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Enter to Learn. Go Forth to Serve.
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 This is the second week of Advent and we are blessed with two important feasts. The first is
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which is today, and celebrates how Mary was conceived and lived without sin.
For more, check out Jimmy Akin's (December 5, 2012) blog from the National Catholic Register titled
8 Things You Need to Know About the Immaculate Conception
. The second feast is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe to celebrate when the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant farmer, Juan Diego, and celebrated on December 12th.
Follow the link to
Latina Moms
for more information. ChurchPop also has a great article,
4 Literally Awesome Facts About Our Lady of Guadalupe
. Check out
Catholic Icing
for some family craft ideas!
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THANK YOU, O'HARA!
Thank you, O'Hara, for the spirit of generosity that is ever present in our community. We collected over 250 toys in our Toys For Tots toy drive this year. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist Lane County Toys for Tots and local marines and firefighters in their efforts to help brighten Christmas for children in our local community. Thank you to everyone who donated!
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WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: O'HARA'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS
PreSchool - 4th Grade Program is Wednesday, December 11
5th - 8th Grade Program is Thursday, December 12
Students should report to their classrooms at 5:30pm, programs begin at 6pm.
Pr
eschool - 4th Grade students have specific dress/costume requirements. If you have questions about what your student should wear, please email your room parent. (room parents are listed in school directory.)
5th - 8th Grade students should wear their Christmas best. (Girls: shoulders must be covered and hem length should be no shorter than 3" above the knee.)
All students are required to attend the Christmas Programs. For students in grades 5-8, failure to attend will result in an automatic grade reduction. Exemptions are given only in extraordinary circumstances by the administration.
O'Hara's doors will open at 5:30pm. Families are welcome to arrive at 5:30pm to reserve seats; seats may not be reserved before 5:30pm.
Please remember that siblings attending either night should be seated in the gym with adult supervision. Students are not permitted to run around at the back of the gym or in the hallways.
Thanks to O'Hara parents Erin & Dustin Whitaker, we will be able to webcast our Christmas programs.
The password is: ohara19
(The link will not be live until Wednesday afternoon.)
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WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: AUCTION FUNDRAISER @ WESTRAUNT CONCEPTS
It's a busy week with our Christmas programs! Take cooking dinner off the agenda and head to one of the local Westraunt Concepts locations on Wednesday, December 11
, and/or Thursday, December 12
.
25% will be donated to O'Hara for Auction underwriting. Make sure to take the required flyer.
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WEDNESDAY: AUCTION DECORATIONS WORK PARTY
It takes many hands to help create the amazing decorations that will transform our school for Auction night! Please consider helping at one of our Decorations Work Parties (beginning on December 11);
click here to sign up
!
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THURSDAY: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION
The third grade class is proud to present a play about St. Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, December 12. They will share the story of the miracle of Juan Diego's tilma in the chapel from 8:30-10:30 am. Other classes will have the opportunity to see the 10-minute play and then enjoy a donut hole after the performance. If you would like to see the play, feel free to drop by the school between the hours of 8:30-10:30 am. A new performance will begin every 15 minutes. Thank you for your encouragement of our third graders! (Note: This performance will be replacing the St. Lucy celebration.)
Allergy information: If your child has a food allergy and you have questions or need to make alternate snack arrangements, please communicate with your student's teacher.
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THURSDAY: MR. CLABBY TO PLAY WITH EUGENE SYMPHONY
Mr. Clabby will be playing a digital pipe organ in Saint-Saens Symphony No. #3 this Thursday. The concert is scheduled for 7:30pm on Thursday, December 12 in the Silva Concert Hall at the Hult Center. Congratulations, Mr. Clabby!
Click here for more information or tickets.
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ALL WEEK: O'HARA SWEATSHIRTS FOR SALE
There are a limited number of (Lands' End) O'Hara logo sweatshirts available for sale. These will be available in the office all week
($20 each).
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ALL WEEK: JAMBA JUICE STAMP CARDS FOR SALE
As an Auction Fundraiser this year, we have
Jamba Juice
stamp cards for sale - $10 each! These cards would make a great stocking stuffer! Each card is good for EIGHT $3 medium smoothies and ONE FREE small smoothie at your local Jamba. That's about $20 in savings! O'Hara earns 50% of each card sold. If you have questions or would like to buy a stamp card, please see Michelle Campbell in the development office.
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SIBLING APPLICATIONS FOR 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR
O'Hara families that are interested and/or planning to enroll a sibling for the 2020-21 school year must turn in a completed
Sibling Application by Friday, January 10.
We ask that please turn in an application even if you are not 100% sure that you will enroll so that we have an accurate assessment of space available for new families next year.
Please contact
Mrs. Conway with any questions or concerns.
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DECEMBER 17, 18 & 19: FREE PARENT SEMINAR
O'Hara parents are invited to attend one of 3 free Cyber-bullying Sexting Prevention Parent Trainings presented by the Eugene Police Department. Sessions will be conducted by Detective Richard Wistocki (Ret.), who is a nationally-recognized high technology child crimes specialist with 30 years of experience in law enforcement. Sessions will be held at South Eugene High School, from 6:30-8:30pm each night.
