Stepping into high school for the first time is like opening a new chapter in a book—full of excitement, anticipation, and a hint of nervousness. For freshmen, the first day is not just about navigating a new school; it’s about embracing a new phase of their lives, filled with both challenges and opportunities. OLSH strives to make this new beginning a seamless transition for our students.

To get new students acclimated to the OLSH community, we held Freshman Foundations Day on the Sunday before the first day of school. This orientation day is a rite of passage for new students, as it helps them to get familiar with one another as well as with the campus and all that OLSH has to offer. Working alongside faculty, staff, and Student Ambassadors, the OLSH Admissions team was excited to plan this special day for our new class of 87 freshmen. Throughout the day, students participated in ice breakers, played OLSH Jeopardy, learned about the OLSH mission, and were led in the Alma Mater by student ambassadors and accompanist Bailey Ye ‘25. 

Families were invited to join the freshmen for Mass in the chapel after their orientation activities concluded. The Mass and Matriculation ceremony served to formally welcome the class into the OLSH family. Each student received a Blessed Mary Angela medal, blessed by OLSH chaplain, Fr. Bill Dorner. Following Mass was a family social in the cafeteria and courtyard.

Freshmen were also given two full school days by themselves before upperclassmen joined them. On the first day, they ran through basic high school procedures - using your Chromebook, following safety protocols, opportunities to be a leader, and the big one - how to lock your locker. Student Ambassadors were on hand to walk students to each faculty & staff-led station throughout the building, and then walked students through their schedules. The following day, freshmen experienced a real day of classes so that they could be fully prepared for when the rest of their schoolmates joined them.

Students and their families enjoyed the opportunities that were offered to get to know one another better, to begin to form long-lasting friendships, and to get familiar with a new atmosphere. 

We are incredibly grateful to have so many new Chargers joining the OLSH community and wish them the best of luck in their freshman year!