior Class Given Pin; Cuccia ‘11 Reflects on the Past Four Years

In less than two months, the Sioux '11 become the leaders on State St.

Congratulations to the junior class, Sioux ‘11, on obtaining their class pins. Early Wednesday morning, the student body joined together for a mass which included the special presentation to the juniors. Parents and friends joined the Sioux for this special moment. Prior to the distribution of pins, Junior Class President Evan Cuccia ‘11 delivered the Reflection Speech. Cuccia ‘11 reflected on the past four years. During her speech, Cuccia ‘11 thanked the class for their friendship and for the many wonderful memories they have had together. Cuccia ‘11 took the time to stress to her class that they have an unlimitted amount of potential and she is confident that they will be future leaders. Cucccia ‘11 concluded her speech by reminding her class that if they stick together, the Sioux class can remain invincible.

Thank you to Campus Ministry for coordinating today’s event.

Ursu-online staff 

^{*** Below camps are open to all girls within the specified age ranges.
One is not required to be a current Ursuline student in order to attend. ***}

Ursuline Academy Volleyball Camp
Camp Director: Jay Jay Juan, jjuan@ursulineneworleans.org
Athletic Director: Bekki Bonnaffee, rbonnaffee@ursulineneworleans.org
504.212.6806

5 days/week, 9 a.m. – Noon for Girls ages 10 – 14

Facilitated by Ursuline’s volleyball coaching staff, lead by Head Volleyball Coach and Louisiana’s Division III Volleyball Coach of the Year, Jay Jay Juan, as well as current and former players. The Volleyball Camp offers quality instruction for all players. The goal of the camp is to stimulate a love for the game in young athletes by showing them how to succeed while laying the foundation for their development with strong fundamental skills through drills and reinforcement.

Two 1-Week Sessions
Session 1: May 31 – June 4
Session 2: June 7 – 11

Cost is $80 per session plus non-refundable $20 registration ($25 after May 4)

Deadline for all fees is May 4

Ursuline Academy Basketball Camp
Camp Director: Lanie Griffin, lgriffin@ursulineneworleans.org
Athletic Director: Bekki Bonnaffee, rbonnaffee@ursulineneworleans.org
504.212.6806

5 days/week, 1 – 4 p.m. for Girls grades K – 7th

Ursuline Basketball Camp is designed to introduce girls to the technical aspects of basketball. The program includes training on defensive and offensive techniques and an introduction to tactics of the game.

Two 1-week sessions
Session 1: May 31 – June 4
Session 2: June 7 – 11

Cost is $80 per session plus non-refundable $20 registration ($25 after May 4)

Deadline for all fees is May 4

Ursuline Academy Softball Camp
Camp Director: Gary Garrison & Darlene Rabalais
drabalais@ursulineneworleans.org
Athletic Director: Bekki Bonnaffee, rbonnaffee@ursulineneworleans.org
504.212.6806

June 14 – 18, 9 a.m. – Noon for Girls ages 10 – 14

Ursuline Softball Camp is designed to introduce girls to the technical aspects of softball. The program’s goal is to stimulate a love for the game in young athletes by showing them how to succeed, while laying the foundation for their development.

Cost is $80 plus non-refundable $20 registration ($25 after May 4)

Deadline for all fees is May 4

Ursuline Academy High School
Discover “U” Camp

Camp Director: Teresa Jezik, tjezik@ursulineneworleans.org
504.866.2725

5 days/week, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. for Girls 6^th-9^th grades

Facilitated by UA high school Faculty.  Courses offered in etiquette, math, English/writing, study skills, computer skills, science sampler, sports sampler (facilitated by high school coaching staff members), cooking, arts & crafts, and more!  There will also be lunch time games and activities.

Two 1-week sessions

Session 1: June 7- 11
Session 2: June 14 -18

Cost per session is $100 or $190 for both sessions.
Before and aftercare will be provided at an additional cost.
Pre-Registration: $25 (goes towards session fee)

Deadline for all fees is May 1

CLICK HERE to download the brochure

Ursuline Academy Creative & Performing Arts Camp
Camp Directors: Mary Duran & Maria Schneider, mduran@ursulineneworleans.org
504.212.6956

5 days/week, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. for Girls 1^st – 7^th grades

Classes offered in Art, Acting, Singing, Ballet, Cooking, Cheer & Dance, Ceramics, Glee Club, Fashion Design, Sewing, Printmaking, Painting, Music, Martial Arts, Swimming, Sports, Gymnastics and more! Special Wednesday  activities include Field Trips, Swimming and visits from Performing Artists and Scientists.

Two 3-week sessions – plus a new SUPERWEEK!

Session 1: June 7 – 25
Session 2: June 28 – July 16
Superweek!: July 19 – 23 (An all field trip experience)
Superweek! is $250 (includes all fees & transportation)
Cost per session is $595 or $1090 for both sessions.
Extended day 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. & 3 – 5:30 p.m. – $100/session

Deadline for all fees is May 1

CLICK HERE to download the brochure.

