December 2011 - Oldenburg Academy

Oldenburg Academy
of the Immaculate Conception
opportunities await... every student, every day!
Close Up
DECEMBER 2011
Slow Down…
Its Advent!
The four weeks leading up to Christmas, for many, is
perhaps the busiest, most hectic time of the year. It is
so easy for me, in my harried pace of life, to get lost in
the “Christmas rush.” I can find myself getting stressed
about my incomplete shopping list and unanswered
questions of what to give those special someones.
The other day, I decided to set aside a few moments
for some quiet reflection and picked up Joyce Rupp’s
book, “Out of the Ordinary.” It caused me to pause
and ponder about the greatest gift of all - the gift
of PRESENCE.
Jesus came into this world and engaged in
the full humanity of life. He lived His life in
being with others. The power of being with
another person and bringing a ray of God’s
love is the greatest gift of all.
I invite all of us to Gift each other with the Gift of
Presence. I share with you an adaptation of some of
Joyce’s suggestions for being with others during this
Advent and Christmas Season.
- Be with someone who needs you.
- Be with a person who gives you hope.
- Be with an older person who hungers for a visitor.
- Be with a person who is struggling with an illness.
- Be with an infant who radiates new life.
- Be with someone in prison.
- Be with a neglected neighbor or community member.
- Be with family and loved ones.
May our God of Love be with each of you, your families
and loved ones as you prepare to welcome Jesus’
Presence into your lives.
Sr. Therese Gillman, OSF, President
Christmas
Concert
“The Sweet Sounds
of Christmas”
Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 pm
Come one and all to enjoy Oldenburg Academy’s Christmas
Concert, “The Sweet Sounds of Christmas,” on Sunday,
December 4 at 3:00 pm in the OA Auditorium.
The Following Groups Will Perform
Freshmen Chorus, Sophomore Chorus, Concert Choir,
Academy Singers, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Orchestra, Steel
Drums, and Experimental Music. There will also be a
Christmas piano solo by Alexa Fangman.
Choral Selections Include
Frosty the Snow Man, Deck the Halls, It’s Beginning to Look
Like Christmas, It’s That Time of the Year, Soulful Silent Night,
O Come Little Children, The Christmas Song, Candlelight Carol
and the Angel’s Carol.
Instrumental Selections Include
Christmas Fugue, Star of Wonder Medley, Christmas at the
Movies, Do You Hear What I Hear, Coventry Carol, Carol of the
Bells with a Twist, and more.
Music Students Perform At Nativity
The Oldenburg Academy Music
Department will perform at
St. Anthony’s Live Nativity
in Morris, Indiana on Friday,
December 9 from 5:00 to 6:00
pm. Come and join us for this
special Christmas presentation
and enjoy some Christmas
treats and hot chocolate.

Education, A Gift That No
One Can Take Away!
Season’s Greetings! Even as I am writing this, I can’t believe
it’s the 2011 holiday season, and parents are beginning
long term formative plans for their children in choosing
a high school. To wrap you in holiday spirit that not only
solidifies memories but joyful fortitude, come check out
the best gift OA has… her students… and begin thinking
about the best gift you can give that no one can take
away… a high school education!
With regard to holiday events that are sure to
set your hearts and spirits aglow…
The OA Christmas Concert is December 4 at 3 pm in
conjunction with Oldenburg’s “Holiday in the Spires.”
STUCO (student council) will kick off holiday cheer in the
student body with the annual “12 Days of Christmas” event
beginning on December 5th and running through the 20th.
Our very own OA Concert Choir will visit the Chateau on
Friday, December 16 between 2 and 3 pm to Christmas
carol with the residents.
Many parents, much like where some of you were many
years ago with your parents, are beginning to think about
opportunities that will generate greater life chances for
their children. Oldenburg Academy and its curriculum,
staff, and faculty can help provide these greatest gifts/
opportunities of all. The time, investment, and hopes we
have for our children are truly priceless.
Christmas is a time of giving; that’s true, but my challenge
to you is to look at the gifts you are giving. Are they gifts
that will be enjoyed over Christmas break then soon
forgotten or ones that will be enjoyed for a lifetime In my
opinion, the rich heritage of Oldenburg Academy coupled
with the dedicated faculty and staff is one of the best long
term investments you can make. I sincerely pray that both
you and your family have a peaceful and renewing holiday
season with gifts you will remember and enjoy for the rest
of your lives. Have a blessed holiday season!
