School Newsletter: December 5, 2021

Congratulations to all our Second Graders who made their First Reconciliation on Saturday. I also want to congratulate in advance the ones who will be making this sacrament within the next couple of Saturdays. May you always value and practice this gift from God to experience His love and mercy. 

Advent is here! A former student of OLSOS wrote an Advent poem a few years back, which I still find special. Since our classical model integrates poetry within all subjects, I find it fitting to share this work to inspire our present families and students to dive into the practice of reading and writing poetry. In addition, I have a challenge for any of our students to memorize and recite a portion of this poem to their teacher or myself as this would bring us such joy. 

Come again in a spiritual way
Remind us of that holy day
When you took on flesh and came into the world
When you were born of Mary, a beautiful girl.

You came not in splendor, glory, or might
But was born a baby on a dark, silent night
But Mary and Joseph knew who you were
Likewise, the kings who brought you gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

You slept among the animals you created
And lay on the hay as you patiently waited
For the moment when you would save the earth
Which was foretold long before your birth.

Help us to see what the shepherds saw
As they bent their knees and stared in awe
At a little child who cried, “I thirst!”
For the salvation of souls, not to be nursed.

Come again on Christmas day
Prepare our hearts as we prepare the way
For you, whom the Father sent.
God, I pray you bless our Advent
        -Anonymous

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• The Advent Store is still in need of more volunteers to wrap - please see attached link
• Completion of our parking lot is quickly approaching - soon, the release of students from the gym will require parents to park using both lots and street parking. 
• Religious Sock Fundraiser - socks must be ordered this weekend in order to receive by Christmas (see attached flyer). 
•  Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8 - School Mass at 9AM- full dress uniform required.  Additional Mass times for this Holy Day of Obligation are 12:00 and 7:00PM.
• If you are not receiving our Parent Alerts, and would like to, please call or email the office for further instruction. 
• Our upcoming Faith Rally is a special day of eucharistic adoration, special activities, service projects, praise & worship music, and a great deal of FUN for all grade levels. Parents are welcome to attend at 11:30PM.  

UPCOMING DAY

Dec. 6- Feast of St. Nicholas (student shoes to be filled) 
Dec. 6- Intramurals BB Practice 7/8 grade @ 3:45-5:30                                                 
Dec. 7- Intramurals BB Practice 5/6 grade @ 3:45-5:30 
Dec. 8- Feast of the Immaculate Conception- School Mass @ 9AM
Dec. 10- Faith Rally - pick up procedure TBD  
Dec. 13- Report Cards sent home
Dec.13-15  Parish Advent Mission with Sr. Miriam James @ 6:30PM - 8:00PM 
Dec.17- Christmas Break Starts 

CATHOLIC LIBERAL EDUCATION IN ACTION

In PE classes K-8, Mrs. Kilgallen leads her students to understand the great need for physical education within a classical approach. She incorporates clever games and strength building to enhance the full formation of the student. She aims to instruct her students that glorifying God is also done through taking care of their bodies. A wonderful explanation of our theory on physical education is presented below.
https://www.hillsdale.edu/hillsdale-blog/k12-classical-education/mind-and-body-why-physical-education-needs-to-be-an-essential-feature-of-classical-education/

WITNESS OF THE WEEK
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​In 7th Grade, Jonah Pantig was noted as the witness of the week. As his class was moving along swiftly, he stopped and waited (demonstrating the virtue of patience) to greet and converse with a teacher who was presently busy. His manners and cordial nature were exemplary.