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…February 16, 2022
Week 6 in ordinary time
Readings of the day:
James 1:19-27.
The just shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord – Psalm 14(15):2-5. Mark 8:22-26.
How many scenes can we recall where Jesus cured someone?
We have one in today’s Gospel: Jesus cures a blind man at Bethsaida. People remember it because initially the blind man says he starts to see people ‘like trees walking about’. Then Jesus lays his hands on the man’s eyes again and he sees everything plainly and distinctly. What a wonderful moment for this man and his friends.
For us, the scene may remind us that our faith journey may still have two stages of growth – partial and mature. We may wonder if this is true. It helps if we allow Jesus to take us by the hand and lead us to see his face and the world around us with his eyes.
The Virtue for the Month of February is Honesty: Being trustworthy and true.
Honest Saint John of Kanty
One day the holy priest St. John of Kanty was walking down a country road when he was stopped by robbers; they took the money in his bag and demanded to know whether he had any more. John said no, and the robbers departed. Immediately after this, however, John remembered that he had some coins sewn into his cloak, so he hurried after the highwaymen, caught up with them, and, apologizing for his error, handed over the additional coins. The robbers were so amazed by his honesty that they returned everything they had taken from him.
John’s action certainly went above and beyond the call of duty, for while we’re expected to be honest, there are certain limits. For instance we're not morally required to reveal information to people who have no legitimate authority or right to ask it of us, and — while outright lying should be avoided—we’re entitled to use mental reservation in answering unjust questions. St. Athanasius practiced this sort of “silent honesty” when he was being pursued down a river by some enemies who didn’t know him by sight. From his boat, he turned back toward them, and when they asked, “Have you seen Athanasius the bishop?” he responded truthfully, “It’s only a short time since he passed this very spot, going up the river.” By practicing our Lord’s advice to be as clever as snakes and innocent as doves (Matt. 10:16), Athanasius managed to escape.
Honesty is an excellence of character that promotes trust, fosters healthy relationships, strengthens organizations and societies, and prevents harm. Our students are learning the virtue of honesty through the example of the Saints. The Saints they will be learning from this month are Blessed Francesco Marto and Jacinta Marto for grades Preschool through Second grade, St. Kateri Tekakwitha for grades Three through Five and St. Athanasius for grades Six through Eighth.
Calendar/Newsletter Highlights
Contents of Brown Envelope
Save the Date Auction “Starry Nights–City Lights”
Highlights /Activities/Events
President’s Day No School Friday, February 18th and Monday February 21st.
Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten Registration 2022 - 2023
CPK Fundraiser-Wednesday February 16th, 2022
Mask Mandate
Mask Mandate: I am writing to update everyone on the latest information we’ve received about our public health conditions. As many of you are aware, February 28th is the date for reassessment for PK to 12 schools. Given the trends that we are seeing today, Dr. Marc Ghaly, Secretary of Health and Human Services for the State of California, anticipates on Feb. 28 that he will announce a date that the mask guidance will change from “required” to “strongly recommended”. According to Dr. Ghaly, schools, communities, and families will need time to prepare. So, there will not be a change on Feb 28, but it is expected a date will be given at which time the mask guidance will change.
I want to thank all our families for your continued support throughout this pandemic. We appreciate your efforts to keep our school community safe.
TK & Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2022 -2023
TK & Kindergarten Registration - If you have a child that will be entering TK or Kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year, please fill out the online application and submit ASAP. We will be sending out screening letters soon.
Lost : One of our student’s lost a family heirloom cross. If found, turn into the office . Family is offering a $30 reward. Thank you.
Our Lady of the Assumption Preschool has a position open for a Preschool Teacher, or Early Childhood Teacher. We are looking for someone who is a childcare professional who takes care of and educates students around three to four years old. Their main duties include teaching children about basic fundamentals, like numbers, colors and shapes, helping children build their social skills and keeping the classroom clean and safe for all of the students and Teachers.
If you are interested please contact Karen Fussell at principal@olaventura.org
EDGE Middle School Youth Ministry will kick-off the Spring semester this Wednesday, February 16, from 6-7:30pm in the Santa Cruz Room (Parish Center Patio next to TK). Junior high youth in grades 6-8 are welcome. Please contact OLA youth minister, Gabe Rivera, for more information at youthministry@ola-vta.org or 805-642-7966 x121.