Click here for more information.
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SCHEDULED VACATIONS & ABSENCES
If your family will be leaving early for, or returning late from, Christmas break, please send an email to
attendance@oharaschool.org so we can mark your students out. Thank you.
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A PROUD LEGACY. A VISION FOR THE FUTURE.
If you haven't yet had the chance to join us for an informational session about the capital campaign, please join us for one of the upcoming sessoins.
These events are designed to give you a chance to learn more about our projects and vision for the school and to ask questions about the campaign. We will hold sessions in the Art Room on the following days and times.
Please RSVP here
.
Thursday, December 12 - 10:30 - 11:00am
Wednesday, December 18 - 5:30 - 6:30pm
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CHRISTMAS VACATION / WINTER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST 
We took a staff survey and put together a spotify playlist that's a collection of our favorite Christmas songs. We've been enjoying listening to this fun collection of Christmas music and though some of you might enjoy it as well.
Click here to access the playlist (you'll need a spotify account).
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AUCTION 2020: HAVANA NIGHTS
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We are thrilled to announce that a number of generous supporters have already committed to sponsor this year's event.
Thank you to the following businesses:
TITLE SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Allegiance Medical
SILVER SPONSORS
HAPPY HOUR SPONSOR
AFTER PARTY SPONSOR
TUITION RAFFLE SPONSOR
COOKIE SPONSOR
PICK OF THE LIVE AUCTION RAFFLE SPONSOR
DESSERT DASH SPONSOR
SILENT AUCTION VALENTINE SPONSOR
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE
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CLASS PACKAGES
Each grade has been assigned a basket theme; click here to access the class package list. We are asking families to participate in their class packages as they are comfortable and able to do so by bringing in an item (or more) from the list.
Thank you to Kristin Oeming for chairing our Class Packages this year!
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SILENT AUCTION
O'Hara's silent auction contributes more than $25,000 annually to our auction revenue and is an important and exciting part of our event.
We count on generous donations from our families and the community to put together baskets and items to offer our attendees.
Our
Wish List
is published online for individuals who want to contribute a basket to our Silent Auction but are not sure what to bring.
Have an idea that's not on the list? Or, have a connection to a local business you think would donate? We're all ears! Contact
Amy Quiring.
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DONATE + WIN!
Early donations help us tremendously with our organization and set-up schedule. So, again this year, we're offering an incentive for bringing in a donation of a completed basket before Christmas Break!
Drop off a donation of a complete basket for our silent auction by Thursday, December 19, and be entered to win! (limit: 1 entry per family). The winner will choose between 2 prize options: 10 FIP hours -or- 1 tuition raffle ticket at our 2020 auction. (These baskets are separate from class packages)
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AUCTION FUNDRAISERS 
A great & easy way to help our auction is by attending one or more of our restaurant fundraisers! Thank you to Nicole Roedl for organizing these fundraisers!
DECEMBER 9 - 16
We have Jamba Juice stamp cards for sale - $10 each! These cards would make a great stocking stuffer! Each card is good for EIGHT $3 medium smoothies and ONE FREE small smoothie at your local Jamba. That's about $20 in savings! O'Hara earns 50% of each card sold. If you have questions or would like to buy a stamp card, please see Michelle Campbell in the development office.
DECEMBER 11-12
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MARIST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW DAY:
JANUARY 11
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Preview Day
Saturday, January 11, 1 pm
Marist Catholic High School
All are invited to attend Preview Day and discover what makes the Marist experience positively different - and the impact a Marist education will have on your child.
- See why a faith-based, safe and welcoming community is the best learning environment.
- Meet our exceptional teachers, coaches, counselors and students.
- Explore the depth of our curriculum and the challenge it offers.
- Discover 50+ athletic programs and activities which inspire students to be their best.
- Preview ways that our beautiful campus, enrollment, class sizes and full high school experience are ideal for your student.
- Learn why Marist is the best investment you will make for your student and how our tuition assistance program can help make it a reality.
We embrace our mission to inspire students to reach their full potential. Marist graduates leave prepared for college and life beyond our halls.
Come see what Marist is all about!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK
Volunteers are needed to assist Mr. Leonard in cleaning O'Hara's floor cover over Christmas Break for the following dates:
Thursday, December 26 & Friday, December 27: 4 volunteers are needed.
Friday, January 3: 2 Volunteers are needed.
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AUCTION: PICKUP DRIVERS NEEDED
Volunteers
are
needed
to make local donation pickups. These pickups will primarily take place in December and January, on an as-
needed
basis. If you would like to learn more or sign up to help, please contact
Amy Quiring
, Silent Auction Chair (541.220.9008).
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AUCTION:
DECORATIONS WORK PARTIES
It takes many hands to help create the amazing decorations that will transform our school for Auction night! Please consider helping at one of our Decorations Work Parties (beginning on December 11);
click here to sign up!
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AUCTION: SILENT AUCTION CALLERS
Volunteers are needed to make follow up donation request phone calls to local business donors. If you would like to learn more or sign up to help, please contact
Amy Quiring, Silent Auction Chair (541.220.9008).
