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

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.