Chapelle Musicians Shine in LMEA All-State & District Honor Bands 💚 Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to celebrate four talented student musicians who have earned spots in the prestigious LMEA All-State and District Honor Bands! Their dedication, perseverance, and love for music have set them apart, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to the following students: • Ellie Concepcion – Clarinet, LMEA District VI Junior High Honor Band • Milan Vitrano – French Horn, LMEA All-State and District VI Junior High Honor Band • Amelie Sharp – Percussion, LMEA District VI Junior High Honor Band • Lia Reinecke – Clarinet, LMEA District VI Senior High Honor Band These honors represent hours of practice, commitment, and musical growth. By earning positions in highly competitive ensembles, these students have demonstrated excellence both individually and as proud members of the Raider Band. We are incredibly proud of Ellie, Milan, Amelie, and Lia for representing Chapelle with such talent and heart. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment—you inspire our entire school community!

8th Grade Scientists Explore Simple and Complex Machines Through Hands-On LEGO Engineering In Mrs. Merril and Mr. Giovingo's 8th Grade Integrated Science class, students recently embarked on an engaging exploration of simple and complex machines—one LEGO brick at a time. The lesson challenged students to apply their understanding of the six simple machines (levers, pulleys, wheels and axles, inclined planes, wedges, and screws) by designing and constructing their own complex machines using LEGO building sets. From cranes and catapults to conveyor systems and mechanical lifts, students' creativity and engineering skills were on full display. Building Knowledge Through Construction After selecting a complex machine to build, students worked individually or in small groups to bring their designs to life. The hands-on nature of the project allowed students to see firsthand how multiple simple machines work together to create more sophisticated tools and devices. "This activity really helps students understand that the complex machines we use every day—cars, bicycles, construction equipment—are all built from combinations of these basic simple machines," explained Mr. Giovingo. Analysis and Application Once construction was complete, students conducted an analysis of their creations. They identified each simple machine present in their complex machine, documented their findings in a written report, and made real world connections of complex machines they find useful in their own life. The project not only strengthened students' grasp of mechanical principles but also developed important skills in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and technical communication. STEM in Action This lesson exemplifies Archbishop Chapelle's commitment to providing students with engaging, hands-on STEM experiences that prepare them for future success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. By combining creativity with scientific inquiry, students gain a deeper appreciation for the engineering principles that shape our world.

Science in Action: Exploring Gas Solubility with Mrs. Melancon’s Soda Water Demo 💭🧪 In a hands‑on and engaging lesson, Mrs. Melancon helped her students uncover how temperature, stirring, and pressure affect the dissolution of gases in solutions—using an everyday item: soda water.  To begin, students examined an unopened bottle of soda water and observed what happened when it was opened. The sudden release of pressure allowed dissolved carbon dioxide gas to escape, creating the familiar fizz. This simple moment set the stage for a deeper exploration of gas behavior in liquids. Next, Mrs. Melancon prepared three cups of soda water under different conditions: • a control cup, • a stirred cup, and • a heated cup placed in hot water. Students compared the bubbling in each sample, quickly noticing that the stirred and heated cups released gas much faster than the control. The takeaway? While heat and stirring help solids dissolve more quickly, gases behave in the opposite way—both increased temperature and mechanical agitation decrease gas solubility, causing it to escape from the solution. This simple but powerful demonstration brought chemistry to life, helping students visualize core concepts about solubility, particle behavior, and the unique properties of gases. Learning is always more memorable when you can see (and hear!) science in action—and in this case, the bubbles said it all.

Congrats, Jordan LeGaux! 🦊🎨 The Chapelle community is thrilled to celebrate Jordan LeGaux, who won First Place in the Wild Thing Youth Art Contest in Lacombe! Her stunning artwork, featuring a beautifully detailed gray fox, impressed the judges with its creativity, technique, and lifelike expression. This contest showcases young artists from across the region, and Jordan’s achievement highlights not only her exceptional talent but also her dedication to refining her craft. Her winning piece reflects a remarkable eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural world—qualities that make her artwork truly stand out.  We are incredibly proud of Jordan for representing Chapelle with artistic excellence. Congratulations on this well‑deserved recognition! We can’t wait to see where your creativity leads you next.

Chapelle Students Recognized at French Oratory Contest ✨🇫🇷 The Chapelle community is proud to celebrate Molly Saia (French I) and Erin Glass (French II) for their outstanding achievements at the French Oratory Contest, hosted by the Council of French Societies. Competing among students from schools across the region, both Molly and Erin earned third place in their respective categories, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their dedication, poise, and growing mastery of the French language. The celebration continued at the Residence de France, where Molly and Erin were honored in a special ceremony led by Mr. Rodolphe Sambou, Consul General of France. Each student received a certificate of recognition and a monetary award—an unforgettable experience that highlights the significance of their hard work and talent. We are incredibly proud of Molly and Erin for representing Chapelle with excellence and enthusiasm. Their achievement reflects the strength of our World Language program and the wonderful opportunities available to our students. Félicitations, Molly et Erin! 💚🇫🇷

Junior Retreat 2025: Redeemed! 💚✝️ This year’s Junior Retreat invited our students into a powerful encounter with God’s mercy through the theme “Redeemed!” Centered on the Lord’s desire to renew and restore our hearts, the retreat offered a meaningful opportunity for reflection as we enter the Advent season—a time of hope, healing, and joyful expectation. Throughout the day, juniors participated in a dynamic mix of games, talks, small‑group discussions, Adoration, Confession, and Mass. Each element was designed to help students experience the fullness of God’s redeeming love in both engaging and prayerful ways. Student leaders and faculty shared heartfelt testimonies on God’s ability to transform our stories, reminding everyone that no part of our lives is beyond His grace. Small groups allowed students to unpack these messages more deeply, fostering connection, vulnerability, and support within their Chapelle sisterhood.  The retreat reached its spiritual height during Adoration and Confession, where students encountered the peace and freedom that flow from time spent with Christ. The closing Mass brought the community together in gratitude, sealing the day in prayer and unity. Junior Retreat continues to be a cherished part of the Chapelle faith experience, helping our students grow in confidence, trust, and spiritual maturity. As we journey through Advent, we pray that each student carries forward the truth of the day’s message: in every season and every circumstance, the Lord redeems and makes all things new.

A Wonderful Evening with the Chapelle Alumnae Book Club 📚💚 The Chapelle Alumnae Book Club gathered once again for a warm, spirited, and engaging meeting—an evening filled with conversation, connection, and the unmistakable joy of Chipmunk sisterhood. Alumnae of all ages came together to share thoughtful reflections, plenty of laughs, and, of course, some truly delicious snacks. These gatherings continue to be a beautiful reminder of how strong the Chapelle bond remains long after graduation. Whether attendees came eager to discuss the book, reconnect with old friends, or simply enjoy an evening of community, the atmosphere was welcoming and lively from start to finish. The thoughtful dialogue and shared perspectives sparked meaningful conversations that lingered well beyond the final page. We’re already looking forward to our next meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:00 PM! The next book selection will be revealed soon, so stay tuned—and feel free to invite fellow Chipmunks. New faces are always welcome, and the group is excited to grow. If you’ve been considering joining, now is the perfect time. The Chapelle Alumnae Book Club is a wonderful way to stay connected, make new friends, and keep the Chipmunk spirit alive through literature, community, and shared experiences.  We can’t wait to see you at the next meeting! 💚