Ursuline Academy Early Childhood Creative Arts Camp
Camp Directors: Mary Duran & Maria Schneider, mduran@ursulineneworleans.org
504.212.6956

5 days/week, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Age 3 (by 6/1/10) – Kindergarten

Age-appropriate classes in Art, Dance, Drama, Martial Arts (Little Ninjas), Science & Nature, Cooking, Tumbling, Gym Games and more! Special Wednesday and Friday activities.
Facilitated by UA Early Childhood Faculty

Session 1: June 7 – 25
Session 2: June 28 – July 16
Cost per session is $595 or $1090 for both sessions.
Extended day 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. & 3 – 5:30 p.m. – $100/session

Deadline for all fees is May 1

CLICK HERE to download the brochure.

WHAT

• URSULINE’S ANNUAL SPAGHETTI SUPPER: $8 per plate in advance and $10 per plate at the door, followed by a special performance of the award-winning musical, ANNIE!

WHEN          

• SUPPER: Sunday, March 28; Noon – 4 p.m.
• ANNIE: Auditorium Doors open @ 4 p.m.; Performance begins @ 4:30 p.m.

WHERE        

• Ursuline Courtyard, Cafeteria, Lions’ Den and Willow Street Campus; Auditorium

ACTIVITIES

• CASH RAFFLE: 1^st Prize, $5,000; 2^nd Prize, $750; 3^rd Prize, $250 (awarded at event)
• GIFT BASKET RAFFLES
• SWEET TREATS & CAKE WALK
• CAKE DECORATING CONTEST
• D.J. MUSIC by REQUEST
• PAY-ONE-PRICE ($10 Wristbands)!

UNDER 12 FUN ACTIVITES & GAMES                       12 and UP ACTIVITIES

• Cookie Decorating                                                                
• Face Painting                                                               Rock-Climbing Wall
• Spin Art                                                                        Extreme Slide
• Rubber Ducks                                                             Music by D.J.
• Ring Toss                                                                     Adrenaline Rush Obstacle Course
• Fish Pond                                                                     Ring the Bell
• Space Walks                                                    And much more…
• Cake Walk
• Pony Rides           

Once again, we look forward to ushering in spring with our Annual Spaghetti Supper.

As before, the activities for the day promise to be fun for the whole family, and with your support and participation, it will prove to be a needed financial success for Ursuline’s annual operations. Please help us in our efforts by becoming a part of this fun-filled day! It is with sincere appreciation that the Academy thanks you in advance for your assistance in making the 2010 Spaghetti Supper a flavorful event!

Click here to see how you can help!
Click here for Cash Raffle incentives.
Click here for the student donation list by grade.
Click here for the volunteer sign-up form.
Click here for info on the Sweet Treats booth. 
Click here for Lip-Sync Idol information.

Questions?  E-mail or call the Development or Alumnae Offices:
development@ursulineneworleans.org   504.861.0592
alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org   504.861.9114

Teams Reigning Most Valuable Player is Off to a Great Start; Track and Field Has High Expectations

UA Hoping this is the Year that Miranda'11 Surpasses Her Goal

Recently, we were able to obtain some highlights from the first three track and field meets of the season. Congratulations to each of the following members of the UA Track and Field team for their recent success.

Third Meet – Catholic Relays Baton Rouge

This past Saturday the Lady Lions Track team competed in the Catholic Relays in Baton Rouge:  They did really well and here the results:

Kristen Miranda was 2nd in the pole vault. The relay team of Elissa Parker, Sami Adams, Ariel Chatman and Michon Wright was 3rd in the 4×200 and 4×100 relay.
The relay team of Elissa Parker, Michon Wright, Erin Romaine and Elizabeth Thomas was 3rd in the mile relay.
Kristen Miranda was 5th in the high jump, Danielle Dixon was 6th in the Shot put Erin Romaine was 4th in the mile
Shelby Schmidt was 4th in 300 meter hurdles and Sami Adams was 6th, Elizabeth Thomas was 6th in the 400 meter dash Mary Maher was 5th in the 3200 meter run.

The girls did very well and we are very proud of you all.

Second Meet – Spring Relay

The relay team of Jade Duplessis, Ariel Chatman, Elissa Parker and Lily Meja won 2nd in the Spring Medley relay.  Kristen Miranda also won 1st in the pole vault.

First Meet – Chalmette Early Bird Invitational

Congratulations to the Track team for placing 3rd in the Chalmette Early Bird Invitational
Erin Romaine was the Girls Running MVP with a 1st place in the Mile with a career PR of 5:53 and a 1st in the 2 mile Kristen Miranda was 1st in the pole vault and high jump and 2nd in the 100 meter hurdles Elissa Parker was 3rd in the 200 meter dash Lily Meja was 3rd in the 2 mile Schyler Morton was 3rd in the triple jump and 2nd in the high jump. The 4 x 200 relay team of Elissa Parker, Dani Edwards, Schyler Morton and Ariel Chatman was 2nd.  The 4 x 100 relay team of Elissa Parker, Sami Adams, Michon Wright and Ariel Chatman was 2nd. The 4 x 400 relay team of Dani Edwards, Shelby Schmidt, Ariel Chatman and Elissa Parker was 2nd.

Ursu-online staff