Dear OLVCS Families,

Yesterday, we sent out re-enrollment information for the 2026–2027 school year. Enrollment numbers are essential as we plan our budget, staffing, schedules, and materials for the year ahead. Your timely response helps us prepare effectively for our students, and we truly appreciate your partnership and attention to this important step.

Lent begins next week, we will attend Mass on Ash Wednesday at 10:00 am. On Friday, we will hold our Faith Family Trivia. Students may wear their Faith Family color t-shirt, and jeans or sweats. Let’s pray we can hold our Trivia, students thoroughly enjoy this tradition.

We will continue with our Lenten Service Project; The Jared Box. Below you will find a video describing the project. We are very proud that this project started here at OLVCS in 2001. Jared attended Preschool and Kindergarten at OLV, and his mother was a Preschool teacher for years. It is very near and dear to our hearts. Each family will receive a box with instructions in it on Wednesday. https://thejaredbox.org/

Finally, I hope to see you at Trivia Night! It is great fun and supports Athletics and the Musical.

Make it a Great Day!

Samantha

Notable Dates:

Wednesday, February 18th: MASS Ash Wednesday @ 10:00 am (8th Grade)

Monday, February 23rd: Mass (1st grade)

Friday, February 27th: Stations of the Cross

Saturday, February 28th: Trivia

Monday, March 2nd: Mass (2nd grade)

Friday, March 6th: No School: Diocesan Safety Inservice

Monday, March 9th - Friday, March 13th: Spring Break

Pictured: The 8th grade boys basketball players, the 8th grade pep boys, and the OLVCS Crusader

8th Grade Boys and Girls Basketball

8th Grade Pep Band

The OLVCS Crusader

Let's take a look at two!

Simply Rx Salt Cave and Wellness Spa "Happy Valley Staycation" Grand Prize Raffle - Valued at over $1000!

$25 donation per ticket
Only 75 tickets will be sold.
Prize is generously sponsored by Simply Rx Salt Cave and Wellness Spa and includes:

$360 Simply Rx Salt Cave and Wellness Spa Gift Card: For two guests to enjoy the Simply Health Experience. This experience includes one of each of the premium services at the spa as well as a free upgrade for over 3 hrs of services at the spa.
Ramada Hotel Gift Card - Enjoy a stay at a local hotel.
FOUR Penn State Football tickets for a 2026 home football game.
Two tickets to a show at a local theatre.
Dinner at The Tavern -An historic institution, The Tavern offers guests extraordinary experiences for any occasion. Join us for elevated American comfort food, timeless cocktails, and more.
Shopping at a Local Boutique - Find something stylish and unique at a local favorite!
And much more!

Get a team together and join us for the best night of the year! Great food, prizes, and (of course) trivia!

Date: Saturday, February 28th, 2026.

Time: Doors open at 6:30PM, and the trivia fun kicks off at 7:30PM.

Location: OLVCS Gymnasium

Trivia Night benefits OLVCS Extracurricular Programs!

Early Bird Tickets/Tables

**Discounted Rate When Purchased On Or Before February 15th**
Individual: $50
Table (seats 8): $350

Regular Tickets/Tables
**Purchased Between February 16th And 26th**
Individual: $60
Table (seats 8): $400

Need More Info?
Check out the special edition Trivia Night newsletter here.

Athletics and Musical Families! We need your help to make Trivia Night a success!

Anyone is welcome to help! Here’s how you can help (choose at least two options!):

Attend the event (tickets availale @ www.olvcatholicschool.org/trivia)
Donate 2 bottles of wine
Donate 2 gift cards
Sponsor a raffle basket
Donate 2 basket raffle items
Volunteer your time

Sign up here!

Date for basket item, gift card, and wine

Drop off by Wednesday, February 18th

Time

Anytime during the school day

Location

Drop off at the OLVCS main office.

Questions?

Email development@olvcs.org

Our OLVCS boys and girls Middle School basketball team wrapped up their seasons with determination and teamwork! It’s been incredible to watch our 8th graders grow as athletes and leaders on the court. A huge thank you to our Crusader mascot and pep band for bringing the energy and school spirit all season long! Wishing our 8th graders the best as they take their next steps! Please see the photos at the beginning of the newsletter!

OLV Preschool is accepting applications for the 2026/2027 school year for current preschool students and siblings of OLVCS students, preschool-8th grade. Returning students can re-enroll in their current account. Next week we will open registration up to OLV & Good Shepherd Parishioners. Registration will be open to the public the last week in February. https://preschool.olvcatholicschool.org/registration. Sign your preschooler and have them join our team!

1. 02/17: Mardi Gras & Pancake Day!

2. 02/18: Ash Wednesday

a. Students will receive ashes from Deacon Dave in the baptistry.

b. Parents are welcome to join and take their child home after ashes have been distributed. Please inform the office if this is your plan.

c. There will be a special plan for drop off and noon pickup that day that will be shared next week.

3. 02/28 - Trivia Night @ Big School Auditorium. Hope to see you there!

3. 03/06 - No School - Diocesan Inservice

4. 03/09-03/13 - No School: Spring Break

On Tuesday, Naomi Crispin hit her 2000 point in the Saint Joseph's girls basketball team's game against Juniata. Only 4 other Centre County athletes have achieved this mark. With the win against Juniata, the girls team will be traveling to Susquenita High School to play in the TVAA Championship. If they win, this will be their 3rd TVAA championship in a row! Go WolfPack!

Inspirational speaker/songwriter Charles Opio came to Saint Joseph's last week to speak about his life and to challenge the students to "be the light." Opio said: "You can be the light but not on your own, but by reflecting the big light of Jesus." The assembly included a dance off, quiz on African words and animals, and a moving talk about a boy named Francis.

Living Stations rehearsals will begin on Saturday, February 7 from 6:00-9:00 pm in the School Gym. We need middle school students to fill both cast and stage crew roles. Students will earn service hours for participating. Rehearsal dates will be February 15 & 22, March 1, 15, 20, 21 from 5:30-8:30 in the school gym. We will be performing for the CCD students on Sunday, March 22 at 10:30 am, OLV School on Friday, March 27 at 12:30 pm, and OLV Parish on Saturday, March 28 & Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm. Please email the Living Stations Coordinator Sue Clement if you are interested in participating, sclement@ourladyofvictory.com.

Several changes have been made to the calendar for those children receiving First Reconciliation and First Communion this school year. New dates for Reconciliation are as follows:

Friday, April 24th, 2026 @ 10:00am: OLVCS students

Sunday, April 19th, 2026 @ 10:30am: CCD students in Dr. Zazzali’s class

Sunday, April 26th, 2026 @ 10:30am: CCD students in Miss Small’s/Dr. Puts’ class and anyone who missed the prior dates (OLVCS or CCD)

NOTE: Students who are receiving Reconciliation and Communion this year but who are not in 2nd grade should pick one of the CCD Sundays to receive First Reconciliation.

First Holy Communion will still be held on Saturday, May 2nd @ 10:00am (students arrive by 9:30am).

Rehearsal will be moved to Friday, May 1st @ 6:00-7:00pm.

CCD families will complete two extra, at-home assignments, one before First Reconciliation and one before First Communion. Details about the assignments will be emailed to CCD families several weeks ahead of First Reconciliation and First Communion (shortly before and after Easter).

CCD chalice painting will be moved to Sunday, March 1st during CCD class (previously Sunday, February 22nd). OLVCS students will still have Chalice Painting on Ash Wednesday, February 18th.