September 11, 2007

Santa Margarita Catholic High School gets a new leader
Raymond Dunne is Santa Margarita Catholic High School's new principal.
By NAYELI PAGAZA
STAFF WRITER

STUDENT VOICES:

Expectations for the new school year:

"I'm looking forward to competing against other school choirs this year," Alexandra Trenary, 15.

"I'm excited about the prom and dances," said Julia Hoon, 16.

"As a freshman, I can't go to the big dances, but I want to attend all the football games," Leigh Edwards, 15.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School is marking the start of its 20th year with a new leader.

Raymond Dunne took over as principal this summer. He is looking forward to the new post.

"This is a great school," said Dunne, who began his teaching career in the Orange Unified School District about 36 years ago. "Although I liked serving in public schools, I find a bigger joy working in Catholic schools because you are reminded of your faith every day."

He also worked for 15 years at Servite High School, a private, all-boys Catholic school in Anaheim. Colleagues said he left a mark with students.

"You would always find him at football games and rallies to support the school," said Servite President Peter Bowen.

Dunne is hoping to take a similar approach at SMCHS, a school that he says parents are attracted to because of its family-based atmosphere.

The new principal says he plans to be as visible on campus, especially during this milestone year, which the school will commemorate with a Mass and reception in October.

To help him spend more time on campus and less time in the office, the school is seeking to hire a president. That person would oversee campus finances and the school as a whole, and would act as the school's chief spokesperson.

Dunne said this would free him up to do more of what he loves, which is interacting with students and parents.

Dunne received his bachelor's degree in history from Cal State Fullerton. He is a Civil War buff and enjoys traveling to Gettysburg and the East Coast.

He plans to also combine his responsibilities as principal with his zeal for teaching American history.

"The best part of my job is working with kids directly," he said.

School History

1985: Catholic church and business community worked together to fund and build Santa Margarita Catholic High School following the late Bishop William R. Johnson's dream to create a Catholic high school in south Orange County.

1987:The school opened in the fall of 1987.

1990:School adds a new three-story classroom building.

1991:Charter class graduates in June.

Freshman retreat: A one-day on-campus event focusing on community building and faith development. Students seek to strengthen their bonds with God, friends and themselves.

Sophomore and junior retreat: Events are filled with faith building and relationship strengthening activities and small group discussions.

Kairos retreat: To date, about 3,000 students have attended this senior retreat. Many seniors use this four-day experience to help them make critical decisions that will impact their futures.