Christmas is NEXT week.
Perhaps you have all your gifts purchased or perhaps you are scrambling to get them all done but I would like to challenge all of our families to see how the gifts we give encourage the Catholic and Montessori principles of our school.

Ask the question:
Does the gift help the adolescent become a better person?
Does it draw them closer to God or away from God?
Does it involve their creativity?
Does it involve their imagination?
Does it challenge their spatial skills?
Does it widen their world view?
Is it a work with their hands or bodies?
Does it help them discover a gift or talent they have?
Does it help them discover their cosmic task?
Does it encourage group work in the family?
Does it teach them something new?
Does the clothing encourage modesty and order?
Does the hero/heroine display traits that are admirable?
Is the gift dependent on technology?
Does the gift encourage community (versus solitude)?

I love giving gifts but am careful that the gift I give is actually for the GOOD of the other (willing the good of another is the true definition of love). I would encourage you to ask yourselves the same questions with the gifts you give this year!

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Thursday Fun Day:
Last Thursday we attended our Advent retreat, THIS Thursday the adolescents will go to the Mall of American on a scavenger hunt. NEXT Thursday we will have a Christmas party in the classroom. Oh what fun.

Just a few details about this upcoming Thursday's outing to the Mall in Bloomington. Myself and Mrs. Ballin will be driving. The scavenger hunt is the main activity planned. We will divide into two groups, one group with myself, the other with Amy. We will come together for lunch - please remind them to bring some money to purchase lunch otherwise they may bring a sack lunch and we can store it until lunchtime! Following lunch, they will have an hour to be in the mall in small groups independently and will meet back together to depart. 

A provision: I am asking that if your student has a phone, that they bring it on Thursday as a safety precaution for communication. I will share my number with them as well as Amy's so that if there is an emergency - they can contact us both.

If you have any concerns with letting them be independent from us at the end of the day (for 1 hour) in small groups, please let me know and I can make sure your student stays with an adult.

Blessings,
Maria
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​Hello parents,
This is a busy weekend!

I just wanted to give a brief overview of what is expected Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday morning they should be at Epiphany at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. We will be setting up props, costumes, sound and lighting.

I am attending 8 a.m. mass at Epiphany before and would love to see you all there!

Then Sunday, we are asking all adolescents to wear all black (longed sleeve) (including shoes and socks). I will be too! They should arrive at 1:15 p.m. 

They have done SO much in organizing costumes, prop, and decorating the set. They are integral the process and it has been so much fun to do with them!

Let me know of any questions,
See you Sunday!

Hello all,
Hope you are enjoying your long weekend! Stay safe with the snow coming in tonight.

Just an update about the Adolescent Advent Retreat on Thursday

We are going to St. Paul where Miss Marilyn Smith's order has a condo that they open for community use. There we will have games, a couple talks, small group discussion, and adoration and praise and worship in the chapel there. The adolescents will enter into a deeper understanding of what Advent is and what they are called to do in response to the liturgical new year. We will depart right after dropoff in the morning and return back to Glen Cary for normal dismissal time. 

We are providing a special lunch for the students so they do not need to pack lunches for that day. I have given them permission to wear their athletic clothes on Thursday as well. 

Let me know of any questions!

Blessings,
​Mrs. Goodwin