Celebrating Gifts As We Return to School

Our 2016-2017 school year at Our Lady of the Lake has gotten off to a wonderful start!  We have added classrooms and now have two classes in each grade.  We will introduce our new teachers in the next edition.  Our preschool is nearly at capacity and it has been wonderful to see all of our returning families and to welcome all of our new families. 

Our theme for this school year is:  “Though many…we are one in the Body of Christ.”  We will be talking this year about each person’s uniqueness and the special gifts that each of us brings.  We need to help our children understand that they are part of this wonderful community, that we celebrate our differences, that each of us is needed and valued.

At one of our opening parent meetings, I read the inscription off a plaque that hangs right outside the main office.  Though I pass it every day, I never really stopped to ponder the message.  It goes like this:

Be it known to all who enter here,

That Christ is the reason for this school,

The unseen but ever present Teacher in its classes,

The model of its faculty and

The inspiration of its students.

What a truly beautiful message and so true.  During our curriculum night, the parent of one of our new students stopped in the office and remarked how happy she was that they were now part of our school.  She felt that presence of Christ and she wanted that for her daughter.  We talked about how important it is for our children to have that relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is the most important lesson that we will ever teach.

Lunchroom Cuteness

During these first few days of school, our children are asked to pack their lunch.  As the children were eating, one of the kindergarteners packed up her lunch box, got up from the table and started to walk toward the door.  We asked her where she was going and she looked up and said, “I’m going to finish my lunch at home.”  It does not get any better than that.  She had been here long enough and it was time to head home!

We explained to her that the day was just a little bit longer and she would be going home soon!  Our children are so precious.  These first few days can be stressful and overwhelming.  Everyone needs just a little bit more love and attention-even the grown-ups in the building.  I love this quote and always try to remember it:  “If we are depressed, we are living in the past.  If we are anxious, then we are living in the future.  If we are at peace, then we are living in the present.”   It is always good to truly present to the moment that you are in – to be aware of the presence of God and of the people and beauty that surrounds us.  We are looking forward to a wonderful year!