OLGC Preps for Catholic Schools Week

At a time when Catholic school enrollment is in decline nationwide, (OLGC) is “bucking the trend,” according to Michelle Molz, marketing director for the school.

While overall enrollment nationwide dropped 22 percent between 2010 and 2011, according to the most recent report from the National Catholic Educational Association, Molz said OLGC enrollment grew 4 percent in 2011, and has grown previous years as well. Starting next week, the school will have a chance to celebrate its success during Catholic Schools Week.

The , marked by Catholic schools across the country, serves a dual purpose, according to Molz.

“It’s a wonderful chance for the kids to take pride in what they do every day,” she said. “(And) we invite people into our schools so they can see our students in action.”

OLGC kicks off Catholic Schools Week with an from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Early Childhood Center for parents interested in nursery, pre-K and full-day kindergarten. Molz said prospective parents will have the opportunity to walk through the school and speak with staff and current parents. A will be held from 9-11 a.m. Monday for grades 1-8, while school is in session.

The fun stuff (at least from the students’ perspective) comes later in the week, with a “Buddy Lunch” on Tuesday for kindergarten and eighth grade, a spelling bee Wednesday, Student-Teacher Day on Thursday (in which students dress and act as teachers for the day), and the annual student-teacher volleyball game and pep rally on Friday.

The school will also recognize several individuals throughout the week, including presenting the Graduate of the Year award to teacher Mary Christ and the Sister Michael Vincent Award to Roxanne Adinolfi, a former teacher and current mass cantor who helped craft the school’s strategic plan, Molz said.

The school will also be recognizing to private high schools: Kevin Sampson, 13, to St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, valued at $28,000; Lauren Belecanech, 14, of Moorestown, to Nazareth Academy; and Katelyn D’Ambrosio, 14, of Riverside, to Camden Catholic High School.