Mrs. Bettina Rose, Principal
Register For The
OA Placement Test
Saturday, December 10
Oldenburg Academy’s Placement Test is Saturday,
December 10 from 8:30 am to noon in the academic
building. Students can sign in between 8 and 8:30 am in
the school lobby.
This test is for placement purposes, and there is no
minimum score required for acceptance. To be eligible
for incoming freshmen scholarships, students must take
the OA Placement Test.
All supplies for the test will be provided (even some
snacks!) Students are encouraged to get a good night’s
rest the night before the test and to relax and just do
their best.
Pre-registration for the Placement Test is encouraged.
To register, please complete and submit a Placement
Test Registration Form, which is available at www.
oldenburgacademy.org. The test fee is $15.
Checks and completed registration forms can be mailed
to Oldenburg Academy, c/o Mrs. Annette Hunger, PO Box
200, Oldenburg, Indiana 47036.
For more information contact Mrs. Annette Hunger,
Admissions Director, at 812.934.4440 ext. 231 or
hunger@oldenburgacademy.org.
Parent Meeting During The Placement Test
During the test, parents are encouraged to attend a
Parent Meeting in the school cafeteria. Information
regarding freshmen scholarships, academics, curriculum
and courses selection, co-curricular activities, financial
aid, and service opportunities will be presented.
Where Do Current OA
Students Live
Do you know a family who is considering an OA
education but is concerned about transportation and/
or carpooling We have recently added a map to the OA
website that shows where our students come from and
how many live in each city. You can point prospective
families to this map to show them where our students
come from. Go to www.oldenburgacademy.org. Click on
the Admissions tab at the top, then choose the “Where
Do Current OA Students Live” tab on the right side.
Feast Of The
Immaculate
Conception
The Feast of the
Immaculate Conception
of Mary is Thursday,
December 8 this year.
This day is a special feast
for Oldenburg Academy
of the Immaculate
Conception as it is OUR
feast day.
Please join us in our
Eucharistic celebration
of the Immaculate
Conception of Mary in the
Sisters Chapel on Thursday,
December 8 at 9:30 am.
The Class of 2012 won
last year’s Christmas tree
decorating contest. Can
they win it again
Reconciliation Service
Monday, December 12 at 9:30 am
During Advent, we enter into a season of waiting and renewal as the Church year
begins. Advent is literally the season of waiting—waiting for the coming of Christ.
During this period of waiting we prepare ourselves for His coming in a variety of
ways: decorations, manger scenes, and family traditions.
Another way in which we prepare ourselves in this period of waiting is through
prayer and reconciliation. We invite you all to join us in our preparation for
Christ’s coming on Monday, December 12 at 9:30 am, as we celebrate the
sacrament of reconciliation and prepare for the coming of the Lord.
12 Days Of Christmas
Sponsored by STUCO
Congratulations
Music Students!
Congratulations to Marissa Wroblewski ‘15
and Laura Wilson ‘15, who were chosen as
members of the 2011 Indiana Bandmasters
Association Central-East All-Region Honor
Band. Marissa plays the Alto Saxophone
and Laura is a percussionist. Both students
spent the weekend of November 19 and 20
in rehearsals and master classes.
Deck the halls with Christmas spirit! The last twelve days of school before Christmas
Break, OA Student Council chooses themed dress-up days to spread Christmas joy! OA’s
annual 12 Days of Christmas celebration begins this year on December 5. Students look
forward to days like “Christmas Sock Day” and “Play in the Snow Day.”
STUCO has been organizing this event for many years, and fun new days were added last
year. “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” was a big hit and prizes were awarded for the ugliest
sweaters. “Snowed In” Day was another popular day, where students and teachers
dressed like they do when they’re home on a snow day.
The four classes will also compete again this year in a tree decorating contest. Last year’s
winners, the Class of 2012, will work hard to claim the victory again.
“The 12 Days of Christmas is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and I enjoy seeing
the creative ideas that my classmates come up with for the dress-up days,” said Peter
Lamping, Junior Class Vice President.
These days before Christmas vacation are sometimes stressful with semester exams
and the end of the grading period, but fun themes seem to make the days a little easier!
Student Council would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Mrs. Amy Grills, STUCO Moderator
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Department Of The Month: Mr. Maple’s Classes
Business Foundations
The Business Foundations class has
been busy learning about a variety of
topics such as Business Organization,
Management, Human Resources, and
Career Planning. Currently, they are
learning about Marketing. Students
had the opportunity to learn
interview skills and create their own
resume and cover letter. These skills
will be vital for each student in the
future. Business Foundations is a
one semester course. Next semester,
students will take Personal Finance. All
students are welcome and encouraged
to take this course, which will be
helpful in the future! Most students
take it their junior or senior year.