APA BOARD CORNER
“Starry Nights/City Lights” Auction event will take place on Saturday April 30th, 2022. Our LARGEST and most IMPORTANT fundraising event of the school year is fast approaching and we NEED YOUR HELP! The APA Board welcomes everyone’s active participation in procuring desirable goods, services and experiences for the auction.
Do you have or know anyone who has access to:
A vacation home/condo or cabin in a fun destination? A professional or collegiate sport/team or athlete?
Connections to anyone in the movie, television or music industry?
Any other fun big-ticket items that you can think of donating?
We have a list of local businesses and individuals who have donated to prior auctions. We invite new businesses and friends to join the OLA Auction and make it a success! Please contact Erin Canavan canavan1@gmail.com if you would like to suggest an item or join the procurement team.
The next APA meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 at 6:30pm. If you are interested in attending or joining the board please contact Jen Colitti at jengirlc@gmail.com
Testing
We are able to offer a Rapid Antigen Test to our school community. These tests are available through the PCR testing company - Covid Testing Appointments, LLC. These tests needed to be taken on campus along with the PCR test.
We have at home tests from the Ventura County Emergency Services - Medical Services Agency. These tests are able to be sent home with our students. These tests are self-tests at home with results in 15 min. - iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test. Please contact Gina Ravenscroft at gina@olaventura.org or Jennifer Colitti at jennifer@olaventura.org. You are also welcome to come into the office and pick up tests for your family.
Reporting Absences
Please go onto our website to report absences. Use the Button located on the homepage of the website. The website generates a form which is given to the teacher daily. Thank you.
The digital marquee birthday flier is available in the office. Enjoy announcing your child's next birthday on the OLA marquee! Announcement cost is $10.
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.
The difference is that when you shop at https://smile.amazon.com the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the purchase price to our school.
Please choose Our Lady of the Assumption School - Ventura. Thank you!
FAQs about Amazon Smile:
https://smile.amazoncom/gp/chp...
Masks on Campus:
Please remember to wear masks when you enter our campus or wait in line to pick up students. We are doing so to protect our vulnerable populations that are not vaccinated. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
COVID Test Site
We are partnering with COVID Testing Appointments, LLC to offer no-cost COVID -19 Test to our school community and its families. Their mission is to “Provide No Cost COVID Testing and Services to the masses assisting schools, business, and our communities.” Most results are in 24-48 hours.
The testing packets are available in the office. Our lab pick up days will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays by noon.
Office Hours: The best times to conduct school business in the office are
8:30am - 12:00
Lunch-Closed (12:00-12:50)
12:50 - 2:15pm
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 12:00pm or after 12:50pm.
VIRTUS TRAINING:
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Office of Safeguard the Children
VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children and
Keeping the Promise Alive Zoom Sessions
The Office of Safeguard the Children is proud to sponsor a series of VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children Zoom Sessions. These sessions are for Clergy, staff, and essential volunteers. Those whose current VIRTUS certificate has expired and needs to take Keeping the Promise Alive or are new to their position and have never taken the Protecting God’s Children training. If you want to register for a session, please check the date you wish to attend and fill out the information below. You must also sign the “Adults Only” Agreement and return both forms to Brenda Cabrera at bmelendez@la-archdiocese.org. Once Brenda receives your request, then she will email a confirmation with your Zoom session details. Note: Sessions are limited to 30 participants and are on a first-come basis.
OLA Church is offering in person training for both Keeping the Promise Alive and Protecting God’s Children. These sessions will be led by Dea Boheme. Please call Dea at 805. 390 .1260 to reserve a spot.
Classes on Campus will possibly resume in February,2022.
Protecting God’s Children training is the 3 hr sessions:
February 16, 2022 Location Santa Cruz Room
Keeping the Promise Alive these are hour and ½ session:
March 7, 2022: Location Santa Cruz Room
April 4, 2022: Location Santa Cruz Room
**ALL SESSIONS BEGIN AT 6 PM**
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