Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School, 915 Pleasant St and 3165 Washington Avenue, Saint Joseph, MI.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rooted in Sacred Scripture and centered on the eucharist, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School embraces the values of education, faith, and citizenship for PS 3 - 12th grade students. Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School Philosophy Statement – “Christian community is not merely a concept to be taught but a reality to be lived”. ~Pope John Paul II

Our Lady of

the Lake Catholic School recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children. It is with the active involvement of our parents that we provide a uniquely Catholic educational experience which encompasses the whole person: spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional and physical. Together we strive for excellence in order to develop the students’ potential into talents and abilities channeled for the service of God and the betterment of humankind and self, by modeling upon the life of Jesus Christ in His teachings as handed down by the Catholic Church. Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School will:

● emphasize commitment to Church which fosters the spiritual growth of students
● collaborate to meet the individual needs of students
● develop servant leaders
● stress critical thinking skills in the light of moral reasoning
● foster and strengthen self-discipline
● develop a responsibility for peace and justice
● enhance students’ ability to function in a technological world
● challenge students to continue to develop their potential as a life-long learner

These hope-filled students, rooted in our Catholic tradition, will be eager to face, in faith and trust, an uncertain future with a critical, reflective, creative and peaceful anticipation.

Meet the StaffLisa Whitfield Office Manager/Administrative Assistant to the PrincipalHow many years have you been at Our...
09/01/2026

Meet the Staff

Lisa Whitfield
Office Manager/Administrative Assistant to the Principal

How many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?
“I’ve been at OLL for 22 years!”

What do you love most about working here?
“The kids, of course!”

What’s one fun fact about yourself that our school families might not know?
“I am an introvert!”

Meet the StaffAnna Reed High School PrincipalHow many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?“This is my 7th year a...
08/31/2026

Meet the Staff

Anna Reed
High School Principal

How many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?

“This is my 7th year at OLL!”

What do you love most about working here?

“Our students are truly the best. They are kind, respectful, fun to be around, and a wonderful representation of our community.”

What’s one fun fact about yourself that our school families might not know?

“I’ve been to Italy four times! It’s my favorite place in the world. Most recently, I got to visit all of the Holy Doors in Rome during the Jubilee Year 2025.”

MEET THE STAFF Karen LageMiddle School Math TeacherHow long have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?"I have taught at Our ...
08/29/2026

MEET THE STAFF

Karen Lage
Middle School Math Teacher

How long have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?

"I have taught at Our Lady of the Lake for 15 years."

What do you love most about being part of the Laker community?

"I love coming to school each day because I enjoy helping students learn, share experiences, and support one another to be the best they can be!

Being part of Our Lady of the Lake has also given me the joy of watching my former Laker students, as well as my own son and daughter, grow and develop into confident, faith-filled leaders. My children are proud Laker alumni from the Classes of 2020 and 2024."

Tell us something fun about yourself!

"I love learning about history, people, and cultures, so I’ve set a goal to visit all 48 contiguous states. So far, I’ve been to 43. Only five more to go!"

Meet the Staff:Sue ZilkeAfter Care/Summer Camp Director & Sub CoordinatorHow many years have you been at Our Lady of the...
08/28/2026

Meet the Staff:

Sue Zilke
After Care/Summer Camp Director & Sub Coordinator

How many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?
"I'm going into my 27th year of After Care. I just finished my 11th year of Summer Camp and am going into my fourth year as Sub Coordinator."

What do you love most about working here?
"The staff, students, and their families have all become my extended family that I can share my faith with every day!"

What's one fun fact about yourself that our school families might not know?
"I love to bake, especially cookies, for my family and friends. I used to decorate elaborate birthday cakes, and my hardest one was a Godzilla cake!"

Meet the Staff:Fran MicheliniLiturgy/MusicHow many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?"I began working as a sub...
08/27/2026

Meet the Staff:

Fran Michelini
Liturgy/Music

How many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?
"I began working as a sub for OLL in the fall of 2020. I began teaching Music and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd the following year."