Recently, Mrs. Marcia (Raab) Barnes,
President and CEO of Defender Direct,
and her son RJ Raab ’07, a Financial
Analyst for Defender Direct, joined
Mr. Maple’s Business Foundations and
By Meredith Brown, Rachel Irrgang
& Emily Oesterling
OLDENBURG - When we hear the third
period bell, we are filled with instant
excitement because our next class is
journalism. Mr. Maple always greets
us with a smile and our fellow students
seem happy to be there as well. It’s unlike
most classes because it is self structured.
We have our own assignments but it is
our responsibility to work on them and
finish them in time. Not only is it in an
independent class, but it is an demanding
one. Each week we do WRBI newscasts,
write for the Oldenburg Academy blog,
work on the yearbook, take pictures,
edit pictures, make video collages, and
the OA Today girls do a small live video
segment which is broadcasted in every
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Marcia (Raab) Barnes, President & CEO of
Defender Direct, and RJ Raab ’07 speak to
Mr. Maple’s classes.
Journalism classes. Mrs. Barnes spoke
about being a business leader and,
ultimately, how to be happy. “Work
should give you great joy,” she said.
She encouraged students to wake
up every morning and write down
five things they are grateful for. She
reminded students that “success
comes from inside.” A number of
other guest speakers are being
planned for the future.
JOURNALISM CLASS
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
classroom on Twister Circle. This class
has helped us to work as a team, develop
confidence, manage time, and utilize
our creativity. Overall, we agree that
Journalism is a valuable way to capture
our senior year and cherish every moment.
Creative Writing &
Academic Study Skills
This class recently studied poems
and then wrote poems and haiku
about the class! All students are
welcome/encouraged to take this
class. Most students take it during
their sophomore or junior year.
Creative writing is the class
It’s full of fun and sass.
We get to express ourselves
through writing.
Mr. Maple keeps things under
control so there’s never any fighting.
Some days are for SAT prep
It takes our knowledge to the
next step.
But we really love when we do our
poem circle time
We make sure things are
appropriate and that they rhyme.
Creative Writing/SAT is the best
Except when we’re hit by a
vocabulary test.
Creative Writing
We write poems and stories
It is really fun
SAT Test Prep
We prepare for the big test
It is super fun
Jonathon Maple
He teaches our favorite class
Creative Writing
Creative writing and SAT
Is like the bomb dig-ity
Mr. Maple teaches us well
Poetry, essays, and stories to tell
Announcements happen every day
We must be quiet and have no play
But during the class time
We love to write and rhyme
So come join us some day
Stop by and say hey!
2011 Christmas
Card Contest
Congratulations to Emmalee
Schulte ‘15, who won the 2011
OA Christmas card cover design
contest! Emmalee won a $50
Kroger gift card for her artwork.
Thanks to all of the students who
submitted designs.
Recent Lucky
Buck Winners
October 28
$100 Friday drawing
Winner: Diane Jamison
Sold by: Mark Hoog ‘15
October 31
$500 monthly drawing
Winner: Mary Vance
Sold by: Jaeger Rose ‘15
November 4
$100 Friday drawing
Winner: Becky Hamilton
Sold by: Madelyn Hunger ‘14
November 11
$100 Friday drawing
Winner: Patrick Back
Sold by: Nicholas Back ‘15
November 18
$100 Friday drawing
Winner: Fr. Rich Schneider, OFM
Sold by: Josh Smith ‘13
WINTER
THEATRE CAMP
Saturday, December 17 from 10 am to 3 pm
Sponsored by the Oldenburg Academy Alumni Association
All second through eighth graders are invited to join us on Saturday, December
17 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Oldenburg Academy Auditorium for a one
day theater camp. We have planned a day full of theatre games, exercises,
improvisation, and ensemble building. Camp will be led by Stephen Hammoor ‘08.
Make your reservation early, as participation in this camp is limited to the first 25
children who return their registration forms and payment. Registration forms are
available at www.oldenburgacademy.org. Click on Alumni, then on Winter Theatre
Camp. Cost is $15 per participant. Registration deadline is December 8.
Bring a sack lunch or, for an additional $5.00, a box lunch from the Village Store
will be provided. Orders for lunch will take place once all participants have been
confirmed.
