Mission Statement: Our Lady of the Assumption School Commits itself to provide an education based on catholic values and academic excellence in a caring and safe atmosphere in partnership with the family and parish community.
From the Desk of the Principal…December 17th, 2024
Dear OLA Families
As we approach the holiday season, we wish all of our families a safe and joyful Christmas break. May your time be filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of gathering with family and friends.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6 and starting the new year together. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Third week of Advent 
As we enter the third week of Advent, we focus on joy, symbolized by the lighting of the pink candle on the Advent wreath. Often called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” it reminds us of the joy proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds at the birth of Christ: “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
This week begins with Gaudete Sunday, a term that comes from the Latin word “gaudete,” meaning “rejoice.” The name originates from the opening antiphon of the Gaudete Sunday Mass: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4-5). On this day, the priest wears rose-colored vestments, and the pink candle is lit, signifying a shift from the more reflective and penitential themes of Advent to a more celebratory tone as we draw closer to Christmas.
Advent is a season of waiting, hope, and preparation, but this third week is an opportunity to pause and rejoice. The joy we celebrate isn’t just about the festivities of the season but the profound joy of knowing Christ is near. It’s a time to reflect on the gift of Jesus’ love and His presence in our lives, even during challenging times.
In our Catholic schools, this week reminds us to live out the joy of the Gospel in our classrooms, playgrounds, and homes. We encourage our students to embrace this spirit by sharing kindness, compassion, and gratitude with others.
As we light the pink candle this week, let it be a symbol of our shared joy in Christ and a reminder to spread that joy within our families and communities. May this week inspire us to rejoice in the blessings of our faith and prepare our hearts for the celebration of His birth.
ALMS (pronounced /ä(l)mz/) is a new OLA committee/club for both parents and students that was created to support the school’s mission to provide its students with a caring and safe learning community that imparts and promotes our Catholic faith to future generations. Through volunteer work and a stronger presence at community and Parish events, ALMS is OLA school’s “do good” committee. As an added benefit, certain programs can earn parent hours! This means you can get involved in the community, teach your kids the value of service to others, and earn parent hours all at the same time. For more information, check out our FAQ or volunteer now.
ALMS Quick Links
Questions? Suggestions? Email us at alms@olaventura.org
ALMS: Surfrider Beach Clean-up
Parents, alongside their kids (and their dogs) gathered last Saturday for Surfrider’s monthly beach-clean up at the Ventura Promenade - "C"-Street. Volunteers removed 142 lbs. of trash and recycling and 800 cigarette butts. Students and parents had a blast, while doing something good for our environment! A few of the volunteers were featured on Surfrider’s Instagram.
“The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,” – Psalm 24:1
ALMS Prayer Chain Lead
ALMS is looking for a parent volunteer to head up our prayer chain group. This volunteer will review and distribute prayer chain requests to the prayer chain group. This person will also maintain the prayer chain member email list and reach out as needed to prayer chain requestees to clarify their prayer needs. This volunteer position is eligible for parent hours. Hours are based on the actual hours spent on the project. Only one parent is needed for this project. Email us at ALMS@olaventura.org if you are interested.
OLA Virtues Program
Each month we introduce a different virtue to our students along with Saints to pray with and learn about. This is the Year of Faith and our theme for the year is Service.
The virtue for December is ~ Generosity ~ Giving without counting the cost.
An act of generosity implies losing, since it consists in giving something that is mine to another who needs it. For this reason, generosity is directly linked to sacrifice. A generous person is willing to sacrifice for the sake of others something that he has something that belongs to him. At its highest level, generosity leads to self-giving. This gives the virtue of generosity a tone of superior sacredness of many other virtues.
Saints for the Month of December
PK - 2: St. Nicholas ~The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Grades 6, 7, & 8: St. Maximilian Kolbe ~Saint Maximilian was born on January 17, 1894 in ZdunskaWola, Poland, and given the name Raymond. When he was still a child he had a vision in which Our Lady held out to him two crowns, one white and the other red, asking him to choose between the two. The white crown symbolizes purity and the red crown symbolizes martyrdom. Raymond chose both of them.
When he was only 17, he joined the Conventual Franciscans, and seven years later he was ordained Father Maximilian. Saint Maximilian Kolbe carried Christs’ message from Poland all the way to Japan, setting up small towns and naming them after Our Lady.
He was truly a man that showed loving without limits is possible.
Calendar Highlights
December 18 | Christmas Program 7pm in the Church |
December 20 | Noon Dismissal |
December 23-January 3 | Christmas Break |
January 6 | School Resumes |
January 8 | Art Trek Training 8:15 am-10:45 am in Mulcahy |
January 14 | APA Board Meeting 6pm OLA School |
January 20 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day-No School |
January 23 | Skating Plus Fundraiser |
January 24 | ALL School Mass-9:30 am Hosted by Grades K & 5 |
January 26-February 1 | Catholic School Week |
January 30 | Open House 6 pm-7:30 pm |
Extended Day Care registration packets are available in the school office.
Contents of Weekly Brown Envelope
Please remove contents, complete and return any forms in the signed Brown Envelope every Wednesday.
Annual Auction & Dinner Information Letter
Sherwood Farms Christmas Wreaths and Centerpieces
Thank you to all the families who purchased a Christmas Wreath or centerpiece. We still have 16 wreaths and 9 centerpieces available for purchase. Wreaths are $30 and centerpieces are $25 . Please contact the school office to purchase while supplies last.
Save the Date: OLA Annual Auction & Dinner
Mark your calendars! The 2025 OLA Annual Auction & Dinner is happening on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. This is our school’s biggest fundraiser of the year -- stay tuned for more details about how you can participate, sponsor, and donate. We can’t wait to see you there!
