Dear OLVCS Families,

Trivia Night this Saturday is shaping up to be a great event! We have 25 tables sold, the wine pull, raffles, and gift baskets add even more fun. I thoroughly enjoy this event because it serves as a fundraiser while also giving us the opportunity to socialize. Thank you to all the families who have contributed donations to support the event. We are truly blessed to have a community so invested in our school.

Trivia Night will also mark the debut of the completed Stage Project. With the help of an anonymous donor, the Knights of Columbus, and Walk-A-Thon funds, we were able to complete the upgrade. You will surely notice the new sound system, but be sure to check out the lights, curtains, and stage floor as well.

A special thanks to Dave Sillner, who generously gave his time and talent. For this project, he completed the electrical work in the wee hours of the night and while operating a lift. We are so grateful.

The 2026 -2027 School Calendar is in its final draft. (attached below) Please note, it is still a draft. I don’t like to share until it is finalized, but I understand the need for planning purposes. We are waiting on the diocese for their inservice dates for the teachers, that is noted on the calendar. The start, end and vacation days are set.

As I mentioned in the previous Updates, we received a grant from the Independent Catholic Foundation for the Hallow App. Our faculty and middle school students use the app regularly. Please see their information below.

Finally, Faith Family Trivia photos are below. It is a fan favorite for students and teachers. Mrs. McQueary’s Family won!

Make it a Great Day!

Samantha

Notable Dates:

Saturday, February 28th: Trivia Night

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

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

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

Monday, March 16th: Mass (7th grade)

Monday, March 23rd: Mass (2nd grade)

Wednesday, March 25th Spring Photos

Monday, March 30th: NO Mass

Thursday, April 2nd - Monday, April 6th: Easter Break

Monday, April 13th Mass

Thursday, April 16th & Friday, April 17th: Annie the Musical

Pictured: Faith Family Trivia - the perfect prelude for Trivia Night 2026!

The Foundation was founded on June 13, 1990 because of a desire to prepare for the pending transfer of wealth from one generation to the next as well as an opportunity to provide an alternate source of funding for various ministries – especially educational ministries within the diocese. More information can be found on their website.

Independent Catholic Foundation

814.201.2080

Our beloved principal, Samantha Weakland is planning to retire at the end of this school year. Fr.

George is working with Dr. Jo-Ann Semko, superintendent of Catholic Schools, to hire a

replacement.

If anyone is interested in applying, you may use the Diocesan Website or use the contact below:

Apply online or submit resumes to:

Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Attn: Eric Middleton
2713 W. Chestnut Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601

Alternatively, e-mail resumes to: emiddleton@dioceseaj.org

Here is a synopsis of the posting for the position:

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School is seeking an enthusiastic Principal to lead our fantastic teaching team for the 2026-2027 school year.

Applicants must hold a valid Pennsylvania certification and must have applicable education and experience in elementary and leadership.
All applicants must be able to obtain all state and federal clearances, and must show familiarity with online grading and instruction platforms. Applicants with experience in online instruction and data-driven instruction are preferred.
All candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Catholic Church and be able to provide for the academic and spiritual health of our students.

New members are welcome to join the club. Next meeting is Thursday, March 26th!

Fun activities are planned for all students in grades 6-8.
Meetings from 2:30pm - 4:00pm once a month
Service hours are available. Snacks will be provided.
Other meeting dates: April 23rd and May 21st

Activities planned include:

Baby Shower in a Box for OLVCS Moms who recently gave birth or are expecting soon
Thank-you cards for NICU nurses
Acts of Compassion to people of all stages of life at OLVCS: Kindness campaign for OLVCS students

Sign Up Here: OLVCS Middle School Pro-Life Service Club

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.