Weekly Newsletter

March 31, 2023

Dear Parents, I’ve attached a copy of the 2023-2024 OLC school calendar. This is the “At-A-Glance” version that allows you to see important dates; I’ll send you a more detailed calendar in the next couple weeks.

OLC Girls’ Volleyball game: tonight at 6:00 PM at St. Luke School in River Forest!

Confessions were held today for all students in grades 3 - 8, except for nine students who celebrated First Penance earlier this month. Every Catholic of age is bound to confess his or her mortal sins at least once a year and always before receiving Holy Communion. Any Catholic who thinks that the Sacrament of Penance is optional, or that he or she does not need to ever go to Confession, is seriously mistaken. Such persons are depriving themselves of one of the greatest sources of grace.

The financial aid committee has begun to review financial aid applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Your FACTS Grant and Aid Application should be completed by April 21.

Congratulations to the OLC 7th - 8th grade soccer team (see photo). They had a great season and took 2nd place.

Important dates:

Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 28: Early registration for next school year; $210 ($420 beginning May 1)

Wednesday, April 5: Early release (30 minutes before the regular time)

Friday, April 7 - Sunday, April 16: no school, Easter break

Saturday, April 22: 1st Communion photos, at OLC at 11:00

Sunday, April 23: Sunday Mass at noon for all school families, grades PK - 8. This Mass is sponsored by the 4th grade, but all grade levels are highly encouraged to be here; refreshments afterward in Halpin Hall

Friday, April 28: no school, staff development day

Saturday, April 29: 1st holy Communion at 1:00

Friday, May 26: last day of school for 8th graders

Wednesday, May 31: 8th grade graduation in church at 7:00 PM Yours in Christ,

Frank S. Zarate, Jr., Ed.D.

Principal (708) 652-0262

fzarate@olc-school.org

Weekly Newsletter

March 16, 2023

Dear Parents, Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is ‘You shall love your neighbor.’” What is your son or daughter writing to other children in group chats on social media? Do you know? Do their words reflect the need to “love your neighbor”?

World’s Finest Chocolate sale: Thank you for supporting our school by selling these chocolate bars. The deadline to turn in your funds is Tuesday, May 2.

We now have new OLC t-shirts with our new panthers logo. These come in a variety of colors; a selection of them is on display in the trophy case located in the breezeway. Students may wear these shirts on gym days (as an alternative to the regular gym shirt).

Cicero Mayas is forming a new girls’ soccer team for girls ages 11 and 12. Practices will be at the Morton West High School field house. Interested parents can email Mr. Javier Vargas at ciceromayas2011@gmail.com or call 708-603-3040. Please know that this is not an OLC sponsored team.

School Mass schedule (parents welcome to join us): March 24: 9:00, English

No school Mass on Mar. 31

Important dates:

Friday, March 17: no school

Friday, March 24: 2nd trimester Honor Roll assembly, in church following the 9:00 Mass

Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 28: Early registration for next school year; $210 ($420 beginning May 1)

Friday, April 7 - Sunday, April 16: no school, Easter break

Saturday, April 22: 1st Communion photos, at OLC at 11:00

Sunday, April 23: All school Mass at noon (sponsored by the 4th grade); refreshments afterward in Halpin Hall

Saturday, April 29: 1st holy Communion at 1:00 Yours in Christ,

Frank S. Zarate, Jr., Ed.D. Principal (708) 652-0262

fzarate@olc-school.org

Weekly Newsletter

March 9,

2023 Dear Parents, Sacrament of Reconciliation: All students receiving their 1st holy Communion on April 29 will have the Sacrament of Penance (confessions) for the first time tomorrow. After children have celebrated First Penance, they will be prepared for the spring celebration of First Eucharist.

St. Patrick’s Day dress down, Thursday, March 16: students can come out of uniform if they wear something green. $2 to participate.

This week we were visited by a representative from the Illinois State Board of Education. The representative was very satisfied with everything he reviewed, and has renewed Our Lady of Charity School’s State recognition. OLC meets all State requirements for schools and remains fully compliant with the law.

It’s that time of the year to complete the 2023 Archdiocese of Chicago Parent Survey. Please follow this link to complete the OLC survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/

The shipment of 1st holy Communion clothing for all students receiving their 1st Communion on Sat., Apr. 29, has arrived. The cost of each outfit is $60, which some of you have already paid. You may pick up your child’s garment in the school office during regular school hours. See Mr. Infante.

The Archdiocese requires all of its schools to provide valuable training to children on safe boundaries and how to recognize and report sexual abuse. The programs used are age appropriate and straightforward. Our presenter has several years of experience providing the training to students in grades K - 8. Her presentations are the week of March 20. I encourage you to ask your child about it.

World’s Finest Chocolate sale begins this week: Each FAMILY will be responsible for selling 3 boxes of chocolate. Each box is $60, therefore each FAMILY will be responsible for selling $180 in chocolates.

School Mass schedule (parents welcome to join us): March 24: 9:00, English No school Mass on Mar. 10 or Mar. 31

Important dates:

Friday, March 17: no school

Friday, March 24: 2nd trimester Honor Roll assembly, in church following the 9:00 Mass

Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 28: Early registration for next school year; $210 ($420 beginning May 1) Friday,

April 7 - Sunday, April 16: no school, Easter break

Saturday, April 22: 1st Communion photos, at OLC at 11:00

Saturday, April 29: 1st holy Communion at 1:00

Yours in Christ,

Frank S. Zarate, Jr., Ed.D.

Principal (708) 652-0262

fzarate@olc-school.org