OLVCS Updates
December 4, 2020
Dear Parents
This season reminds us that although our faces may be hidden by masks right now, we have lots about which to smile and hope for this Season--like the opportunity to celebrate Advent together as a school community! Who would have predicted that we would still be together at this time? It is clear that our patroness, Our Lady of Victory, is holding our school close to her heart.
The Church teaches that Advent means "the coming," and refers to the four-week season of preparation for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. If your student is in Grades K-5, he/she should have already brought home an Advent calendar to share with his/her family. Middle School students received Advent-themed wrist bands and will anticipate reward days as they continue to wear the band while "patiently waiting" and "remaining ready."
Finally, thank you to the OLVCS families who have already donated a toy for this all school collection...and a nudge to families who still plan to send in a donation. Donations should be to the school office on or before this coming Friday, December 11, 2020.
Taking on the heart of Jesus,
Chad Packer, MEd
Principal, OLVCS
Important Dates for The Coming Week
December 7 - Celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass
December 11- Last day to bring toy/doll in for SVdP collection
Support The SVdP with a Donation of a New Doll or Toy
Thank you to the OLVCS families who have already donated a toy for this all school collection. All donated dolls and toys will be sold at the SVdP's Christmas Sale, which is going on now. The proceeds from the sale support the valuable work that the SVdP does in our community. Please send in your family's donation to the school office on or before Friday, December 11, 2020.
Be Sure Your Student is Prepared for His/Her Favorite Subject: RECESS!
Our students go outside each day for morning and lunch recess, if the weather permits. Time out-of-doors is particularly important this school year, given all the restrictions with which the students have to comply while in the school buildings.
With colder weather here to stay for a while, please help your student remember to bring a coat or jacket each day. Mittens/gloves and a cap are also great to bring along. It is best if girls wear leggings or tights with their their skirts.
NOTE: Non-uniform outerwear may be worn only outside during recess. It is not permitted to be worn in the classroom and at Mass.
Be a Recess/Lunch Volunteer
Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?
If you have any questions about your child's readiness, the application process, or what our Kindergarten program is like given the new COVID guidelines, contact our Registrar, Mrs. Cindy Kolarik at registrar@olvcs.org.
Youth Protections Training: Well Worth The Effort
The Diocese requires that all adults who wish to volunteer at OLVCS complete the required application forms, online trainings, and submit required clearances. Click the button below to learn more and start the process. Questions? Contact OLV's coordinator, Mrs. Sandra Lema, at youthprotection@olvcs.org.
Snow Sport Club Registration Due Monday, December 7th
Our school is again partnering up with Tussey Mountain Ski Resort to offer the OLVCS Snow Sport Club. Club is open to 3rd - 8th grade students participating in in-person instruction. Club begins on Friday, January 15th and lasts for 6 weeks. Students may choose between 4 and 6 sessions.
Click the button below to learn more and register your student. Registration materials are due Monday, December 7, 2020. Questions? Contact Mrs. Lisa Groves (grovesl@olvcs.org) or Mrs. Lauren Waltz (waltzl@olvcs.org).
OLVCS Alumni Highlight
Donny Watkins (2020 Alumnus) Awarded Eagle Scout
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor took place on November 22, 2020 at the American Legion in State College, for Donny Watkins, a member of Boy Scout Troop 245 and 2020 OLVCS alumnus.
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement of the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since it's establishment in 1911, only about 4% of Scouts have achieved this rank.
To achieve the Eagle Scout rank, Donny earned 31 merit badges, as well as planned and executed a unique Eagle Scout Service project: the construction of the OLVCS Gaga Ball pit. Students use this addition to the OLVCS play space almost daily. To read more about Donny and his project, click on the link to the Centre County Gazette article that was published this summer about Donny's project.
At the ceremony, Bob Johnson, RET MC of the Nittany Leather Necks presented Donny with the Marine Corp League Good Citizenship Award.
More information about Scouting for boys and girls can be found at www.olvcatholicschool.org/scouting
Building Gaga Pit During the Summer
Finished Project
At Court of Honor
Know About an OLVCS Alum Doing Good Things?
Meet Mrs. Amy Sharp
Amy Sharp joined the WolfPack family a few months ago and is teaching US history, economics, and AP US history. She has enjoyed the community among the students and faculty saying, “I have really appreciated their warm, welcoming spirit at Saint Joe's.
"I am looking forward to working with the students in my classes this year. I enjoy spending time with students, getting to know them, and listening to their thoughts and ideas during class discussion. They have excellent ideas about our society and culture and history class is a great place to discuss what is important to us as U.S. citizens.”
In her free time, Mrs. Sharp loves to read and admits that books are “a common decoration in my home.” She also loves to sing, play the trumpet, and an interesting fact about her is that she has helped deliver lambs!
While Mrs. Sharp enjoys teaching high school students, to have “the opportunity to integrate my faith in Christ with teaching has been an important factor in my decision to work at St. Joe’s," explained Mrs. Sharp.
Hendricks Named Saint Joe's Head Baseball Coach
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy is pleased to announce the appointments of head baseball coach Ryan Hendrick along with assistant coaches Joey Ianiero, Jason Lucas, and Jay Nungesser.
This coaching opportunity as a way to “give back to a community that has given so much to me and my family, says Hendricks. "My entire life I have been involved in baseball in the State College area and Saint Joe's is the perfect place for me to continue my baseball journey. The student athletes’ faith, ambitions, goals and desires match that of mine as a student, making Saint Joe's a perfect place for me to coach.”
Coach Hendricks was an assistant baseball coach last year for the WolfPack and is taking the helm this year with over 12 years of coaching experience under his belt. He has coached in the State College Junior Spikes organization as well as the State College Teener League and Little League organizations.
The Hershbine's Are "All In" for Saint Joe's
OLV Preschool News
Join OLV Preschool In #Raising Kindness 2020
Parish Happenings
Christmas Mass Schedule for OLV Church
In light of the requirements presented by COVID mitigation guidelines, OLV Church has expanded it's Christmas Mass offerings:
Christmas Eve (Dec. 24th)
2PM, 4PM, 6PM, 8PM and 10PM
Christmas Day (Dec. 25th)
9AM and 11AM
All Masses will take place in the church. Attendees are asked to wear masks and maintain physical distancing. Mass schedule is subject to change, as directed by the Diocese. See church bulletin for more details.
Support Saint John's Efforts to Repair Their Cemetery
Recently multiple St. Johns Catholic Cemetery grave markers were desecrated, dozens of U.S. flags were removed from their base and several religious symbols were smashed. To help raise the funds needed to repair the damage, Bonafatto's is hosting a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, December 19th. Orders can be placed online at bonfattos.com or by calling (814) 353-3330. Pasta dinner will include spaghetti, bread and salad. $10 per person.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic School
Email: packerc@olvcs.org
Website: https://www.olvcatholicschool.org
Location: 800 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA, USA
Phone: 814-238-1592
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLVCS/