Traditions

Connelly traditions are rooted in the 150-year history of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. They serve as a bond between the first graduating class of 1965 and today's students. These traditions help to build class unity while providing each student an opportunity to organize and participate in events which challenge both individual and group creativity.

Big and Little Sisters 

In her first year of high school, each ninth grade student is linked with a senior "big sister." Big sisters help introduce new students to Connelly by serving as mentor and guide. Throughout the years, big and little sisters participate in a variety of activities together. The relationship cultivated between big and little sisters often continue long after graduation.

Spirit Week

Held at the beginning of each school year, Spirit Week helps to instill school spirit and class unity. Various activities such as games, dress-up days, and pep rallies are planned throughout the week. Each class chooses a theme, and posters are created and attire worn to reflect the theme. On Friday, Spirit Week culminates with the annual BEACH PARTY. On this day, students and faculty enjoy a fun and sun filled day at Corona del Mar. Students exchange lunches, play games, and become better acquainted with one another.

Junior Ring Ceremony

One of Connelly's most moving traditions, the Ring Ceremony is a very special event for all Junior year students. In a beautiful, candlelit ceremony, Senior class members present the juniors with their class rings. After the ceremony, they gather to share more memories over dinner.

Class Plays

Completely student-produced from start to finish, Class Plays provide yet another opportunity for students to participate in a collaborative project. Class Plays were initiated in Holy Child Schools over one hundred fifty years ago by Cornelia Connelly, and are a highlight of the school year for all students. Each Spring, each of the classes select or write a one-act play and produce it from auditions to performance. Directors and stage managers are elected, auditions held, and sets built. Rehearsals are conducted behind closed doors, and the title of the play and identity of cast members kept secret until Class Play Day. On this day, each class presents its play to the school community and a panel of professional theater judges.

Saint Teresa's Day

Saint Teresa's Day, October 15, commemorates the first time a Mass was celebrated in Holy Child Jesus Convent in 1846. In honor of this special occasion, the School celebrates together as a community.

Father-Daughter Dance

This event gives the students an opportunity to share an informal evening of dancing and entertainment at Connelly with their fathers.

Grandparents' Day

Grandparents are special guest for classes and a liturgical service the Wednesday before Thanksgiving break.

Mother-Daughter Spring Event

Mothers and other significant women in the Connelly student's life are invited to join students and other members of the Connelly Community to spend an afternoon together.

Salute to World Cultures Week

This week-long event recognizes and celebrates the ethnic diversity that exist at Connelly and in the greater community. Sponsored by the International Club, it features exhibits of art and culture, choral, dance, and dramatic performances, ethnic cuisines, and international fashions and traditions.

Senior Trip

During the fourth quarter, the senior class plans and spends three days and two nights together on a trip to San Francisco. The girls enjoy the sights, ride cable cars, tour Alcatraz, visit museums and parks, shop, and see cultural performance.

Portfolio Night

Portfolio Night is a special evening set aside to celebrate the writing achievements of the ninth and twelfth grade classes. Students read from their portfolios and do dramatic presentations. Refreshments are provided.

Awards Day

At the close of the fourth quarter, an award ceremony is held in recognition of student achievements in all academic subjects, leadership, athletics, and the arts. Prizes are also awarded for the County and State Science Fairs, creative writing competitions and community service. New National Honor Society members are inducted at this time. Special honors such as the Yale Book Award and the Bausch and Lomb Science Medal are also given. Award Day culminates in the distribution of yearbooks.

Baccalaureate Liturgy

On the eve of graduation, the seniors, their families, and the faculty gather for a special Mass in honor of the graduating class. The Baccalaureate Liturgy is followed by a dinner and reception hosted by the juniors and their parents.

Graduation

The Connelly experience culminates with the traditional graduation ceremony. On this day family, friends, and faculty proudly look on as each graduate processes in wearing a formal white gown and carrying a bouquet or red roses. This beautiful ceremony is a signature of Holy Child Schools.