Queen of Angels School Newsletter, December 7, 2007

Dear Parents,

    In the consumer world, Christmas has arrived! Santa stares at us from every time period and location in the world; Christmas trees vie for our attention; Christmas carols can be heard in the air; and ads and catalogs tempt us with every imaginable "perfect gift". It is so easy to let all of these seasonal trappings numb our awareness of what Christmas is truly about.

    The tradition of gift giving at Christmas can be traced to the gifts of the magi presented to Jesus when they arrived in Bethlehem to worship the newborn King. At the Epiphany, Jesus is revealed as the King of Kings, the Messiah sent by God to save all people.

    Gifts and gift giving are an important part of this time of year. In fact, most of us spend a lot of time during the season of Advent shopping for and making presents, wrapping them, and getting them to their destination. As soon as the hint of fall arrives, we begin planning to delight loved ones with special gifts that express our love, affection, and appreciation.

    Gifts and love are closely related. We have a great desire to give to those we love and care about. And while this is true for human beings, it is beyond our ability to comprehend all of the gifts that God desires for us because of his great love for us.

    The link between gift and expressions of love is seen most dramatically in Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone that believes in him might not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Not only does God give us the gift of Jesus; Jesus freely gives of himself in the Eucharist. And Jesus treasures us as gifts. He prayed to the Father: "Father, they are your gift to me." (John17:24)

    It is because we are the recipients of such immeasurable gifts and treasures that are ours from God through Jesus, that we are generous in giving gifts to others. The giving and the receiving of gifts- both material as well as gifts of the heart and spirit- bring blessing and joy to the giver and the receiver.

    In Jesus, God gives us the greatest gift of all because we are greatly loved.

            God bless you and your family,

           Mrs. Jordan

Advent Projects Occupy School Children: The school children are always searching for service activities to undertake, and Advent and Christmas take on a special focus. Activities involving students try to constantly remind them that they need to share the Light of Christ with others at home, in our school, and in our parish and the community. Each morning during Advent, a classroom takes a turn lighting the main Advent Wreath and using the daily advent prayer. Each classroom also has the names of parishioners who are homebound or in nursing homes. These individuals are remembered in prayer each day. Students are also busy making cards and "Angel Bags" to be delivered to the homebound and nursing home parishioners. These bags will include bookmarks, prayer cards, and Spiritual Bouquets, along with a little treat. Each grade, including Preschool, has had a hand in this project.

Student Council is also spearheading an effort to provide Christmas wishes to 9 individuals adopted either through the Christmas Bureau or the Parish. Each classroom is working to collect money for food and needed items for these individuals. Needed items include clothes, household items, toys, shoes, gas cards, and gift cards. All of the students are very aware of how much that have to be thankful for and want only to make the Christmas of others happy, as well.

Christmas Program: Please look at the special announcement attached to this newsletter from Miss Krenzke regarding the Christmas Program on Thursday, December 13. All students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade will participate in the program which begins at 7  pm in the Activities Center. Miss Krenzke has been practicing very diligently with the children. You won't want to miss this!

Festival of Gingerbread Houses: The kindergarten made their annual trip to see the gingerbread houses at the History Museum, and two students were chosen as winners in the gingerbread house coloring contest. Congratulations to Alyssa Gunter and Brandon Ringer!

Christmas Boutique: This event will take place next Monday through Thursday in the upstairs meeting rooms of the Activities Center. All of the children will have a chance to browse and shop the many items available at the Boutique. Many, many thanks to Jessica Porfilio for coordinating this event, and all of the ladies who have volunteered to help her, including Mrs. Kimes, Mrs. Nicholson, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Neireiter, Mrs. Myers, Mrs. Dennie, Lynn Morris, Mrs. Musco, Mrs. Hazelet, Mrs. Gomez, Mrs. Bell, Cheryl Schneider, Mrs. Balestra, and others. The children really get excited about this event and we appreciate the wonderful opportunity provided to them.

Confessions will be held next week for all children grades 4-8. Grades 4 & 5 will have confessions on Monday December 10 while those in grades 6-8 will have confessions on Thursday, December 13.

Candy Cane Sales: Christmas is coming soon! How can you celebrate? Well, you could buy a candy cane for your friend or loved one. Student Council will be selling these candy canes for .25 a piece and delivered directly to the person you wish to send it to. These sales will begin on December 10 through December 21. So hurry before it's too late!---- Happy Holidays, Student Council

Christmas Program Information (from Miss Krenzke)

Program is Thursday, December 13 at 7 pm. The following is important information for all students.

Students are to arrive in their homerooms at 6:30 pm on December 13.

Students are to dress in their nicest "Sunday attire." If possible, have them dress in Christmas-like colors, such as red, green, gold, silver, etc. but this is not required.

Shoes should be comfortable and safe for standing on bleachers as this is where students will be standing when they perform.

Attire should be appropriate in length, and necklines should be appropriate, as well.

Students who have special solos toward the beginning of the program (outside of classroom songs we have rehearsed) should bring their music and instrument (if needed) to school to perform on the day of rehearsal. The dress rehearsal is during school on Tuesday, December 11. Even if students know their songs by heart I would like to see their music. These students are: Melissa Buenconsejo, Olivia Myers, Isaac Berg, Matthew Gillett (let me know if I left out anyone or if you are no longer planning to perform.)

Lastly, if anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me at anna.krenzke@queenofangelsschool.com. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Program!