A Labor of Love for OLS
As Our Lady of Sorrows prepares to begin its 114th year of providing Catholic education in Ladysmith, our school was blessed by an incredible outpouring of time, talent, and generosity during a three-day school cleaning effort. Organized by the PCCW and supported by the Knights of Columbus, parishioners, parents, alumni, and staff worked side by side to create a welcoming, clean, and beautiful learning environment for our students.
Together, volunteers completed an impressive list of projects throughout the school. Classrooms were dusted from top to bottom, lights and ceiling fans were cleaned, windows and sills washed, woodwork scrubbed, walls washed, chalkboards and whiteboards refreshed, and student desks, lockers, sinks, garbage cans, and recycling bins thoroughly cleaned. Entrances, student bathrooms, and the dishwashing room received deep cleanings, while two classrooms, a hallway, and the library were given fresh coats of paint.
It is estimated that nearly 350 volunteer hours were invested over the three days. The value of those hours and the significant savings they provide the school is immeasurable. More importantly, the project demonstrated what is possible when our parish community comes together in support of Catholic education. “It was incredible to see the support of the parishioners, parents, alumni, and staff all coming together to help the school,” shared Principal Brian Groothousen. “Everyone’s continued support is very appreciated as we enter this 114th year of providing a Catholic education in Ladysmith and helping our youth grow their relationship with Christ.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who gave of their time and talents. Looking ahead, a Buildings and Grounds Committee has also been re-established to begin evaluating the infrastructure needs of the church, school, and rectory. As we continue to care for these facilities that support our mission, we are grateful for the dedication of our multi-parish community and look forward to working together to ensure Our Lady of Sorrows remains a place where faith, learning, and community continue to flourish for generations to come.
Volunteers arrived in the school gymnasium and received direction and cleaning supplies from Principal Brian Groothousen.
Exploring Wisconsin: OLS Students Experience History Firsthand
This spring (2026), Our Lady of Sorrows students took their learning beyond the classroom with a trip to Madison to explore Wisconsin history firsthand. Students in grades 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 visited the Wisconsin Historical Society and the State Capitol, connecting their social studies lessons to real-world experiences.
Students enjoyed interactive activities at the Historical Society and a guided tour of the Capitol, where they explored the rotunda, legislative chambers, Supreme Court, and observatory.
They were amazed by the building’s size, unique materials, and the many connections to the history they had studied in class.
This memorable experience was made possible through a grant from the Weathershield Foundation, community support through a raffle of a pig donated by Deacon Craig, and the help of parent chaperones.
We are grateful for everyone who helped provide our students with this opportunity to learn, explore, and grow in appreciation for the history of our state.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Faith, Growth, and Opportunity
Welcome to the first edition of our monthly newsletter! We look forward to sharing the many exciting things happening at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School and keeping our families, parishioners, and community connected.
We’re excited for a wonderful school year, including two school faith retreats, the return of Faith and Science Camp for our 7th and 8th graders, and our OLS Gala on Saturday, September 19. Be sure to purchase your Gala tickets online through our website! Tickets are $75 per person, and all proceeds will support our students, families, and teachers. We also invite families to join us for our Back-to-School Open House on August 26.
With nearly 90 students enrolled this year, we are grateful for your continued prayers, generosity, and support. Together, we are building a strong future for Catholic education at Our Lady of Sorrows.
