Student Activities

At Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School, we are devoted to helping our students grow academically, spiritually and emotionally. OLW offers many student organizations and clubs for just about every interest. We encourage students to pursue these activities as a way to make new friends, learn about teamwork, and practice leadership skills. Our goal is to provide an environment where our students can achieve personal success through a balance of intellectual, social, physical and emotional fulfillment– and have fun along the way!

Robotics Team – open to 5th-8th graders. Teams meet twice a week from September to December, or longer if teams advance to the state competition. In the past few years, several OLW teams have advanced from the regional round to the state competition and some have won team awards. OLW participates in the FLL (First Lego League).

Scholastic Bowl – open to 7th and 8th graders. OLW competes at St. Viator High School and at other local grade schools.

Band – Beginning Band is offered to students in 3rd and 4th grade and the Band program continues through eighth grade. The OLW band marches in the Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade and performs two concerts at school. The honor band often performs at other school functions such as the Grandparents Day Mass. 

Daisies, Brownies, and Girl Scouts – offered to students in Kindergarten and up. Girl Scouts supports the development of well-rounded, empowered young women prepared to make a positive impact in their communities. Members learn important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication through hands-on activities and group projects. The organization fosters self-confidence and resilience, encourages healthy relationships, and promotes a strong sense of responsibility.

Middle School Musical – open to all 5th – 8th grade students. They can be in the show or part of the tech crew. Everyone who auditions will have a role in the show. Principal roles and the ensemble roles are all important. Rehearsals are after school and on some Saturdays. Our musical is performed at St. Viator High School on their stage.

CORE and After-School Clubs – open to many grades depending on the activity. CORE classes have included STEAM, art, cooking, chess and theatre. Classes run after school for six weeks and are offered up to 3 times per school year. There are other after-school clubs offered by various teachers. Lego Club is a popular after-school club. 

Student Council – fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders elect class representatives.

Altar Serving – students are trained during the school year