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…January 21, 2025
St Agnes
Hebrews 6:10-20. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever – Psalm 110(111):1-2, 4-5, 9, 10. Mark 2:23-28.
Take your rest
The Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath. These are profound words and a beautiful reminder of God’s pedagogical action towards Israel in the law.
The Sabbath, festivals and jubilees are all mere reflections of what God intends for his people. They, and their equivalents in the New Covenant, point forward to a deeper rest, joy and freedom. Jesus doesn’t dismiss these aspects of the law in a simple way but does relativise them to this purpose. These observances also shaped the people of Israel, and shape us now, to be the kind of people able to enjoy what God offers.
If we are not able to rest, really rest, now how will we in the world to come? If we don’t find time and the will to worship, how will we rejoice in it then? May these things be for us foretastes of the kingdom to come.
ALMS (pronounced /ä(l)mz/) is always looking for parent and student volunteers to help us build a stronger presence at community and Parish events. ALMS is OLA school’s “do good” committee dedicated to getting our school involved in community programs that teach your kids the value of service to others. For more information, check out our FAQ or volunteer now.
ALMS Quick Links
OLA Friendship Sunday and Catholic Schools Week – Sunday, January 26th
Please join us as we kick off Catholic Schools week. We are looking for host families for various mass times this Sunday, Jan. 26th at Our Lady of Assumption. There are volunteer opportunities to act as greeters for mass and/or to hand out donuts after each mass. Kids should wear OLA uniforms on this day. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CACAC22A0FFC70-54517540-olasunday#/
City Center Clothes Drive – January 27-31, 2025
This year, we would like to show our appreciation for our Catholic schools by showing our dedication to a Christ-like life by giving back to our local community. To that end, ALMS has partnered with City Center here in Ventura to do a clothes hand-me-down drive. If you would like to participate, please bring folded, gently used clothes (sizes 2T to 12) in individual bags marked by size anytime from Monday, January 27th, to Friday, January 31st. These clothes will go directly to the families of the City Center here in Ventura. Our goal is to deliver ready to distribute, clean and organized clothing, so please keep this in mind when putting together your donation.
If you are not familiar with the City Center, they are located here in Ventura and dedicated to helping homeless families – often single parent families transition from homelessness to independence. They use a variety of methodologies, frameworks, and perspectives all with Christ at the center. Residents are empowered to become financially stable through a savings program and employment requirement. With this help and structure, their residents find themselves back on their feet and on their own. All it takes is a willing heart, a determined spirit, and a heart of surrender.
Virtue of the Month: Gratitude
Each month, we introduce a new virtue to our students, along with Saints to guide and inspire them in their faith journey. As part of the Year of Faith, our school theme is Service, reminding us to live our faith through acts of love and kindness.
This January, we are focusing on the virtue of Gratitude. Gratitude calls us to recognize and give thanks for the blessings in our lives, both big and small. Through prayer, reflection, and service, we encourage our students to develop hearts full of thankfulness and to share that joy with others.
May we all strive to live this virtue each day and give thanks to God for His abundant gifts!
Saints for the Month of January
PK - Grade 2: St. Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis: A Lesson in Gratitude
St. Francis of Assisi was born into a wealthy family but chose to give up everything to follow God’s call. He was so deeply thankful for all of God’s creation that he wrote songs celebrating the sun, the moon, the plants, the animals, and all of nature.
St. Francis taught others to see everything around them as a gift from God, inspiring a spirit of gratitude and care for creation that continues to resonate with us today.
Grades 3 - 5: Saint Julie Billiart: A Life of Faith and Joy
St. Julie Billiart grew up in poverty and had little formal education, but her deep knowledge of her Catholic faith stood out. Even as a young girl, she shared her love for God by teaching other children. At just 14, she dedicated her life to God and spent the rest of her days serving and educating the poor.
St. Julie founded the Sisters of Notre Dame, a community dedicated to teaching young girls about faith and education. Despite being bedridden for 22 years, she was known for her joyful smile and unwavering gratitude. After being miraculously healed, she continued her mission with even greater vigor.
St. Julie once humbly remarked that she was ashamed not to have already died of gratitude for all that God had done for her. Her life reminds us to embrace faith, serve others, and find joy even in life’s challenges.
Grades 6 - 8: 
St. Josemaria Escriva
“I did not know what it was [the Lord] wanted, but I went forward…without doing anything unusual.” These words from young seminarian Josemaria Escriva foreshadowed his life’s mission: founding Opus Dei, “The Work of God,” a movement encouraging holiness through ordinary life.
Born in 1902 in Barbastro, Spain, to Jose Escriva and Maria Dolores, Josemaria was the second of six children, though only three survived to adulthood. At age two, he nearly died of a serious illness, but his mother entrusted him to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he made a full recovery—a grace he credited to her intercession.
Grateful for his family, Josemaria often described the family as the “first school of holiness,” where parents and children sanctify one another. Through Opus Dei, he shared this belief, teaching that holiness is possible in everyday life.
Saint Josemaria’s life is a reminder to seek God’s presence in our daily routines, transforming the ordinary into opportunities for grace.
Calendar Highlights
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 |
February 11 | APA Board Meeting 6pm |
February 12 | Art Trek Training 8:15 am-10:45 am Mulcahy |
February 17 | No School-President’s Day |
February 21 | No School-RE Congress for Teachers |
February 28 | Annual Auction Dinner and Dance-”A Mardi Gras Masquerade” |
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.
OLA’s Faith in Action-Raising Strong Children
Auction Tickets On Sale Now!
Mark your calendars for the 2025 OLA Annual Auction & Dinner on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach.
Invites went home in today’s brown envelope, and tickets are officially on sale! The best way to RSVP is online at https://paybee.io/in-person-event/ola/1. Early bird pricing is available until January 28, so don’t wait!
We look forward to seeing you at our biggest fundraiser of the year!
TK & Kindergarten Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 school year. If you or someone you know is interested in our TK or Kindergarten program please have them complete an application on our website olaventura.org. Assessment will take place in March. Current TK students do not need to complete an application. Any questions please contact the school office 805-642-7198.
National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. CSW has traditionally been held the last week in January. From January 26 to February 1, 2025, we continue to host the traditional Celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Schools typically observe the week with Masses, assemblies and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members to celebrate what makes Catholic schools great. This year’s new theme is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community and will be used through 2026.
Student Council will lead the students in several activities during Catholic Schools Week.
Sunday January 26 we will Celebrate our Parish. Students are encouraged to attend Mass in full uniform.
Monday January 27 we will Celebrate our Community. Student Council will help support our ALMS group. We will be collecting gently used children's clothes and outdoor toys for the City Center.
Tuesday January 28 we will Celebrate our Students by showing our school spirit. The day will include a non uniform dress day, school families bingo and more.
Wednesday January 29 we will Celebrate our Priests and Deacons. Student Council has a special treat in store for them.
Thursday January 30 we will Celebrate our Nation with a non uniform dress day, cost is $1. Funds will be donated to Wounded Warriors. Red, White and Blue colors are encouraged.
Friday January 31 we will Celebrate our Veterans at flag salute and our Teachers and Staff with a fiesta lunch.
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
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