Mastering Multiplication

Ms. Schweiss's third graders are hard at work mastering their multiplication facts. They know that repetition is key to learning, so they take turns quizzing each other with their multiplication flash cards.

How To Book Reports

At the end of last quarter, Mrs. Huelsing's second graders worked on book reports on a nonfiction book. Specifically, they chose books that taught them how to do something. After reading the book, the students followed the instructions, created a special item, and brought it to show the class. Students chose a wide array of items to create: a wooden bench, wax gifts, origami churches, and a paper mache globe, among other things.

Remembering the Saints

In November, the 2nd graders learned about the lives of the saints. Each student chose a saint then created a likeness of him or her out of a paper bag. Once finished, the second grade class traveled around the school sharing information about their saint puppets. They did a great job reading and memorizing information about their saints.

First Reconciliation

Last week, our 2nd graders celebrated the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Together with their families, the students participated in a brief prayer service before receiving the sacrament. Many students were a bit nervous as they made their way to the priest for confession, but all left the confessional with broad smiles and happy hearts.

Special thanks to Fr. Pete and Fr. Sigmund for hearing confessions for the 2nd graders and their family members. Thanks also to Mrs. Huelsing for preparing the students so well for this special sacrament of forgiveness.

Open Gym this Saturday!

This Saturday from 6:30-9:30, our school families are invited to join families from St. Joan of Arc and St. James the Greater for an open gym night at OLS. Kids and grownups alike will have a chance to meet and mingle in a relaxed environment.

We will provide popcorn and cookies, but you are welcome to bring a snack or a 2-liter to share, too. Feel free to bring an indoor game (Twister, anyone?) to add to the basketballs that will surely be bouncing. We hope to see you there!

Thanksgiving Feast

Before diving into turkey with family and friends, our 5th graders and their kindergarten buddies celebrated their own Thanksgiving feast. Each student brought food to the feast and wore headgear of either Pilgrims or Native Americans. While the menu did not quite mimic the Pilgrims' celebration, the spirit of camaraderie and joy was the same.

The students enjoyed sharing a special day with their buddy. We hope your holiday was filled with as much excitement and joy as this one!

Reconciliation Retreat

Last Thursday, the OLS 2nd graders had the privilege of participating in a reconciliation retreat. Run by two energetic Sacred Heart Sisters, the retreat included stories, crafts, games, and songs, all geared towards teaching the students about this special sacrament of forgiveness.

From a retelling of the Prodigal Son to a thorough description of the 10 Commandments, the sisters strove to explain sin and forgiveness in terms that made sense to the young students. Our 2nd graders enjoyed their special day and are looking forward to celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation in early December.

 

Spooky Stories

As part of their Halloween celebration, Ms. Schweiss and her third grade class penned some spooky stories. They worked independently to weave their creepy masterpieces then shared their works one-on-one with other students.

Pirate Scavenger Hunt

Ahoy, mateys!

 Earlier this month, the Ambassadors hosted a pirate scavenger hunt for some of the primary students. The students gathered after school and enjoyed an hour-long pirate soiree. They sported eye patches, hunted for treasure, and munched on a few snacks. While there were a few scallywags in the group, both the younger students and the Ambassadors had a blast with this pirate adventure!

Gearing up for fun: the Ambassadors help fit eye patches on the participants.

Bringing Opera to OLS

Opera Theatre of St. Louis visited OLS recently and presented "The Pirates of Penzance." Our 4th and 5th graders participated in workshops on makeup, movement, and music, then joined the rest of the student body to enjoy the performance of "Pirates."

Happy Halloween!

The ghosts and goblins, princesses and superheroes came out in throngs to celebrate Halloween at OLS on Friday. During our annual trunk or treat event, OLS families gathered to tell jokes, share candy, and enjoy an unseasonably warm October evening.

The Halloween fun continues at school today with Halloween parties in each classroom, not to mention trick-or-treating tonight around the neighborhood. We wish you all a fun and safe celebration tonight!

OLS Spirit

Thanks to a donation from a generous member of our community, all OLS students are proudly sporting new spirit shirts! Each grade has a unique color, and students and faculty are invited to wear their new shirts each Monday. Look for these bright shirts around the neighborhood this year!

2nd & 7th Grade Rosaries

All the students at OLS are learning about and praying the rosary.   The 2nd and 7th grade prayed the rosary together. 7th grade showed 2nd grade the correct way to say the rosary including specific intentions such as for Mrs. Ryan .7th and 2nd grade are buddies!

 

 

 

3rd Grade Rosaries

During the month of October, the third graders are showing their devotion to Mary by saying the Rosary. They are learning about the mysteries, especially The Joyful Mysteries.

1st Grade STEM Project

The first graders worked on their first STEM project. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. After listening to the fable "Belling the Cat", they designed a cat alarm that would warn the mice when the cat was coming. They were not allowed to hurt the cat!

Learning to Play the Recorder

The 3rd graders at OLS are learning to play the soprano recorder. In May of 2017, they will participate in a program at Powell Hall called Link Up. Stay tuned to hear more from these budding musicians!

1st Grade Writing

Mrs. Mongan's first graders have written their first paragraph. They started with a main idea and wrote four supporting details. Their topic was ducks!

Subway Lunch

Members of the class of 2017 serve lunch to the primary students.

Continuing a tradition established a few years ago, the 8th grade class (and their parents) are organizing pizza lunches as a fundraiser. The class of 2017, however, has added a new twist: in addition to a monthly pizza lunch, they are also serving Subway sandwiches once per month. Students love the chance to eat new foods at lunch time, and parents love a break from packing sandwiches. It's a win-win!

Thumbs up for Subway lunch!

2nd Grade Writers

Mrs. Huelsing's 2nd graders are learning about animals. Each student recently wrote a paragraph about their favorite animal. They also had the opportunity to showcase their drawing talent!

Kindergarten Studies Fall

In kindergarten, Mrs. Kresyman and her students are learning about fall in nature. They are looking around them for signs of fall, like the changing leaves. Last week, they made their own fall-colored leaves and decorated them with glitter so they can glisten like the fall leaves in sunlight!