Mercy Messenger
Issue 14 ~ Sunday, November 26th, 2023
Through the intercession of Our Lady of Mercy, we commit ourselves to living the Good News of Jesus through Works of Mercy. Our rigorous academic program unleashes creative energy for the pursuit of knowledge and nurtures a hope-filled vision for Catholic leadership. We live out our relationship with God by respecting the dignity of others and providing service to the global community that fosters unity, understanding, and compassion.
Beginning Prayer- Feast of Christ the King
Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations. We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things. Protect, O Lord our families and the land of our birth. Guard us, we pray, Most Faithful One.
Principal Update
Sunday, November 26th, 2023
Good Morning,
I hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday. Wherever you celebrated Thanksgiving I hope you enjoyed the family and friends that were at your dinner table. Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King which is the last Sunday in the liturgical year. This special solemnity reminds us that Christ reigns as King forever. It also reminds us that Advent and Christmas is just around the corner. We only have 18 schools days until Christmas break. I am sure these days will fly by fast. Mark your calendars for our Christmas tree lighting on December 4th and our Christmas Tableau on December 20th.
Our middle states visitors will be coming Monday evening and visiting during the school day from Tuesday the 28th until Thursday the 30th. Thank you for all your support during this important time. Please remember that Giving Tuesday is this week. OLM depends on your generosity to continue to provide high quality education and programs. Any amount that you are able to give would be much appreciated. Again thank you for your continued dedication and support to OLM. We could not grow and flourish without the generosity that each and everyone of you provide to us. I hope everyone has a great week ahead and let me know if I can help in anyway. Go Eagles.
In mercy,
Mr. Bill Delaney
Middle States Update
The Middles States Team will be on campus from November 27 to November 30, 2023, for Our Lady of Mercy’s accreditation visit. OLM welcomes team members, Mrs. Joan Dollinger, Mrs. Mary Anne DeAnglo, and Mrs. Tracy Nini; who will spend time visiting classrooms, talking to faculty, students, and parents, and being part of the OLM community for three days! The visit culminates an eighteen-month process of self-study and reflection by the administration, faculty/staff, students, and parents. Please pray for the success of OLM’s visit and the continued blessings on the school community. Happy Thanksgiving!
Reminders
- Winter uniforms began November 1st.
- Please do not get out of your car to get your child during car line. It is not safe to walk in the parking lot during dismissal. Thank you.
- Please do not drop your child off at school before 7:30.
- Please remember to fill out all the school forms that are on OptionC as soon as possible.
- If you are changing the way your child is going home please call the main office before 1pm.
- If your child is absent from school please email attendance@olmrcs.com.
- Make sure to have all your clearances up to date if you are planning on volunteering in the school or with any clubs. (See Wednesday communication for more information)
A Look Ahead
11/27- Middle States Team arrives.
11/28- Giving Tuesday.
11/30- Middle States Team leaves. (Noon dismissal for students & NO CARES!)
12/1- Favorite Sports Team Dress Down Day. Donated by the Henrich family. (Free)
12/2- St. Anthony's Confirmation.
12/4- Christmas Tree Lighting 6:30pm.
12/5-12/6- Secret Santa Shopping.
12/5- Picture retakes.
12/7- Dress Down Day $2 student council Christmas shopping.
12/8- 9 am Mass.
School Musical
We are very pleased to announce that OLM will be presenting Shrek The Musical JR. as its 2024 spring musical! Students in grades 1 through 8th grade are invited to participate. All students who wish to participate in the show (not stage crew at this time) are required to register by December 15th. All information can be found by clicking here.
Blossom in Stem Program (Spots still open.)
Gwynedd Mercy Academy is offering their Blossom in Stem Program to our 6th, 7th and 8th grade female students. This program is meant to enhance and expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Once a month, students from Gwynedd and their Stem teacher Mr. Berger will come to OLM to facilitate and aid them in performing Stem related activities and experiments. The club is free to our students and is open to 20 girls per session. There will be 9 sessions and it will be after school from 3-4pm. Below you will find a link for the sign up list. Thank you.
