It is hard to believe we are already in the season of Advent, and the start of a new liturgical year.  Although many people in our society have already been celebrating Christmas for a few weeks, as a school we try to be conscious of the fact that we are still in a season of waiting.  Of course, it is hard to avoid all of the signs and symbols of Christmas, and we do have some celebrations planned at school as well.  However, this is a great time to involve your family in some extra spiritual activity, including praying around the Advent wreath.  

Our parish has a subscription to formed.org, and anyone is welcome to sign up for free.  Just go to signup.formed.org and select our parish name.  There are many resources for Advent.  One that might be fun for your children is  Drawing Closer to God:  Journey through Advent with the whole family! Join art teacher Ms. Kim as she teaches children to draw different scenes from the Christmas story, including the Annunciation, the shepherds' visit, the Nativity scene, and more. With compelling storytelling, Ms. Kim points out key details from Scripture and Catholic tradition.

 As kids follow along and learn new art skills, they also learn to see the connections between the big picture of God's story and their place within it. Sign up here to receive these episodes straight to your inbox and to check out our other great Advent resources: https://daily.formed.org/advent

THANK YOU

• to the choir members and lectors who helped at this morning's Mass, and the staff members who helped them prepare - we had a great number today!

INFORMATION

• Food Drive Need of the Week: boxes of cereal

• CandyGrams:  The Grade 7 class will be selling CANDYGRAMS and CANDY BAGS from December 4th – 7th to raise extra money for the hampers ($1/candygram and $2/candy bag).  If you wish to surprise your child with a candygram, you can email Mrs. Choboter (kchoboter@saintmarysschool.ca).

REMINDERS

• We are accepting donations for Christmas hampers.  Please see this list for a description of the family your child's class is supporting.

• We are still accepting applications for Christmas hampers.  Please contact Mrs. Choboter (kchoboter@saintmarysschool.ca)

MONDAY

TUESDAY

• 3:15-4:15 pm - Gr. 4/5 volleyball game day at St. James Elementary (2767 Townline Rd, Abbotsford.) Parents are responsible for arranging a ride for their child. 

WEDNESDAY

• Gr. K-7 Mass, 9:00 a.m.

• Hot lunch - pizza

• 9:50-10:40 - Gr. 1/2K, 1/2P, 4/5, 5/6 & 7 to Valleyhaven to sing for seniors.  Please make sure your permission slip is returned!

• Grade 6/7 Basketball Practice, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (last one of 2023)

THURSDAY

• 2:15 - 3:15 pm Poinsettia order pick up in gym foyer

• 2:15 - 3:15 pm Mini Christmas Tree Kit order pick up in gym foyer

• Parish Penitential Service:  7:00 p.m. (six priests available to hear Confessions)

FRIDAY

• Staff Advent Retreat:  NO SCHOOL

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

• Second Sunday of Advent!

LOOKING AHEAD

• Wednesday, December 13:  Christmas Lunch (whole school gathers in gym for lunch; lunch provided)

• Friday, December 15:  Christmas Shop (children bring $2 to shop in our "Christmas shop" for their parents/family members)

• Wednesday, December 20:  Advent Prayer Service (evening event - our "Christmas Concert" equivalent)

• Friday, December 22:  last day before holidays:  Red/Green Day; Christmas Singalong at 11:00; NOON DISMISSAL

• Monday, January 8, 2024:  SCHOOL REOPENS

Have a blessed Advent!