The ND Spirit
September 10, 2025
Tasting Success
This week marks the third full week of fall sports competition. It's no secret that last year's varsity teams were on the struggle bus for the entire year. Frankly, it was victory enough that we were able to field teams with our low numbers. And most of our teams weren't placed in the correct divisions so the competition wasn't really appropriate. Our teams showed resilience and grit as they persisted. We had new players stepping up and all-out effort by the players and coaches.
This fall, we again have over half the student body out for fall sports (23 in volleyball, 12 for tennis). And we're starting to taste a little success! Last week our tennis team saw all 4 singles players win in a match and the team won their nonleague dual match. They are currently 2-0 in league play. The volleyball team won both their games last week and is currently undefeated in league play as well. Three 9th graders are starting on the team so the future looks bright!
Winning isn't the measure of success of our teams. But consistent losing is no fun! We hope that our increased numbers and strong spirit will show everyone that Notre Dame is turning around. We continue to invest in our facilities, too. Thanks to Bishop Ryan's donation last year, we were able to purchase new carbon-fiber poles and a new competition volleyball net. On Friday, we'll be changing out the light bulbs in the gym to LED--no small feat with 108 bulbs 24 feet in the air. We're building for the future!
Go Spirits!
Dr. Tim Uhl
Father-Daughter Event
Back to School Dance
Spirits at Dorothy's Place
News & Notes
Sacred Heart International Festival is on Sunday, September 28. Students are invited to sign up here to volunteer at this great event!
The Airshow will be on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. If students are interested in volunteering, they may sign up here!
We are now partnering up with Double Dz Birrieria for lunch during September.
Jill Guidotti is interested in (re) starting a Parents' Club. She'd like to have an opening meeting on Wed, Sep 10th at 6 pm in the Commons. Please consider joining!
We're reaching out to our parishes and are looking for parent & student volunteers to staff our information booths after Masses: San Carlos Cathedral Sep 21st, and Madonna del Sasso Sept 21st. Sign up here.
This week's student announcements can be found here
Santa Catalina has invited us to their dance on Saturday, September 13. Dance flyer is here.
Senior Off-Campus Permission Slips are due on Monday, September 15.
We've launched this simple Google Form to "crowdsource" alumnae information. If you know of any alumnae, feel free to share the link
- Here is a Google Doc with student service opportunities
- Volleyball schedule can be found here; tennis schedule here.
Here is the link to the Student Handbook. We're continuing to adjust as issues arise.
Save the Date
- Sep 10: All-School Mass
- Sep 11: 9/11 prayer service 8:30 am; home volleyball vs. CEIBA (5pm/6pm)
- Sep 16: Tennis vs. Watsonville @Hartnell 4 pm
- October 4: Hispanic Heritage Celebration
- October 15: Parent-Teacher Conferences
- October 25: Middle School Halloween Dance
- November 1st: Bocce Ball!
- November 15: Mother-Daughter Tea & Fashion Show
- February 7: Crab & Pasta Feed
Counselor Corner
CSU College Night
Representatives from all 22 California State University campuses will be in attendance at the Santa Clara Convention Center on Tuesday September 16 from 6pm to 8pm. We encourage students and parents to attend.
Notre Dame is interested in sending a group of students to the event. A school van would depart Notre Dame at 4:30pm and return at approximately 9:00pm.
If you are interested in attending, please fill out the Google Form. Representatives from all 22 California State University campuses will be in attendance at the Santa Clara Convention Center on Tuesday September 16 from 6pm to 8pm. We encourage students and parents to attend.
Notre Dame is interested in sending a group of students to the event. A school van would depart Notre Dame at 4:30pm and return at approximately 9:00pm.
If you are interested in attending, please fill out the Google Form.
Alumnae News
Our School Board is organizing a NDHS Alumnae group...if you are interested please let us know. More info to follow!
You are cordially invited to attend a parent meeting on Wednesday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Commons. This meeting is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect, share important updates about the school year, and discuss how we can work together to ensure your daughter’s success. We believe that a strong partnership between parents and the school is essential for a student’s academic and personal growth. Research consistently shows that when parents are involved in their child's education, students tend to have better grades, improved attendance, and a more positive attitude toward learning. Your unique perspective and insights are invaluable in helping us create the best possible learning environment at Notre Dame. Jill Guidotti, Gracie’s mom, looks forward to seeing you there! We understand that your schedules are busy, and we truly appreciate you making the time to join us. We look forward to your input and ideas!
Mark your calendars! Notre Dame Bocce Night will be November 1, 2025 at the Notre Dame Gym. It promises to be a fun filled night with good food, great company and fun competition! Look for more information to follow soon.
The ND Spirit
Email: tuhl@notredamesalinas.org
Website: www.notredamesalinas.org
Location: Salinas, CA
Phone: 831-751-1850
Twitter: @drtimuhl
