Read the article here.

Read more about coach John Perrigo here.

Michael Gurske, a junior at Valley Catholic High School took a major part in the Valiants’ win over Salem Academy on Friday, September 5.  Gurske broke two school records rushing for 213 yards on 34 carries and three touchdowns.  He also was a star on defense, with an 88-yard interception which he returned for a touchdown, recorded eight tackles, and forced a safety. 

The Oregonian named him an Athlete of the Week Sept. 10. Information can be found here. Michael is featured on the second page of the article under Class 3A/2A/1A.

Congratulations to William Deatherage (grade 5) and his sister Sofia Deatherage (grade 2) who teamed up to create the winning entry for our campus-wide auction art contest.  Their art, shown below, was chosen from among seven entries received.  William and Sofia each received a $25 gift certificate from Target. 

Our judges had a difficult time choosing among the wonderful art submitted.  Congratulations to our three runners-up: Ryan Orchard (grade 6), Bianca Robison (grade 5), and Anna Mikami (grade 5).  Each runner-up received a gift certificate to a movie theater.  Thank you to all the students who submitted their art!

You can read more news from our Auction Chair here.

In 1903, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon opened their first school. Through the past 105 years, the educational ministries of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have undergone several name changes, however the longstanding commitment to providing quality, Catholic education has remained constant. As we move into the 21st century, it is important to promote the breadth of our educational programs, celebrate our unity and create more awareness and name recognition of this gift we all treasure.

In an effort to promote unity on our campus—the only Pre-K through 12^th grade Catholic education system in Oregon—the Sisters are proud to announce the change of the names of all our educational ministries beginning in the 2008-09 school year. Our school, grades Pre-K through 12th, will share the name Valley Catholic. These include:

• Valley Catholic Early Learning School (Little Flower Development Center)
• Valley Catholic Elementary School (St. Mary of the Valley School)
• Valley Catholic Middle School
• Valley Catholic High School
• Valley Catholic Music School (SSMO Music Center)

We are genuinely excited about promoting ourselves as one school and believe this will help us continue to attract more students and support for our educational ministry. At the same time, we treasure our rich history, as we know you do, and will continue to honor our past as we move forward.

The first week of school included an all campus Mass Wednesday morning and a parent coffee social Thursday morning followed by an all-school ceremony to dedicate the Sisters’ new peace bell on the front lawn for parents, students, Sisters, staff and our neighboring residents at Maryville Nursing Home.

Each October, toward the end of the month, we take a trip with our 7th grade friends from Valley Catholic Middle School to a local pumpkin patch. This year we will head to Baggenstos Farms for picking out our pumpkins, going on hay rides, playing Toss the Pumpkin and other kinds of fun. This trip is a celebration after our Early Learning School students and 7th graders have spent several weeks bonding with each other. Because the littlest ones can’t go on the bus with us, the infants and toddlers get to visit Sr. Rita’s Pumpkin Patch right next door. Sr. Rita is the President of Valley Catholic School.

Valley Catholic improved on its fourth place finish in 2007 to third in 2008.  The award that recognizes overall excellence on the field and in the classroom is sponsored by The Oregonian in conjunction with the OSAA.  It was the highest finish for Valley since the award began in 1999.  The Valiants will look to make a run at their first Oregonian Cup championship in the 2008-2009.