The competition is between Our Lady of Refuge School, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, St. Philip Neri School and St. Brendan School. The class that collects the most food will take home a HUGE trophy! The food collection takes place in the month of January and all the collected goods will go to the Our Lady of Refuge parish pantry.

On Friday December 15th, our 3rd Grade Class went to East Haven Nursing Home to sing Christmas Carols to the elderly. Congratulations for helping to spread Christmas cheer!

We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Regina Nunez as our new first grade teacher. Mrs. Nunez holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and is working towards a second Masters in Early Childhood education. We wish her and her students the best of luck.

Report cards for the first quarter will be distributed ON THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER. There will be a 12 noon dismissal that day so parents may meet with the teachers

There will be a meeting on TUESDAY 24 OCTOBER @ 6:30p for parents to pick up their child's test results from last spring. These tests include the NYS ELA and MATH assessments given to the students in grades 4-8 and the ITBS exams, which were given to the current 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. Mr. Billings will explain how the test results are used and parents will be introduced to our new BLENDED LEARNING program.

Our Scout troops have started the year! Girl Scouts, Brownies and Daisies meet EVERY WEDNESDAY. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts meet EVERY TUESDAY. Students must be picked up at 4:30p or they will be sent to After-School.

Band practice begins Monday 16 October and will continue every Monday through the school year. We are still accepting registrations. Any questions, please see Mr. Levitt or Mr. Billings.

The first day for all students is Thursday 7 September. August TUITION must be paid before that date. ALL PARENTS MUST CHECK IN AT THE CAFETERIA BEGINNING AT 7:30a. It is a full day of school for all students. Lunch will be served. Our After-School program begins. Questions? Please call 718-367-3081

Supply lists for all students (grades Pre-K to 8) are available on this wbsite. Just click on "Student Life" and look for your grade.

Pre-K and Kindergarden parents are invited to meet with Mr. Billings and your teachers and aides on Wednesday 30 August @ 6p. The teachers will explain how the class is organized, what to expect and other procedures. Parents' questions will be answered. If possible, please do NOT bring your child. We look forward to seeing you.

We invite you to experience Our Lady Of Refuge School in action by visiting us any time during the year. See our high quality elementary school classes for yourself.

Parents of students entering grades 1-8 may now order their children's school supplies from one easy site. Go to: SCHOOLTOOLBOX.COM, create an account (user id and password) and follow the prompts to Our Lady of Refuge School. You will be directed to add your child (or children) and their grades. Each grade has a separate list. A box with all your child's supplies will be here at school when you return in September. It's that easy!

During July, the school office will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9a to 1p. The office will be closed on 4 July. You can also leave a message at 718-367-3081 or email to: rbillings@olrbronx.com.

There are still spaces available in Grades Pre-K through 5 for next September. Please click on ADMISSIONS, then APPLY ONLINE to begin your child's registration. Please call the school office (718-367-3081) with any questions

To make up the two days we lost during the winter for snow, school will be OPEN this Friday 19 May and Tuesday 30 May.

Experts are predicting a very bad allergy season. We see it here in school by the number of students affected. Parents are reminded that they may send in medication for their child, but that medication MUST be given to the nurse. Students may NOT carry any type of medication. Please call the nurse (718-733-4507) with any questions.

WE GOT A NEW CLASS PET! We got 5 five caterpillars today in the mail! Can't wait to see them grow!

On Tuesday 11 April five OLR students along with Mr. Billings attended the annual Chrism Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. At this Mass the holy oils used in the sacraments are blessed. The Mass is also attended by hundreds of priests from the Archdiocese of New York, who renew their priestly vows. The main celebrant of the Mass was Cardinal Dolan, assisted by our own Bishop Jenik and other bishops. Click on title above for pictures.

Academic honors for the 3rd quarter will be presented to students in grades 3-8 on Wednesday 12 April @ 8:45a. Parents are welcome to attend. To see the complete list of students receiving honors click on the title above.

We are currently writing our own fairytales! Find out when and where we will be sharing our stories with you!