Oak Knoll Celebrates 48th Annual National Catholic Schools Week

Students at Oak Knoll’s Catholic coeducational pre-K to grade 6 Lower School proudly demonstrated their faith, excellence and service last week on campus during the 48th annual national celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

Through several different COVID-friendly activities focusing on prayer, giving back to others – and following the “Actions, not words,” mantro of Oak Knoll’s founder, Cornelia Connelly — the Lower School gave thanks and demonstrated their love of a Catholic education during the week-long celebration.

“This week is a particularly joyful week in the Lower School because we celebrate Oak Knoll’s Catholic identity and Student Council leads us in a week that brings us together as a community to pray, serve others, build school spirit, and have fun!” said Meg Watkins, Lower School Assistant Division Head and Student Council advisor. 

Members of the Lower School Student Council were tasked with leading the Catholic Schools Week activities.

Throuhout the week, students were encouraged to donate to the Student Council fundraiser for Bridges Outreach. Funds donated to Bridges will be used to buy toiletry bag materials to be assembled at a future student council meeting.

Some of the other activities included a dress down day in school colors of navy and gold while sharing what students love about attending Oak Knoll School. The messages – written on heart-shaped paper – will be hung in the hallways through Valentine’s Day. Other dress down days during the week included a celebration of Oak Knoll’s parents with a pajama dress down day, as students enjoyed hot coco at lunch. Students also wrote thank you cards to their parents for sending them to a Catholic school.

Students also learned about different vocations during their religion classes.

Dr. Michele Dahl, Lower School Campus Ministry Facilitator and Religion Coordinator, said that it’s important to celebrate our faith and that Catholic Schools Week is “one of our royally golden opportunities” to do so. 

“It has been so enjoyable for one and all — as we have experienced an extraordinary community spirit!” said Dahl, who shared vocation information with teachers, including links to a song by Carey Landry, “All that God Wants Me to Be,” as well as a student-created vocational video. “The activities have been up-lifting for our OKS community, and some have also positively affected others,” she said.