What do you love most about working here?
"It is such a blessing to be able to work in an environment where I can share faith and pray with my coworkers and students. My favorite sound is hearing children sing to the Lord, and I experience this so much at OLL."

What's one fun fact about yourself that our school families might not know?
"I love spending time with my family. I am the youngest of nine, have been married for almost 38 years, raised four daughters, and my 11th grandchild was just born. God is good, all the time!"

Recess is serious business around here.New school year, same important decisions: basketball or football?
08/26/2026

Recess is serious business around here.

New school year, same important decisions: basketball or football?

Meet the Staff:Krista ClimerSchool CounselorHow many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?"This will be my second...
08/26/2026

Meet the Staff:

Krista Climer
School Counselor

How many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?
"This will be my second year at Our Lady of the Lake Elementary as school counselor, but my first full year! I started in October of 2025."

What do you love most about working here?
"I love the opportunity to work one-on-one with students and build meaningful relationships with them. I enjoy getting to know each student individually and being someone they can connect with and feel supported by.

I also really enjoy leading small groups where I can teach and practice important social-emotional skills in a fun and engaging way. One of my favorite parts of the job is getting to do read-alouds in the classrooms and connect social-emotional learning to stories that students can relate to. I appreciate the variety that this role brings and that no two days are exactly the same. Most of all, I love being part of the OLL community and having the opportunity to make a positive impact on students and the school as a whole."

What's one fun fact about yourself that our school families might not know?
"Before becoming a school counselor, I was an early childhood educator! I earned my Elementary Education degree with Early Childhood endorsement from Western Michigan University in 2017 and spent five years teaching Preschool and Early Head Start at Flowers Early Learning, formerly known as Tri-County Head Start.

After having my two children, I discovered a new passion for supporting children and families through mental health. I returned to Western Michigan University and graduated in April 2025 with my Master's in Social Work. I truly believe my background in education and social work has prepared me for the work I get to do today!

Outside of my school counseling role at OLL, I also work in private practice, where I support children, individuals, and families navigating things like anxiety, ADHD, and divorce. I feel very lucky that my career has allowed me to combine my love of education with my passion for helping others!"

We had a great first day at the elementary! “Make a joyful noise to God all the earth.”
08/25/2026

We had a great first day at the elementary! “Make a joyful noise to God all the earth.”

Meet the StaffPhil McDonaldAthletic DirectorHow many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?"5"What do you love mos...
08/25/2026

Meet the Staff

Phil McDonald
Athletic Director

How many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?
"5"

What do you love most about working here?
"Working with the administration and staff is amazing. You couldn't ask for a better group of caring individuals to work with. Although, above everything else, I love working with the student athletes and being able to see them achieve everything that they do. Their excitement and enthusiasm is infectious. They make coming into work every day more than worth it."

What's one fun fact about yourself that our school families might not know?
"Some may not know that I had a 36 year career in radio broadcasting before I came to Our Lady of the Lake. During that time, I had the pleasure of broadcasting high school sporting events, including the Lady Lakers' State Championship basketball game in 1988."

Meet the StaffJennifer SchraubenPreschool 4 TeacherHow many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?"This will be my...
08/24/2026

Meet the Staff

Jennifer Schrauben
Preschool 4 Teacher

How many years have you been at Our Lady of the Lake?
"This will be my 15th year teaching at Little Laker Preschool."

What do you love most about working here?
"I feel very blessed to teach at a Catholic school and be a part of an incredible preschool team. I teach along side of teachers that support me, make me laugh and inspire me to be the best I can be. Preschool is a child’s first school experience and it is my privilege to teach them about Gods love and help them love school and love learning."

What's one fun fact about yourself that our school families might not know?
"When I was younger my siblings and I created a band together and we would put on performances for my mom and dad. We called ourselves ‘The Crazy Daisy Band’"

Address

915 Pleasant St And 3165 Washington Avenue
Saint Joseph, MI
49085

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