Return your completed registration form and payment to Sarah Lamping,
Oldenburg Academy, 1 Twister Circle, PO Box 200, Oldenburg, IN 47036. For more
information, contact Sarah at slamping@oldenburgacademy.org or 812.934.4440
ext. 240.
Congratulations 5th & 6th Grade
Speech Participants!
Oldenburg Academy congratulates the 60 fifth and sixth grade students who
participated in the Batesville Deanery Speech Contest at OA on November 5.
The students did an outstanding job presenting their speeches. A big round of
applause goes to the students and coaches for their time and hard work.
The Following Students Earned The Top Score In Their Category
George Ritter: St. Louis, Batesville - Serious
Delaney Bruns: St. Mary, Greensburg - Humorous
Emily Lowe: St. Mary, Greensburg - Humorous
Stella Hillenbrand & Marigrace Anderson: St. Louis, Batesville - Duet
Ana White & Ava Geers: St. Louis, Batesville, Duet
St. Louis School earned first place with the highest average school score for the
competition. Congratulations to all of the students who participated!
Thank You 2011-2012 Business Sponsors
Enhanced Telecommunications Corp.
McKee & Gunderson PC
Kroger
Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg
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Distinguished
Alumni Award
Photo by Jenny Decilles ‘12
The Oldenburg Academy Alumni
Association hosted its third annual
Distinguished Alumni Award
event on Friday, October 7, 2011 at
Hillcrest Country Club in Batesville.
Mrs. Joan Eckstein
McKamey ‘83 was selected
as the recipient for the
2011 Oldenburg Academy
Distinguished Alumni Award.
Over 80 people were in attendance
including her husband, Dr. Jon
P. McKamey, daughter Claire
‘13, friends, alumni, and OA
administrators. Also attending
were community members from
Batesville, where Joan was raised,
and Brookville, where she currently
resides, and coworkers from The
St. Anthony Messenger Press.
“We are proud of Joan and her
accomplishments,” said Sarah
Lamping, Alumni Relations.
“She is an excellent example
of what the Distinguished
Alumni Award is about - taking
Christian values learned at
Oldenburg Academy and
sharing them with family,
community, and the world
at large.”
OA Announces Dual Credit Courses
In Partnership With Ivy Tech
“Oldenburg Academy is pleased to announce a partnership with Ivy Tech
Community College with dual credit in three OA courses: Advanced Biology II, AP
Biology, and Advanced Fine Arts,” said Mrs. Joleen Lancaster, Guidance Director.
“Dual credit is the term given to courses in which high school students have the
opportunity to earn both high school and college credits.”
These dual credit courses are free to students and families. No college tuition is
charged to the students or to the school; Ivy Tech covers the cost. Students must
meet requirements for eligibility, including test scores from either the PSAT or
Compass, and final grade earned.
It is not necessary for students to attend Ivy Tech after high school graduation in
order to use the credits. These courses meet requirements for the Core Transfer
Library (CTL) and will transfer to public and most private institutions in Indiana,
and also outside of Indiana. Visit http://transferin.net for more information on
transferring college credits. Final policies regarding transferring and awarding
credits at the college level rest with the college/university.
Please contact Mrs. Lancaster in the Oldenburg Academy guidance office at
812.934.4440 ext. 229 or jlancaster@oldenburgacademy.org for more information.
OA Thanks Rising Sun Regional
Foundation For Minibus Grant
Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception thanks the Rising Sun
Regional Foundation, Inc. for their generous challenge grant of $18,000
towards the purchase of a new minibus. Oldenburg Academy matched the
Foundation’s challenge grant with $18,000 in other fundraising revenue in
order to purchase the bus.
“Time, talent, and treasure came together to, once again, help OA go from good
to great,” said Mrs. Bettina Rose, Principal. “I would like to offer a big thanks
for the time and talent of The Rising Sun Regional Foundation for making this
opportunity possible. Our academic, fine arts, and athletic programs have
already gotten use out of this little white treasure!”
“The addition of the minibus will allow for the school to provide adequate
transportation to athletic events and co-curricular activities,” said Mr. Tim
Boyle, Athletic Director. “This will be a tremendous relief to OA parents who, in
the past, have had to contribute a great deal to the after-school transportation
needs of the school.”
Oldenburg Academy’s new minibus will primarily be used as an activity bus
for class field trips, co-curriculars, sports, musical performances, etc. Having
a second school bus will allow OA students to travel to two concurrent events.
