OLVCS Updates
February 19th, 2026
Dear OLVCS Families,
Hopefully, three times is a charm. Tomorrow we will have Faith Family Trivia. Students may wear jeans or sweats with their Faith Family color shirt. I will be sure to attach a photo in the next Update.
This time of year is unique in the office. There are still many weeks left in this school year, and yet we begin to prepare for the next. Re-enrollment is an important step in that preparation. If you have not already done so, please complete your re-enrollment.
If you step into my office you will see evidence that Trivia Night is fast approaching. Thank you to all who have generously donated everything from wine to lottery tickets, gift cards to games, and all things in between. Tables are nearly sold out so be sure to reserve yours today!
Finally, as I prepare for retirement at the end of this school year, below is information regarding the process of filling my position. I am confident that the process in place will lead to a strong successor who will continue to support our students and families with care and dedication. Our priority remains ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition for our school community.
Make it a Great Day,
Samantha
Notable Dates:
Monday, February 23rd: Mass (1st grade)
Friday, February 27th: Stations of the Cross
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 (6th grade)
Pictured: Students beginning their Lenten journey at Mass on Ash Wednesday
OLV School seeks new Principal for 2026-27 School Year
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.
2nd Grade Lenten Retreat
Our second graders had a beautiful retreat as they prepare for First Holy Communion. They began their Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday Mass. Throughout the day, students reflected on forgiveness and sin, explored the beauty of receiving Holy Communion, and deepened their understanding of being in close relationship with God.
They painted their Communion chalices which is a special OLVCS tradition, and they will receive them on their First Communion Day. The students also played “Go Fish” with a holy twist, prayed through the Stations of the Cross, and completed a special matching activity. It was a meaningful and joy-filled day of faith and fellowship.
YMCA of Centre County: Anti-Hunger Program The Backpack Project
Students enrolled in the Backpack Program receive a backpack full of food each Friday (or the last day of school for the week)during the school year. For more information: YMCA Backpack
Trivia Night 2026
Spotlight on FUN!!
Trivia Night is stacking up to be the best night of 2025! Don't miss out on the fun!
Besides great food, refreshments, friends, and trivia, there will be lots of chances to win great prizes all while supporting the OLVCS Athletics and Musical Programs!
Let's take a look at two!
NEW THIS YEAR! - Alphabet Reverse Raffle
- $20 donation
- Each guest receives a chocolate bar labeled with a letter of the alphabet (A–Z).
- Throughout the evening, letters are randomly drawn.
- The last letter left wins half the pot - $260!
Gift Card Ring Toss
- $10 donation
- Toss your ring.
- Receive a surprise gift card valued at $10 or more.
- NEW THIS YEAR! You may be lucky enough to receive a MULLIGAN to use for a free point!
Tables and Tickets almost Sold OUT! Trivia Night is almost here!
Get a team together and join us for the best night of the year! Great food, prizes, and (of course) trivia!
OLVCS Trivia Night
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Time: Doors open at 6:30PM, and the trivia fun kicks off at 7:30PM.
Location: OLVCS Gymnasium
Tickets/Tables
**Purchased Between February 16th And 28th**
Individual: $60
Table (seats 8): $400
Can't make it?
Consider a gift card or bottle of wine donation. Donations may be dropped off in the school office.
Need More Info?
Check out the special edition Trivia Night newsletter here.
OLV Pierogi Sales - Middle School Student Service Opportunity
- Below is the sign-up for the Pierogi Sale.
- Students will be the 'runners' between the kitchen and the cars.
- They will receive service hours for their time.
- It would be very helpful to have a parent volunteer to help manage the runners.
OLVCS Strings Instructor and OLVCS Parent Participating in Local Concert!
Enjoy this free concert, our own Strings Instructor, Sally Minnick is the ConcertMaster, and parent Amy Gustafson, is a piano soloist.
Save the Date - Great Catholic Speaker coming to PSU
Lands' End Sale
Join the OLVCS Middle School Pro-Life Service Club
New members are welcome to join the club. Next meeting February 5th.
- Fun activities are planned for all students in grades 6-8.
- Meetings from 2:30 - 4:00 once a month
- Service hours are available. Snacks will be provided.
- Creating Care Packages for OLVCS Moms who recently gave birth or are expecting soon
Sign Up Here: OLVCS Middle School Pro-Life Service Club
What's For Lunch
OLVCS Athletics
Spring Sports Registration
Click here for OLVCS Track registration OLVCS Sports Registration Page
Just a reminder for any student who is joining the track team after competing in a fall or winter sport, log-in and complete the questions in Section 7; Re-Certification by Parent/Guardian (Spring). That is it for those athletes.
If this is the first season of competition, students need to complete all sections.
PreSchool News
OLV Preschool Registration Now Open!
OLV Preschool is accepting applications for the 2026/2027 school year. They are offering a new 2-Day a week (Tue./Th.) class for 3 & 4 year olds new to preschool and plan on returning to preschool the following year. Tours are available upon request. Parents of returning students can secure their child's spot by continuing the enrollment process in their Finalsite homepage of their current account: https://olvcs.fsenrollment.com/users/sign_in. All new students can complete a new application.
Preschool Happenings
Kangaroos celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes last Wed, 02/11.
On Valentine's day, the Koalas reminded our school how much God loves all of them!
Mardi Gras / Shrove Tuesday at OLVPS!
Owls celebrated Mardi Gras with a King Cake. Everyone wanted to find the hidden baby!
Kangaroos, Koalas & Penguins celebrated Shrove Tuesday with Pancake Day!!
Polar Bears celebrated Mardi Gras making homemade chocolate donuts!
Ash Wednesday
Deacon Dave distributed Ashes to preschool students in the church to mark the start of Lent.
Coming Soon
1. 02/28 - Trivia Night @ Big School Auditorium. We hope to see you there!
2. 03/06 - No School - Diocesan Inservice
3. 03/09-03/13 - No School: Spring Break
SJCA News
Spotlight on International Cooking Class
This week ended the International Cooking Class’s study of French cuisine. SJCA students were divided into groups and challenged to make chocolate soufflé. SJCA Physics teacher, Matt Graham, and two students served as judges. The soufflé made by Aubrey Yartz, Lauren Himes and Seki Chappell was the winner!
District 6 Basketball Play-Offs
Parish News
Living Stations
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.
Reconciliation and First Communion Updates
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.
Community News
Lenten Fish Fry
Tides Equine Grief Camp
Kines Camp Summer 2026 - registration is open!
Get Air Gives Back
We are always looking to add to our OLVCS family!
- Bring a friend!
- We have space available at all grade levels for enrollment.
- Be sure to spread the word about OLVCS!
- New families can learn about the application process at www.olvcatholicschool.org/admissions or call the school office at 814-238-1952 to schedule a tour or shadow day.