Barnes & Noble Book Fair Non Uniform Dress Day-
Families who made a purchase and checked in with Mrs. Rose at the Barnes & Noble Book Fair last Friday will have a Non Uniform Dress Day this Thursday, December 19th. This applies to all students in the family. Please follow the guidelines in the Parent/Student Handbook. Thank you so much for participating in our fundraiser!
Congratulations to our Barnes & Noble book fair raffle winners! They each won a Barnes & Noble gift card.
Ailish Dayton
Emma Maingot
Sam Padilla
Hot Lunch
New! Choice Lunch
A few things to keep in mind when ordering with Choicelunch -
Our regular ordering deadline to order from the full menu is 9 am the day before lunch will be served. After 9 am the day before lunch has passed, you will be given the option to order an entree-only lunch, up until 9 am the day lunch will be served or until lunches sell out.
Lunch can be canceled as late as 9 am the day before it will be served for 100% credit. After this point in time, the lunch will be sent to the school and there is no credit given.
You can also find our FAQ here - https://help.choicelunch.com/hc/en-us
OLA Parish Events
Scan the above QR code or email tnelson@ola-vta.org sign up.
Sports at OLA
OLA Basketball
Do you have a love for basketball and a desire to make a positive impact on our students? We are currently looking for a volunteer boys’ basketball coach to guide our team this season. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our young athletes, help them develop their skills, and foster teamwork and sportsmanship.
The role involves:
• Leading practices and helping the players improve their basketball fundamentals.
• Coaching games and creating a positive, encouraging environment.
• Building confidence and character in our players as they represent our school.
Experience with basketball is helpful but not required—what matters most is your enthusiasm and commitment to mentoring our boys.
If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please contact Jennifer Colittie or Cheryl Salazar at jennifer@olaventura.com or call the school office at 805-642-7198
Let’s work together to give our students a memorable and meaningful basketball season!
Thank you for considering this opportunity.
Go, Dolphins!
OLA Girls Volleyball
Our 7th/8th grade team had a great season!! The girls played well!! Please return Jerseys to the school office ~ Thank you!
GOOO DOLPHINS !!!
Stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications.
You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3HRxTwQ
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3JwStCO
Reporting an absence:
If your child will be absent from school, please complete the Absent Reporting form. This form can be found on our app, tap the menu button or on our website under quick links. This will generate a report that is given to teachers daily. Thank you!
APA BOARD
Have questions or are interested in joining us? The APA meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6pm. We’d love to see you! Email us at: APAboard@olaventura.org.
The Assumptions Parent Association (APA) Board is dedicated to supporting our school through event planning and fundraising efforts throughout the year. We invite you to join in on the fun by becoming a part of one of our committees:
Hospitality: Assist in organizing events and showing appreciation to our teachers and staff.
Communications: Help keep our school community informed about upcoming events.
Volunteer: Coordinate parent volunteers for various school activities and events.
Fundraising: Plan and support our fundraising efforts.
If you’re interested in joining a committee or learning more about what we do, please reach out to us at Apaboard@olaventura.org. We look forward to working together to make this year a great one for our students and school!
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support our school and get involved with the Assumptions Parent Association Board, please reach out to us at Apaboard@olaventura.org. We look forward to working together to make this year a great one for our kids!
The digital marquee birthday flier is available in the school office. Announce your child's next birthday on the OLA marquee! Announcement cost is $15
School Office Hours
The best times to conduct school business in the office are:
Mornings
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Afternoon
12:50 pm - 2:30 pm
Closed for Lunch(12:00-12:50)
After Dismissal hours:
3:00pm-3:30pm
Please do not come in during dismissal. We are calling students for pick-up and are unable to give you uninterrupted attention. The office is closed for lunch from 12:00pm-12:50pm, if your child needs to leave early from school Please pick them up before 12:00 pm or after 12:50pm.
At Home Rapid Covid Test kits:
Test kits are available in the office. Please contact Jennifer Colitti at jennifer@olaventura.org. You are also welcome to come into the office and pick up tests for your family.
Office of Safeguard the Children
Zoom Protecting God’s Children
Keeping the Promise Alive
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles mandates all clergy, staff, whether paid or volunteer, and all volunteers who work in any capacity with or around children, the elderly, or people with special needs to complete the initial three-hour VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children for Adults™ program. The program helps clergy, staff, volunteers, and parents to understand the facts and myths about child sexual abuse, how perpetrators groom children and young people, and how they, as caring adults, can learn and implement the important “Five Step Plan” to Protect God’s Children in helping to prevent child sexual abuse.
More than 150,000 clergy, staff and volunteers have participated in these training sessions throughout the five Pastoral Regions of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Please know you are welcome to attend a training at any parish in our diocese. To learn where the training is taking place visit lacatholics.org and under the pull down menu titled PROTECT/REPORT move your cursor to Safe SafeGuard the Children then to Education and Training. In that section you will be able to navigate to all the training sessions. Our region is the Santa Barbara Region.
Training at OLA: None at this time.
Protecting God’s Children (Initial Course) In the Santa Cruz Room. To register please call the OLA Church Office for more information at 805- 642-7966.
Keeping the Promise Alive (Re-Certification Course): To register please call the OLA Church office for more information at 805- 642-7796.
Student Learning Expectations (SLE’S)
OLA Students aim for the S.T.A.R.S when they:
SHOW AND LIVE THEIR FAITH
THINK CRITICALLY AND WORK COOPERATIVELY
ACTIVELY MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
RESPECT OURSELVES AND OTHERS
STUDY AND LEARN