Counseling Corner
As the holiday stress and busyness is upon us, a quick stress- reliever is to incorporate mindful breathing throughout your day. Mindful breathing is crucial for promoting relaxation, reducing stress and enhancing focus. It helps regulate the nervous system, leading to improved overall well-being and mental clarity. Breathing can be done at any time and in any place. It is a way to center yourself and it gives you a life-long tool to combat stress. Check out the following websites for more information and get some ideas on how you can start to incorporate mindful breathing with your child (and yourself!)
https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/mindful-breathing-exercises/
https://www.mindfulmazing.com/10-breathing-exercises-for-kids-with-anxiety-or-anger/
https://copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-kids
From the Nurse's Office
If your child test positive for Covid-19 please follow the CDC guidelines. If you have any questions please contact the nurse's office at nurse@olmrcs.com.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
Santa’s Shop - December 5th & 6th
Optional Gift Giving
This year we invite you to contribute to an optional gifting holiday fund. We are asking for a suggested $10.00-$20.00 donation per family. The collected amount will be used for the staff, specials, front office, lunch staff to have a nice holiday gift from the families. Checks can be made out to OLM. Please put in the memo “optional gift giving”. On the envelope, please put the attention of HSA – Optional Gift Giving. Please have all donations in by Friday, December 8th. For additional information, please see the attached flyer for more details. **Traditional teachers’ gifts will be coordinated by homeroom parents who will be reaching out to you.
Calling all Middle School Students!
Ski & Snowboard Club
We need parent volunteers with Ski & Board Club Monday Pretzels. One person is asked to pick up pretzels at 8am at the Philly Pretzel Factory Horsham, deliver to the school, and help sort/distribute. We need another parent to meet at the school at 8:15am and help sort/distribute them. Please use the sign up genius link to volunteer for a day or two. Our Lady of Mercy Home and School Association: 2024 OLM Ski & Board Club Pretzel Sale Volunteers (signupgenius.com)
Registration is out to join the club. Please refer to the Wednesday Communication for more information regarding signing up for the club.
Designer Bag Bingo – SAVE THE DATE!
Get your dabbers ready! Back for another year Designer Bag Bingo will take place on Friday, January 19, 2023, in the cafeteria. This event sells out every year. This year's bags include, MZ Wallace, Lululemon, Anthropologie, Mark & Graham, Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke, & Vince Camuto just to name a few. So, Gather your friends for your table and be on the lookout for the registration form on January 3rd. If you would like to donate a basket for this event please reach out to Katie Sacchetta at katie.sacchetta@gmail.com.
Holiday Card Season – Minted Gives back 15%
This holiday season, we’ve partnered with Minted where you can save 20% and Minted donates back 15% to the school. Now through December, shop holiday cards and gifts on www.minted.com and use our promo code: FUNDRAISEMERCYREGIONAL.
Supporting Home & School
- Interested in Volunteering?
- We are always looking for new ideas, suggestions, and volunteers! If you have any interest in volunteering please feel free to fill out this interest form: tinyurl.com/OLMVolCalendar24.
- If you are interested in joining the board, we would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out via email at hsa@olmrcs.com. We welcome you to check out our website, www.olmhsa.wixsite.com/2021, or follow and interact with us on social media, FB @olmhsa or Instagram @olmhsa.
Ambler Christmas Parade
OLM will be participating in the Ambler Christmas Parade!
Special thanks to Mr. Baker & family for building our float, once again.
We are looking for the following help:
- Parents to help paint the float the week of November 27th.
- PVC pipe, plywood, and red and white paint for the float.
See the student permission slip to sign up to join us at the parade. Please reach out to Julie Bebey at jbebey@olmrcs.com or call her at school if you are able to help or have any questions.
Winter Weather
As we are moving towards the winter months of the year here are a couple of reminders if we have a delayed school day or closure.
- OLM follows Upper Dublin school district. If Upper Dublin closes school for weather or is delayed, OLM is closed or delayed. A text, call and email will be sent out.