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LINKS:
Volunteers are needed
to help in the kitchen, please contact
Tracy
if you can help.
Hot Lunch Contact:
Tracy Whalen
, Kitchen Manager (541-485-5291 x 303). Email is the best way to contact Tracy.
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WIZARD OF OZ: SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE 
Our 2020 drama production,
The Wizard of Oz,
is gearing up! Putting on such an event takes dedication from our production staff, cast members, and parent volunteers. We are asking our community for their support in sponsoring this thriving program. Click HERE to view our sponsorship opportunities
for the 2020 production. The funds raised through sponsorships will go directly to the production of our performances and will help cover the performance rights, production costs, props, instruction time and programs. Please contact
Michelle Meador
with any questions.
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NEW: FRED MEYER COMMUNITY REWARDS SUPPORTING O'HARA 
Raise money for O'Hara while doing your shopping at Fred Meyer! O'Hara is now a qualified participant of the Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program. It is easy to sign up - visit
fredmeyer.com
and log into your Fred Meyer account. Search O'Hara Catholic School either by name or by our code, SH646, and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account that requires some basic information, a valid email address and a
rewards
card. Thank you for supporting O'Hara.
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INCLEMENT WEATHER DECISION AND NOTIFICATION PROCESS
If it becomes necessary to cancel or delay the start of school due to inclement weather, O'Hara families will be notified in the morning via an automated phone message. The information will also be posted on our
Facebook &
Instagram pages.
O'Hara typically follows Eugene School District 4J's decisions regarding weather delays and closures. However, we also take into consideration the larger geographic area that our O'Hara families live in and are mindful of what those travel conditions might include. The safety of our families and staff is our primary concern. A decision regarding school delay or closure will normally be announced by 6:30am in the morning.
Please note, in the event of questionable weather, we expect and encourage each family to make their own decision for safe travel based on location and circumstances. If your students will not be to school on time, please email
attendance@oharaschool.org, or call the office.
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EXCHANGE STUDENT HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
Again, this year, O'Hara Catholic School proudly welcomes Francis Bacon School to be a part of our Catholic and educational community. This winter (February 17 through March 1), 8 students (5 boys and 3 girls) from Mexico will be attending O'Hara Catholic School with a desire to master English. Caring and committed host families form the backbone of our international student program. Sixth grade host families are preferred, but the opportunity is open to all Middle School families.
Would you and your family prayerfully consider opening your hearts and home to an international student this school year?
Host a
student from Francis Bacon School
and impact their world and yours!
Families who host an exchange student earn 10 FIP hours. For more information contact
Rich Hernandez.
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COMMUNICATIONS INFO FOR OUR FAMILIES
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NEW CONTACT INFO?
If your family has a new address, phone number, email address, etc., please make sure to update us with your new information. Please fill out
this form
, or email
Barb Whitford
if you have updates to share with us.
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O'HARA WEBSITE UPDATE
O'Hara uses a password protected portion on our website for important resources for our families. The password is: HOUSE
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EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS FROM O'HARA
Please make sure to add the following email addresses to your safe senders list and/or your address book to ensure you receive O'Hara's weekly email bulletins (sent each Sunday afternoon during the school year) and other important updates:
Parents wishing to add an additional email address (work, grandparent, nanny, etc.) to our weekly bulletin distribution list should email that request to:
communications@oharaschool.org.
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O'HARA'S APP FOR SMARTPHONES
O'Hara also uses our app to send push notification reminders for special dress days, early release days, Mass days and more. We request that all parents download our app.
O'Hara's app is available
HERE, or by searching the app store for: web4u ocs
The app includes quick access to the following:
School Calendar
Student Lunchtime Schedule
Dress Code
Weekly Bulletins
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
O'Hara uses a Google calendar as our school calendar. Parents can access this calendar via our app and our website. It can also be added to iPhone calendars. Please visit our
school calendar page on our website for the link to add the calendar to your phone.
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CONTACT INFO FOR O'HARA STAFF
All O'Hara staff members have a school email address. Email addresses are set as follows: John Smith = jsmith@oharaschool.org
There are a few exceptions to note:
Click
HERE for a complete staff listing.
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ONLINE PICTURE MANAGEMENT
New this year, O'Hara is using
Vidigami- an online picture management tool designed specifically for schools. W
e will be using their secure media management system as the place for our school photos. This online system allows for faster and more efficient picture uploads and organization for both parents and staff. In addition, Vidigami offers an app (available in the app store) so users can upload pictures directly from their smartphones.
The use of Vidigami replaces submitting pictures to our pictures@oharaschool.org email address.
In September, we launched the parent side of our system and all parents received an email (from Vidigami) with instructions for setting up their account. If you enrolled after September, or need your invitation email resent, please contact Amber Ferrari.
Vidigami is the only private and secure system designed exclusively for school communities to store and share photos and videos. Made available to users in the O'Hara community via invitation only, Vidigami closely follows and adjusts to changes in state, federal and international data privacy laws to ensure privacy for our families and community.
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"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
-
Joshua 24:15
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