Dear OLVCS Families,

It is so good to be back, we have had a wonderful first week.. I love starting the week with Mass. Fr. George is excellent with the students, and Monday was no different. Hearing from them about their Christmas gifts was entertaining, celebrating Mass as a school is priceless.

Over the break we have started the ‘Stage Project’. The stage is a place where every student in the building stands at some point during the school year. Many events, the Christmas concert, musical, spring concert, spelling bee, and more take place on the stage. Have you ever wished for better lighting or sound? Or notice the age of the curtains? Well the time has come for an upgrade! Over the break we had the stage floor removed and a new floor installed. Starting on the 12th and continuing for about six weeks, we will have new lights, sound and curtains added.. It is so very exciting. We will keep you updated on the progress.

Make it a great day!

Samantha

Notable Dates

Monday, January 12th: Mass @ 9:00 (4th Grade)

Tuesday, January 13th: Kindergarten Open House

Wednesday, January 14th: Middle School Open House

Thursday, January 15th: Preschool Open House

Friday, January 16th: Preschool: No School- (K-8 In-session)

Monday, January 19th: No School (Preschool - 8th) Teacher In-Service

Tuesday, January 20th: End of the 2nd marking period

Sunday, January 25th: Catholic Schools Week Mass @ 9:30 am

Sunday, January 25th - Friday, January 30th: Catholic Schools Week!

Pictured: The OLVCS Girls Basketball Team in action!

OLVCS Middle School Pro-Life Service Club will run each Thursday during the month of January after school until 4:00pm. Fun activities are planned for all students in grades 6-8. Students are encouraged to attend when they can. Service hours are available. Snacks will be provided. Activities planned include:

Creating Care Packages for New OLVCS Moms
Diaper Drive for Gabriel Project with talk from Gabriel Project Organizer: Mrs. Allison
Cards of encouragement for OLV new parents and those being baptized
Make cards and spiritual bouquets for the homebound

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

The book fair will run January 20-25th, and will once again be on the stage in the Gym at OLV. Each elementary class will be brought to the fair during their normal library class time, and Middle School will go to the fair during religion class time throughout the week. (envelopes and order form will be sent home so you can list the books/items your child would like to purchase)

The book fair will also be open to parents and families :

Thursday Jan. 22nd from 4-5:30pm

Saturday Jan. 24th from 6-7pm after Saturday Mass.

Sunday Jan. 25th - join us after the Catholic Schools Week Mass for donuts and books from 10:30-1:00pm!

An online link is also available: ignatiusbookfairs.com.

We need help with set up, packing up, and sales throughout the week.

Please sign up here.

Email Melanie Smith (melanie.yonushonis@gmail.com) with any questions.

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?
Look for a special edition newsletter after the holidays!

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.

The basketball season is in full swing for the boys and girls teams at Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy. Both teams have tested their skill and stamina in early season play against teams from bigger schools through tournament play, and now both teams are deep in TVAA (conference) play. Currently the girls team is tied for first in the TVAA with 5 wins, 0 losses. The boys team is second in the TVAA with 5 wins and 1 loss.

The girls next HOME game is FRIDAY, 1/9 @ 6PM against Newport High School. The boys team plays at HOME on TUESDAY, 1/13 @ 7:30PM against Diocean rival, Bishop McCort High School. All are invited to come out and cheer on the WolfPack! OLV 8th graders are encouraged to show their WolfPack pride and wear SJCA 8th Grade Day t-shirt! For more information about the teams' schedules, go to www.sjcasports.org.