The OLMA Overview -- October 19, 2018
Today, the OLMA Sisterhood came in 12 colors as we held this year's first Sisterhood Day. Using an Olympic Games theme, there were team uniforms, family banners, opening ceremonies, a quiz bowl, and relay races. More importantly, there was teamwork, camaraderie, new friendships and memories made that are sure to last a lifetime.

The girls went all out -- and I mean ALL out! In true OLMA style, the girls put everything they had into making their teams the very best they could be. There will definitely be video highlights, so stay tuned for those. In the meantime, we've included a few photos below! Many thanks to all of the parents who made late-night runs to the Dollar Store, Party City, AC Moore, and the like! It was definitely worth the trip!

On Monday, we will hold our first of two group shadow days we have planned for this fall. We are expecting 60 8th grade students from more than 25 different schools to join us on campus. Freshmen and sophomores will serve as guides as we showcase what we love most about OLMA. The day begins with a school-wide prayer service, followed by academic classes, a service project, Bravery Training, some outdoor adventures, a taste of Lifetime Fitness, a Sisterhood Panel, and more.

As a reminder, the Daughters of Mercy will be holding their annual Pasta Dinner on Sunday in Carew Hall. They will also have some amazing basket raffles and will announce the grand prize winners of this year's Calendar Raffle. The dinner runs from 12-5 PM and is free to anyone who purchased a raffle ticket. Desserts are also needed. If you'd like to donate one, please drop it off in Carew Hall anytime on Saturday or Sunday morning. Dinner is delicious, so I hope to see you there! Enjoy your weekend! -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight
Annalise Barrett, Class of 2019
As she thinks back on the last three years, OLMA senior, Annalise Barrett, says the experiences she had as part of the Spain Exchange and her Mini-Mester course at St. John of God are two that really stand out.

"Going to Spain for three weeks was awesome," said Annalise. "I was independent and in a different country for the first time. I loved going to school there and learning the culture. It was also great hosting the Spanish students for their part of the exchange last spring. I will never forget it."

She won't soon forget her time caring for special needs kids at St. John of God either. "I was pretty nervous at first and afraid that I wouldn't be able to make a connection," said Annalise. "I ended up having nothing to worry about. I worked with a five-year-old boy who couldn't see very well and had a hard time moving his body. I helped him roll over on his side and learn the feel of things like water. I also learned a lot about his disability and quickly understood how to connect with him. It was a great experience and I plan to go back on my own."

As a senior, Annalise is busier than ever. She's working hard on academics, applying to colleges and has a part-time job. She will also be partnering with classmate, Maria Eaise to run this year's annual Blood Drive. This spring, Annalise will begin her fourth year as a member of the OLMA Crew team.

Her favorite class as a senior is AP Psychology. "It's fun to learn how the brain and body are connected," said Annalise, who plans to major in Psychology or Biology in college. "Rowan is my first choice, but I'm also looking at Monmouth University and TCNJ."

For now, she's enjoying her final year at OLMA. "I'll really miss seeing my best friends every day once we all move on to college," said Annalise. "I know we will stay close, though, as the friends you meet here are the lifelong kind." Annalise is grateful to her parents for making the sacrifices they did to send her to OLMA. "Going to school here is a gift," she said. "My friends and teachers have helped me grow into who I am today."

Make this year the greatest one yet, Annalise!
OLMA Field Hockey Christens New Field
The OLMA Villagers Field Hockey team took the field on at home on Thursday for the first time in the school's history -- and earned its first home win. The team, coached by Georgina Morrell, formed last year with six girls in a club setting. Now 28 players strong, the team is playing an independent schedule at the Junior Varsity level and plans to move to Varsity as part of the NJSIAA system in 2019.  

"A number of people contributed by way of time, effort and resources to making this field a reality," said Matt Lenguadoro, OLMA Athletic Director. "Championed by Kevin Eaise of Eaise Design, Landscaping and Irrigation, the project was made possible with the help of Levari Trucking, Dune Rite Sand & Gravel, Lee Fiocchi of Lee Rain Irrigation Sollutions, and more. We are tremendously grateful and I couldn't be more proud of the team of girls who will always be able to say that they played here first."

Scoring the first goals for OLMA on its new field included: Derien Hartine assisted by Anna Eaise, Bianca Valecce assisted by Adrianna Dodge, Lindsey Serafine, and Adrianna Dodge.  
Congratulations Field Hockey Team Seniors, Gabby and Alyssa!
Need Help Paying for College?

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 College Financial Aid
Information Night

OCTOBER 23
6:30 PM
ROOM 6
Give Purses New Purpose by October 26!
The OLMA Interact Club is leading an effort to collect gently used purses! OLMA's club is working in cooperation with other area Interact Clubs, the Girl Scouts and the Tri-County Rotary Club to collect and fill purses with personal hygiene items for women.

The filled purses will be donated to area women's shelters and job assistance centers. We are women helping women! Collection boxes are located in all homerooms. Each homeroom earns points for the number of items collected. The winning room will receive a free dress down day! The junior class homeroom is in the lead! The drive ends on October 26.
OLMA Open House Set for November 8
We are looking forward to welcoming many new prospective students and their families on November 8 at our annual Open House. While here, families will be introduced to the OLMA Sisterhood, meet students and teachers, tour the school, and learn about all that OLMA has to offer to the young women of South Jersey. Open House begins at 8:30 AM and promises to be a great day. Student and parent volunteers are needed, so please let Mrs. Kinkade know if you are able to help. Thank you!

P.S. -- Please help us spread the word about Open House by putting a yard sign in front of your home and/or business. Signs are available at school! Thank you.
Pre-Order Yearbooks and SAVE $
This school year's OLMANAC promises to be better than ever as we begin working with Jostens. While seniors receive their yearbooks for free, all other students must place orders and pre-pay for theirs beginning today. For a limited time, yearbooks may be ordered at a cost of $60 each. As the year progresses, the cost goes up, so don't delay.

To order, visit JOSTENSYEARBOOKS.com. Parents will also receive an email directly from Jostens. Pleas see Mrs. Helms wtih any questions. Thank you!
Upcoming Events


Daughters of Mercy Pasta Dinner -- October 21

Shadow Day No. 1 -- October 22

Financial Aid Information Night -- October 23


Broadway Trip (7 tickets left!) -- October 24


Parent Teacher Conferences/Noon Dismissal -- October 25

Photo Retakes for Underclassmen -- October 26

Salerno Hall of Fame Awards Dinner -- October 26

All Saints Day Mass at PREP -- November 1

Powder Puff Game and Bonfire -- November 7

We hope you enjoy the OLMA Overview. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Mrs. Kinkade at 856.697.2008, ext. 140, or email her at: mrs.kinkade@olmanj.org