The OLMA Overview -- October 31, 2020 |
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It isn't easy to believe, but November is knocking on our door! It's going to be a busy one. Next week, our Admissions team will hold Q&A Panel Sessions on Zoom for anyone interested in speaking directly with OLMA students and parents about what our school has to offer. We will also host area 8th-Grade girls on our first Entrance Exam testing day on Friday.
The following week features Instant Decision Day for seniors. It's one of my favorite days of the year. Our girls interview with college admissions representatives and secure some of their first college acceptances. More importantly, they build the confidence they need to tackle the rest of the schools on their lists.
Today's FLEX Friday was extra special as it brought our oldest and youngest students together to celebrate the Sisterhood. Both groups of young women are amid significant transitions as they take on new roles and prepare for what's next. I hope that they draw strength from each other as part of the forever bond they now share as sisters. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, parents were not able to join us on campus today. While it's not quite like being here, we live-streamed the Mass and ceremony and have linked the recording below.
Students in all four grades have one more day left to take the Sisterhood Challenge and earn points for their team. Remember to paint or carve your pumpkin by tomorrow and email a photo of it to sisterhood@olmanj.org. We will announce the winners of the Costume and Pumpkin contests next week.
Our fall athletes continue to take charge of the trails, courts, and fields. Great job to our cheerleaders last night as they cheered the Hermits to victory. Next week, OLMA Tennis will play in the NJSIAA region finals. We can't wait and will be cheering them on.
Enjoy the extra hour of sleep! See you all soon. -- Mrs. Coyle
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
MEET OLIVIA FIOCCHI
CLASS OF 2022
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OLMA junior Olivia Fiocchi has a lot to be proud of these days. She excels academically with a GPA of over 4.0 and a great role model and sister to Carlina, an OLMA sophomore and the third Fiocchi daughter to attend OLMA. Olivia was also recently named one of New Jersey's 85 top junior soccer players.
For her coach and teammates, that honor comes as no surprise as Olivia has already racked up 12 goals and two assists so far this season. She had her first-ever hat trick against Vineland High School and did it again when facing Buena. What's more, four of Olivia's 12 goals this season were headers!
This young woman holds nothing back on the soccer field and is determined to succeed in all facets of her life. Playing soccer, especially this year, has helped grow my confidence," said Olivia. "I haven't always been sure of myself, but that is changing as I strive to be my best."
Olivia said she started playing soccer when she was four or five years old. Today, this attacking midfielder plays for OLMA and as part of the Millville Pride club team, which happens to be ranked number five in the state. "We play as part of the USYS NL and go up against the top teams in the nation," said Olivia. "Last year, we played the number one and two teams. We didn't win, but it was a great experience, and playing with teams at that level is how we get better."
Win or not, Olivia has caught the attention of several college coaches. "I'd love to play soccer in college, and it's nice getting noticed," she said. "It's very early in the process, so I'm looking at everything right now, but I'm pretty sure that I want to study Early Childhood Education. My mom teaches fourth grade, but I am more interested in Kindergarten and pre-kindergarten." Olivia said that little kids love her and tend to seek her out. She's also kind and patient, two character traits essential to working with young children.
For now, Olivia is excited to finish out the soccer season strong and continue to give 100 percent to her studies. Senior year and college are just around the corner, as are endless opportunities for her to shine. We are incredibly proud of you, Olivia!
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This morning, the Class of 2021 officially welcomed the Class of 2024 to the OLMA Sisterhood. The two classes came together to celebrate Mass and each other as they marked this special transition. The Mass and ceremony were live streamed. If you'd like to watch, click on the image below. Congratulations, Class of 2024. We are so glad you are here. |
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OLMA LAUNCHES VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE |
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Welcome to the first-ever OLMA Virtual Open House (VOH)! It provides virtually everything you need to know about OLMA and the many advantages of an all-girls' education.
It begins with a Head of School video welcome and some thoughts from a student on why she chose OLMA for high school. You will find recorded presentations on academics, admissions, extracurricular activities, and faith and service. We also included a new Virtual Tour of campus.
As part of the VOH, we've included links to sections of our website and registration information for our Student and Parent Q&A Panel sessions (next week) and Entrance Exam. If you are considering OLMA or know someone who is, we encourage you to take a look and invite you share all that's here. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
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TEACHER FEATURE
MEET TOM COYLE
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In February 2017, Mr. Tom Coyle, who was happily retired and enjoying extra time fishing and golfing, received a phone call from his daughter-in-law asking if he could fill in at OLMA as a substitute Theology teacher for a few days. Never one to say no, Mr. Coyle agreed to help out. After all, a few days back in the classroom could be fun. Nearly four years later, Mr. Coyle is still here and beloved by all.
While he admits to taking some ribbing from his friends who are still on the golf course, Mr. Coyle wouldn't have it any other way. "I love interacting with my students," he said. "They have kind and caring personalities and make every day a happy one for me."
Mr. Coyle began his career in Linwood, teaching science, geography, and several other subjects to middle school students. While there, he also served as the Director of Athletics, coached basketball and track, and was named "Teacher of the Year" four times.
When he retired from the public school system, Mr. Coyle began teaching World History and Sociology at St. Augustine Prep and was later named Director of College Guidance. Of course, he wasn't quite busy enough, so Mr. Coyle also coached basketball under St. Augustine's Paul Rodio. It's no wonder that he was Mrs. Coyle's first call when she needed a teacher mid-year. Mr. Coyle loves what he does, and it shows.
What Mr. Coyle likes most so far this year is being back on campus. "We'd all like to be here full time, but this is a start," he said. He also loves following OLMA's athletic teams and is nearly always on the sidelines, often for multiple sports in a single day, taking photos that he posts on Instagram for all to enjoy.
Mr. Coyle graduated from Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND, with a BS degree in Education, but started out studying Mortuary Science. While he ended up teaching science instead, Mr. Coyle has done part-time work for various funeral directors over the years.
Now for a few more little-known facts. While in college, Mr. Coyle was the starting catcher for the baseball team all four years and captain for three. He was active in student government and his fraternity. That experience served him well as Mr. Coyle was as an elected City Councilman in Absecon for 12 years. He is an avid fisherman, boating enthusiast, and golfer. Most of all, he's a gifted teacher with a heart of gold -- green and gold.
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CARVE OUT A NEW TRADITION |
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HAVE A BOO-TIFUL HALLOWEEN |
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November:
11/4 -- Class of 2025 Student Panel Q&A on ZOOM
11/5 -- Class of 2025 Parent Panel Q&A on ZOOM
11/6 -- No students on campus; Class of 2025 Entrance Exam,
8:30 AM-11:00 AM
11/11-12 -- Student Photo Retakes
11/13 -- Instant Decision Day
11/17 -- OLMA Blood Drive; 8:30 AM--1:30 PM
11/25-29 -- Thanksgiving Break
See additional school event dates HERE.
Get the latest sports schedules HERE.
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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 |
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