- If another school district closes and Upper Dublin is open, OLM is open. Those school district's that are closed will not provide busing. You will be notified if that occurs.
Re-Registration for the 24-25 School Year
As we have done in past years, we will continue with automatic re-registration for all current students in grades K to 7th grade for the 2024-2025 school year. Any family that does not plan to return next year must contact Julie Bebey at jbebey@olmrcs.com by Friday, December 15, 2023. All returning families will have their FACTS accounts charged the $310/family re-registration fee in January. If you have any questions, please speak with Julie Bebey. Thank you in advance for your commitment to OLM and catholic education.
8th Grade Scholarships
If your 8th grader has received a scholarship to any high school please send a copy of the letter to Mrs. Maher cmaher@olmrcs.com so we can recognize your students amazing accomplishments.
EITC Program
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)
Program is open to individuals or businesses.
Anyone who participates receives a 90% tax credit with this program.
To learn more, attend an Information Webinar
- Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm
- Wednesday, November 29 at 10am
If you have any questions about this program, contact
Julie Bebey at jbebey@olmrcs.com or call her at school, 215-646-0150.
Scan the QR Code below to sign up for a Webinar!
2024-2025 Kindergarten Commitment
If you have a younger child that you are considering enrolling in Kindergarten for the 24-25 school year, please complete this form. We need an idea of how many spots we need to save for kindergarten for our current families before the Sunday, Oct. 22 Open House.
This is NOT an official registration, more information will be sent at a later date. If you have any questions, please reach out to Julie Bebey at jbebey@olmrcs.com
2024-2025 Financial Aid
2024-2025 financial aid is now open. Please log onto your FACTS account to apply. To be considered for financial aid you must fill out an application through your FACTS account. If you have any questions please send your questions to grants@olmrcs.com.
Uniform Policy
Please remember that all students should be wearing our winter uniforms. ALL uniform rules will be enforced. Please review the general uniform rules that are listed below and are in the student handbook.
● Girls’ kilts must be no shorter than two inches above the knee. After a second warning, they must wear navy blue tights or school-issued pants until the skirt/kilt is at the appropriate length.
● All students must wear OLM uniform pieces with logos. They must be purchased from one of our two approved vendors: Flynn & O’Hara or Lands’ End.
● All formal and gym uniforms must be purchased from one of our two approved vendors: Flynn & O’Hara or Lands’ End.
● NO LOGOS, Nike Elite sports socks, or the like are permitted with the school uniform except on gym days.
● Sneakers must be worn on gym days, even on a dress-down day.
● Girls may wear post-earrings or small hoops.
● Belts must be worn with pants or shorts by both boys and girls.
● Only the neckline of a plain white undershirt may be visible under the shirt.
Car Line Procedures
To keep our students safe and the car line moving in the afternoon, please:
- Do not get out of your cars. A faculty member will help your child get into the car.
- DO NOT PASS cars in front of you as there may be children getting into their cars on the driver's side. Please be patient and stay in line as you exit the school property, following the car in front of you.
- Do not stop in front of your child. Pull up as far as you can (up to the gym doors) to allow the most cars to load at one time. Please pull right up to the car in front of you.
- Do not speed. The speed limit is 10 MPH while driving on any part of the school property. Please be mindful of your speed.
- Do not use your cell phone while driving in the parking lot.
- WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE PUT A SIGN IN YOUR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW IDENTIFYING YOUR LAST NAME. This will help us find your child(ren) faster.
- If you need to buckle your child into their car seat, please do so in the circle near the exit of the property.
Birthdays this week
11/26
Mrs. Schmalbach
Julia Young
Garrett Luskin
11/27
Charles Cook
11/28
Emilia Conlon
11/29
Samuel Pollock
11/30
James McGeehan
12/1
George Federici
12/2
Annabel Miller
Zyonne Knight
Altar Servers
Tuesday 11/28
John Contorno
Henry Lemanowicz
Wednesday 11/29
Abigail Klein
Katie Canalley
Thursday 11/30
Andrew McGeehan
James McGeehan
Friday12/1
James Norman
Drew Barton