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August 16, 2024
Dear SMM School Community,
Isaiah tells us that in order to prepare the way of the Lord, we must first see that “every valley be lifted up” and “every mountain be made low.” Our faith proclaims that God moves towards us; all we have to do is prepare to receive Him. This Advent we are challenging and guiding our students to do this in two ways. First, by adding one new practice (filling in a valley) that will help them experience God’s hope and peace. Examples include adding time to prayer, giving of time and treasure to those in need, attending mass and confession, or making special acts of kindness. Our Toy Drive, Advent Confessions, and Gift of Prayer each serve this same purpose of preparing our students to experience the love of the coming King. Secondly, we encourage them to subtract one practice (lowering a mountain) that distracts them from the Advent message. Examples include eliminating ugly words, replacing anger with forgiveness, letting go of jealousy, worry, or a desire to be cool, or spending less time with media entertainment.
So please ask your students, “How are you filling in the valleys and lifting up the mountains this Advent?,” and look for ways to prepare for Christ’s coming as a family. I wish each family faith, peace and joy in this Advent season. It’s good to be your principal.
Josh St.Cyr
Dear Parents, As you know, that wonderful but often busy time of year is coming. We would like to invite you to take a break from your to-do lists and come join your children in prayer during the Advent Season. On December 10, 11 & 12th, every class will be visiting the Church for Eucharistic Adoration to offer a gift of prayer for a loved one. We all need prayer, and what greater gift could we possibly give each other than prayer before Jesus in the Eucharist! We would love for every student to have one adult (parent/grandparent/grand friend) accompany him/her in offering this gift of prayer in Eucharistic Adoration.
Adults of students in K-7 will meet students in the church at the scheduled time indicated below. There’s no need to check-in first at the front office. After adoration, parents will be dismissed from the church, and students will walk back to their classroom with their teachers. It would be helpful to discuss with your children who they might like to offer their gift of prayer for, as you and your child will each receive a beautiful prayer card to fill out and give to that special someone this Christmas.
Adults of students in Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 will meet their child in the classroom and walk with their child to the church.
Please make plans to join us! You truly don’t want to miss this time of peace and quiet in prayer alongside your child. The graces poured out in Eucharistic Adoration just can’t be found anywhere else, not even on AMAZON! We look forward to praying with you!
God bless,
The Christmas Gift of Prayer PTO Committee
Gift of Prayer Schedule is below
PK3 and PK4: Parents meet in their CHILD’S CLASSROOM and walk to church with child
K-7: Parents meet their children IN THE CHURCH
The 2024 Book Fair will be December 9-11th.Most classes will attend book fair and Gift of prayer back to back on the same day. Please see schedule for your child's class/grade above.
Dear Chargers,
Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Studies show that kids read more when they choose books for themselves. And fostering a love of independent reading leads to a wide variety of benefits—including academic success and improved mental health.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Book Fair:
Dates: December 9-11th- See schedule below for your child’s specific time (along with the Gift of Prayer scheduled time as well).
Location: E Bldg Hall
We still need volunteers to work the fair, many parents work the fair before, during or after their child's scheduled time. Please sign up for a short time helping out at the fair.
Volunteers link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CACA828A0F9C43-53015903-book
Shop online and set up your eWallet.
There’s even more info on our school’s Book Fair homepage:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/stmargaretmaryschoolslidell
While you’re there, set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the Fair without cash. Then share your eWallet link so friends and extended family can add funds. Many of us still remember the rush of finding the perfect book at a Scholastic Book Fair. I hope you’ll join your child at our school’s Fair and share a reading experience they’ll remember forever.
Happy reading,
SMM PTO
PS: Need one more reason to visit the Book Fair? Every purchase at the Fair benefits our school!
HEALING THROUGH PRAYER
We ask that you please pray for: Linda Bertrand, Laretta Cochran, Our Country, The Pope and Church Leaders; for police, firefighters, first responders and health care workers.
We will publish the names of friends and family members who have asked for our prayers. If you wish for us to include someone, please email Coach Gay at gknock@saintmmschool.org.
