Star Lights launched in 2022 and is produced in partnership with the PTO. The program is
designed to build on the strong academics and unwavering commitment to faith formation that are the foundation of a Star of the Sea education. As one of the only local Catholic schools to offer this type of enrichment, Star Lights is a unique differentiator for our community.

Winter 2024 offerings
Tumbling Tots!, prek 3 - Kindergarten
This class introduces basic gymnastics, with a focus on balance and flexibility. Fundamental skills will include forward rolls, backward rolls, log rolls, hand stands, cartwheels, backbends, and back walkovers, as well as some basic balance beam work. Parents will be invited to attend the final class, where students will demonstrate the skills they have gained. Students will learn how to stay safe and have fun, while exploring the sport of gymnastics ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics! Comfortable clothes and gym shoes are required.
Instructor: Julia McKee. A life-long gymnast and cheerleader, our new OLSOS gym teacher Julia McKee will lead this class. Mrs. McKee has extensive experience developing and coaching gymnastics and cheer programs for a wide range of organizations, including time spent as a senior staff member for Core Athletics, a traveling tumbling company. Fun fact: she was also a cheerleader for Wayne State University - go Warriors!

LEGO Team: Building a Masterpiece!, grades K-3
Whether your child has completed multiple complex builds, or they love puzzles but are a newbie to LEGOS, we have a place for them on our new Star FIRST LEGO League team. In Michigan, FIRST LEGO League Explore is an early elementary school program with teams comprised of students in K-3 who learn, play, hone skills, and acquire new ones. The 12-week class will culminate in a local FIRST in Michigan tournament, where our team will have a chance to show off their masterpieces.
Instructor: Dawn Dobija. The head coach for our LEGO team program is Star’s beloved prek-3 teacher, Dawn Dobija. Mrs. Dobija has a long association with LEGO® bricks, having served as an instructor with Bricks 4 Kidz®, one of the largest providers of STEAM-based educational enrichment programs.  Ms. Dobija’s educational philosophy is to develop the “whole child,” based on their own individual learning needs, and Star’s new LEGO program is designed to advance this approach. She will be joined by parent volunteers, who will serve as assistant coaches.

Farm to Table Around the World, grades 1-3
Cooking is one of the most universal life skills, and this class will explore food made around the world. We’ll visit cuisine from a variety of countries ranging from Japan and Greece to Italy and Spain. Along the way, we’ll learn how simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference in a meal. As always, your budding chef will bring home a tasty recipe - and leftovers - after class!
Instructor: Calvin Roberson. Chef Calvin began his culinary career in Chicago, working his way up to the ladder to become Executive Chef at the Columbia Yacht Club.  While there, he revamped the menu, brought in fresh ingredients and made everything from the condiments to the main courses for the members and their guests to enjoy healthier and tasty meals. He then launched his own company, Stockpot Cuisine, and transitioned his experience to become a personal chef, providing unparalleled dining and educational experiences throughout the world. We are excited to welcome his culinary expertise back to Star Lights.

Introduction to Pottery, grades 4 - 8 
Humans have been using clay to make vessels for thousands of years. This class explores the basic hand building technique of using clay coils to create structures such as bowls, vases and mugs. Students will be introduced to concepts and best practices of clay coils and will have the opportunity to make three ceramic pieces for their own daily use. The session will end with a mini art show for families.
Instructor: Jennifer Flanagan. Mrs. Flanagan, Star’s art teacher, always brings fresh creativity and ideas to our Star Lights program. A long time art educator, Mrs. Flanagan previously taught in the Algonac Community School district. She loves seeing children feel successful in art class, regardless of the medium. Her motto: “We are all creative in different ways.”

Dance for Musical Theatre, grades 3-8
Calling all theatre lovers! It’s time to sharpen your skills and have fun along the way. Dive into the art of stage movement by learning key choreography set to songs of one of today’s popular Broadway musicals.  The session will end with a mini musical theatre dance performance.
Instructor: Patrice Iannace. An instructor at Casali School of Dance for 35 years, “Miss Patti” also leads dance classes at the Grosse Pointe Farms Pier Park Parks and Rec. A much-loved instructor for Star Lights, she looks forward to continuing to share her love of movement with our students.