The minibus will be especially useful when transporting small groups of
students. The activity bus will allow students to drive to events as a group
instead of being driven by parent carpools. This allows students and coaches
to strategize on the way to athletic events and teachers and club moderators
to discuss information as they drive to their events. The new bus is greener and
more efficient to operate and maintain than the school’s full size bus and does
not require a driver with a commercial license. All OA minibus drivers complete
a safety training course before they are permitted to drive students.
Guidance News
Senior Scholarship And/Or Acceptance
Notification Letters
Seniors who have been awarded scholarships from colleges,
universities, or private organizations should bring copies of
notification to the guidance office. All offered scholarships
and offers of admission will be published in the graduation
program and at school.
Juniors & Seniors: Be Sure To Register To Take
The SAT And/Or The ACT!
SAT Test Dates Registration Deadline
January 28, 2012 December 30, 2011
March 10, 2012 February 10, 2012
May 5, 2012 April 6, 2012
June 2, 2012 May 8, 2012
ACT Test Dates Registration Deadline
February 11, 2012 January 13, 2012
April 14, 2012 March 9, 2012
June 9, 2012 May 4, 2012
Scholarship Information & Notices
Dearborn County Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship: Seniors residing in Dearborn County are
encouraged to apply for the Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship. This scholarship will provide full tuition and
required fees at an accredited public or private college or
university in Indiana. Applications are due to Mrs. Lancaster
on January 4.
Franklin County Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship: Seniors residing in Franklin County are
encouraged to apply for the Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship. This scholarship will provide full tuition and
required fees at an accredited public or private college or
university in Indiana. A representative from FCCF will be at
OA on December 5 to speak with Franklin County seniors
about this opportunity.
An Updated Scholarship Listing Is Posted On The OA
Website: at http://www.oldenburgacademy.org/academics/
guidance/college-scholarships.aspx
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Beginning January 1, all seniors should file so that they are
eligible for student and parent loans, grants, scholarships,
and work-study programs. Even if you don’t think you will
qualify for financial assistance, you should still fill out this
form! The FAFSA may be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov;
students and parents should first get a PIN at www.pin.
ed.gov. It is important to get your PIN very soon; you may
get your PIN at any time before filling out the FAFSA. The
federal processor must RECEIVE the FAFSA by March 10. Visit
the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana website
for further information at www.ssaci.IN.gov.
College Goal Sunday
Mark your calendars for “College Goal Sunday” on Sunday
February 12. On this day, financial aid professionals from
Indiana Colleges and Universities will be available at 39
sites throughout Indiana. These experts will walk you and
your family through the financial aid application (FAFSA)
you must complete to qualify for scholarships, grants, loans,
and other forms of assistance. All you need to bring is your
family’s 2011 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 form, or other 2011
income benefits and information. Call 1.800.992.2076 or
visit www.collegegoalsunday.org for more information. I
encourage all parents of seniors to attend a College Goal
Sunday site near them.
Mrs. Joleen Lancaster, Guidance Director
Use Your OA Gift Cards During This Christmas Season!
Don’t forget to load money onto your
OA Kroger or Village Store gift cards
when you do your Christmas grocery
shopping. A percentage of all money
loaded supports Oldenburg Academy!
OA receives approximately $750 each
month from the use of these cards!
For more information, contact the
Advancement Office at 812.933.0737.
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Christmas Break
Students will be on Christmas Break
from Wednesday, December 21
through Monday, January 2. See
everyone back in school on
Tuesday, January 3!
Coach Merle Hines to Receive
Ammann-Brinkmoeller
Award on December 12
Longtime OA cross country and track coach,
Merle Hines, will be presented with the 2011
Ammann-Brinkmoeller Award at the December
12 girls basketball game vs. South Decatur.
Coach Hines is in her 22nd year of coaching at
OA. In the past two years, her programs have
enjoyed outstanding success. Cross country
has won back-to-back sectional championships
the past two seasons (their first in school
history) and advanced to semi-state both
years. Last year, track had a state finalist and
two individual sectional champions. Over the
course of her career at OA, Hines has led the
girls cross country team to 22 straight regional
appearances and 14 semi-state appearances.
She has coached OA’s only state champion, as
well as 19 individual state appearances in cross
country and track. Hines will be honored with
the award at halftime of the varsity game and
a small reception will take place in the student
lounge after the game. All current and alumni
runners are invited to come celebrate Coach
Hines’ outstanding accomplishments and
dedication to OA.
Please feel free to share our “good news” with friends and family
Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg