From the Principal’s Desk
The New Year has gotten off to a great start. Before telling you about what we will be doing in the future, I would like to take this opportunity to look back at what we have accomplished. To kick off the school year, we held well-attended Pre-K orientations and a successful Back-to-School night. You came to school to learn more about what your child would be learning this year.
In late September and October, Student Council officers and class representatives in grades K-8 were elected. On October 1st, the Student Council Induction was held in Upper Victory Hall and the student body and parents came together to witness the induction. Also at that time, the eighth graders began their journey toward high school. High school representatives came to OLC to speak with the eighth graders. In addition, the eighth graders began visiting prospective high schools in the area and they took the COOP exam.
Also in September, we held our annual fundraiser. Once again, thanks to your hard work and generosity it was a wonderful success. Kudos to all of you!
In October, the faculty and staff planned a most delightful Halloween event for OLC and LHA. We ended October by bringing back to our schools a traditional Halloween Parade. With the help of our older students, the younger students paraded around the block. If I must say, it was an event enjoyed by all who participated and/or attended. In the afternoon, age appropriate fun activities were planned for the children.
Also in late October, five seventh grade Cadettes wanted to do something for the victims of the tsunami in Samoa. Under the guidance of their leader Mrs. Kolankiewicz, the scouts planned, prepared and orchestrated a very successful clothing and toiletry drive. Impressed with their work, the Acting Ambassador of Samoa came to our school to thank the scouts and the OLC community. In addition, the mayor and the deputy mayor of Jersey City, officials from the Girl Scouts, and Father Tom attended the ceremony. What an amazing day for us and a fine example of how children can make a difference!
Early in November picking up where the scouts left off, the Student Council held a “Hats on for Cancer Day”. Everyone who donated a dollar for cancer research was allowed to wear his/her favorite hat in school. A check for over $250.00 was sent to the Cancer Foundation. Additionally, the Student Council orchestrated the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and three Thanksgiving Food Baskets were donated to be raffled off with the proceeds going to the school. Once again, thank you for your generosity. The drive was a total success. The food collected was donated to the food kitchen at Resurrection Church. The proceeds from the food basket raffle allowed us to purchase a webcam, video camera as well contribute to the “Adopt a Family” drive we held during the month of December.
In December, the classes at OLC and LHA participated in an “Adopt a Family” drive for another Catholic school in downtown Jersey City. Under the leadership of the Student Council officers and class representatives, the classes raised $2400. A check was presented to the principals of Resurrection School. They purchased gift cards at Target that helped the “adopted families” purchase food, clothing, and toys for the holidays. After presenting the check to the principals at Resurrection School, Mrs. Desilets proudly read their thank you to the student body. As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give” and that is what the students at OLC and LHA did!
December was spent making music. Sing-a-Long celebrations were held for the students of LHA. The students and parents came together in song and merriment. To everyone’s delight, Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to make an appearance at both Sing-a-Longs. In addition, students in grades K-8 performed in the annual Christmas Concert. Students sang and played the piano, violin, and the bells. In preparation for the event and under the direction of our art teacher, the students made amazing banners and decorations for the trees. To end the month, Breakfast with Santa was held on December 18th. Over 200 people ate breakfast in Upper Victory Hall while they awaited the arrival of Santa.
With this said, we look ahead to January and the rest of the year with eager anticipation. The following are the upcoming events and changes:
· We will finalize our plans for Catholic Schools Week shortly. Once finalized, you will find our plans on the web site.
· I hope to bring back to OLC and LHA a Home-School Organization. Parents interested in taking on a leadership role in the organization are encouraged to email me at stefanellia@oclschool.org.
· As we plan for next year, please encourage parents you know who are interested in having their children attend OLC or LHA go to our Open House on January 28th and/or call the school for information.
· For the safety of our students, I am asking that all visitors to the building report to the office upon entering the building. Those visitors who will be staying in the building will be given a visitor’s badge to wear.
In conclusion, I thank you for your support and look forward to working with my faculty, staff and you to make OLC and LHA the best schools they can be.
In peace and happiness,
Anna Mae Stefanelli
Principal
