Thursday, April 30, 2015

Preparing for First Communion

On Saturday, the OLS 2nd graders will receive their First Holy Communion.  Mrs. Huelsing has been preparing the class since Christmas for this special moment.  They've learned the parts of the Mass, memorized many prayers, and discovered the meaning behind many of symbols of our faith.  They are excited to receive Jesus for the first time in the Eucharist!


First Communion will take place at 1:00 on Saturday, and all are welcome to come!  It is a special Mass in which the young members of our parish, by their excitement and joy, remind us how privileged we are to receive this gift of Jesus himself: body, blood, soul, and divinity.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

A Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Yesterday, our students participated in a virtual pilgrimage of Lourdes.  In this guided experience, the students immersed themselves in the Gospel message of Lourdes as it was given by Mary to St. Bernadette, a peasant girl, in 1858.  Students learned about the history of Our Lady of Lourdes, had the opportunity to touch the grotto rock on which Mary appeared, and experienced the healing grace of Lourdes water. 


Are you interested in experiencing Lourdes, too?  OLS is hosting another virtual pilgrimage tonight at 7:00 and all are welcome!  In addition to the elements of the students' pilgrimage, tonight's event will also include a Eucharistic blessing and a candlelight rosary.  We'd love to see you there.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Landform Reports

 

Mrs. Skillman's sixth graders recently completed a landform project in which the students selected a famous landform, researched it, and wrote a report on their findings.  Besides the written project, students also created a 3D model to display and gave an oral presentation to their classmates.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Bringing History to Life

Mrs. Banahan's third graders have been hard at work studying famous historical figures.  From baseball players to astronauts and authors to actresses, the students read biographies of a person of interest to them.  They then brought history to life for the 7th and 8th graders by dressing as their person and giving a brief recap of their life.  What famous folks can you spot in this photo?



Friday, April 24, 2015

STEM Family Night


On Tuesday evening, OLS students and their families gathered for a STEM night.  STEM studies, which refer to science, technology, engineering, and math subject areas, are a key component of the OLS curriculum.  This family-centered STEM activity allowed parents to see the hands-on approach favored by our faculty and gave families a chance to try their hands at some STEM challenges.


An engaging event for all who attended, we'd like to thank our faculty and Mrs. Gieseke and Dr. Wicks of the STEM Trackers Program who made the evening possible!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Throwback Thursday: OLS Track

Today's Throwback Thursday post takes us back to the early 1990s.  Seen here, the 1993 OLS track team celebrates victory.  Do you know any of these triumphant track stars?






If you have any historic pictures of OLS in action, we'd love to hear from you!  Comment on this post, or call/text Kate (314-882-6638).

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Kindergarten Readers

The kindergarten students trekked to the 7th grade room to display their reading and writing skills.  The younger students composed sentences in their journals, which they took turns reading aloud.  Reading out loud to a room full of big kids is no small task, but Mrs. Kresyman's students handled it with style.


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

I Spy: 5th Grade Edition

Spied in Mrs. Siekerman's fifth grade classroom:


Students take turns decorating this ever-changing motivational chalkboard.  From positive phrases to colorful pictures, the board brightens the room and the students' spirits.

Mrs. Siekerman administers a spelling test to her hard-working 5th graders.

Monday, April 20, 2015

First Graders Study Kevin Henkes

Mrs. Hodgson's first graders have read several books written by Kevin Henkes.  As part of their studies, they watched a Smartboard video about how he writes and illustrates his books.  Then they voted on their favorite, and two of the winners were Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Julius, Baby of the World.




They also made a paper bag puppet of a mouse, one of Kevin Henkes' most frequently-used characters:

Friday, April 17, 2015

Confirmation

Monsignor Rivituso poses with several of our confirmandi.
Congratulations to our 7th graders who received he Sacrament of Confirmation this past Friday.  Monsignor Mark Rivituso, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of St. Louis​, was the celebrant for the Mass.  May the Holy Spirit continue to lead and guide them to be bold witnesses of the faith.

Our newly confirmed students with Monsignor Rivituso and Mrs. Ryan.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Throwback Thursday: OLS Soccer

As a tribute to our rich history, we're hoping to interlace some past photos as part of an occasional Throwback Thursday series.  Today we're reaching back 64 years to share this gem with you.  This photo features an OLS soccer team from the 1950-51 school year.  Do you know any of these handsome gentlemen?


Do you have any historic photos of OLS in action?  If so, we'd love to hear from you!  Comment on this post or call/text Kate (314-882-6638).

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

VBS: Parade Around the Our Father

Save the Date: OLS presents Vacation Bible School from July 19th-23rd.  We hope you can join us for this faith-filled and fun-filled week designed for children entering pre-K through 5th grade.  Focusing on the Our Father, children will learn the meaning of this perfect prayer given to us by Jesus, the perfect teacher.  Events for the week include a family picnic lunch, tie dying, songs, and much more.  Register today for this terrific event!



Volunteers are needed to help make VBS a success.  Entering 6th graders through adults are encouraged to join the planning team or help the week of the event.  Thanks for your support!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

All About Penguins

How much do you know about penguins?  Mrs. Huelsing's second graders have become penguin experts thanks to a recent unit on these well-loved animals.  Among some of the facts they uncovered:

  • Penguins speed down icy hills on their feet and bellies when they need to get somewhere fast.
  • Penguins surf through waves.
  • Adult penguins sing to their mates and chicks sing for their parents.
  • The largest penguin is the Emperor, and the smallest is the Fairy.


Monday, April 13, 2015

Walkathon

Continuing a longstanding tradition, the OLS students participated in the annual walkathon last week.  All students, pre-K through 8th, had a chance to walk laps with their friends while dedicated parental volunteers tracked their laps and kept them hydrated.



Before the event, students gathered pledges from their friends and family; supporters pledged either a flat donation or a per lap amount.  All walkathon donations go directly into the school budget with the intention of providing financial support for the band program and other specialty areas.

Worn out!  After a morning of walking, the 4th graders take a break.
Special thanks to Mr. Hasenstab for organizing the event and to all the faculty, staff, and volunteers who helped make it possible!

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Spirit Saturday #14

Three OLS 8th graders serve Mass on Easter Sunday.




Special thanks to all the students who served during the special liturgies of the Triduum.  Your reverence and prayerfulness added to the solemnity of the services.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Spelling Lessons


Mrs. Kresyman's kindergarten students try their hand at spelling new words.  They work as a team to sound out the words and suggest what letters might make the sounds they hear.  A seemingly simple approach that teaches problem-solving, cooperation, and analysis - skills that they will carry far beyond their kindergarten year.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Speech Meet #3

On Saturday, March 28th, OLS participated in the Bellarmine Speech Meet.  As they've done at the other meets this year, the team performed incredibly well.  They brought home 1 gold ribbon and 5 blue ribbons! 


Congratulations to our hard-working team!  We are so proud of you.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Living Stations of the Cross

Throughout Lent, OLS students pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays.  Today, as our school family gathers for the last time before Easter break, the 7th graders will enact a live version of the Stations.  Entering into our Holy Week journey, the living stations are an excellent opportunity to prepare our hearts for Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection.


 Please join us today at 2:15 in church for this beautiful, prayerful beginning to Holy Week.


On behalf of all of us at OLS, we wish you and your family a blessed Easter!