News briefs for Oct. 1

Varsity girls volleyball battles JSerra today
The varsity girls’ volleyball team plays against the JSerra Lions for their 20th game this season this afternoon at 5:45 p.m. at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano. Currently, the team is ranked no. 3 in both the California Division 1 Rankings and the Southern Section Rankings.

First Walk in Faith ends today
Students participating in the Fall Walk in Faith, the first of the three Walk in Faith retreats of the school year, return today. The retreat was held at the Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center in Oceanside. During the retreat, students have the opportunity to listen to talks and participate in prayer, group activities, and discussions to look more closely at their relationships with themselves, others, and God.

Freshmen homerooms meet Wednesday
On Wednesday, freshmen must report to their homerooms during office hour for their next wellness lesson. The health and wellness curriculum is new this year to Mater Dei and is being implemented within the freshmen homerooms to spread awareness on mental health and teach skills related to staying mentally healthy.

Principal’s Renaissance Breakfast takes place Thursday morning
The Renaissance club will host their biannual Renaissance Breakfast with the principal in the LeVecke Center this Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. This breakfast is held every semester to celebrate 40 students who improved the most on their grades during the previous semester. The students will receive their awards while enjoying breakfast with their families and teachers.

Varsity football plays Friday
The varsity football team plays Orange Lutheran High School this Friday night. The game will be held at the Santa Ana Bowl and begin at 7 p.m. The theme is “pink out.” Students get in for free with their student ID.

Homecoming dance happens this Sunday
Homecoming, the first dance of the school year, will be held in the Meruelo Athletic Center this Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m. This year, the theme of the dance is “Willy Wonka.” Photos will be taken by South Coast Photographic. If you are attending, remember to follow the dress code policy and bring your Student ID.