Skiing, Celebrating and Santa!

What a busy week it has been!  Fun, but very busy.


First, Skiing... 

Monsignor William Irwin students from grades 3 - 6 went skiing to Rabbit Hill all day Tuesday, December 14th. 

We rode to the hill in a festively decorated bus!

The Weather was perfect for our students to enjoy a day on the slopes.  Beginner, intermediate and advanced skiiers all took a lesson in the morning and then had some free ski time after lunch. 

Many students experienced their first time skiing under the expert guidance of the Rabbit Hill instructors.

 Here are some students beginning a snowboard lesson.

Some beginning snowboarders and skiiers riding the magic carpet up the Bunny Hill.

The next lift to master is the dreaded rope tow! 

If you can walk, you can ski!

This student makes it look easy.

When you get real good, they let you on the chair lift!

The success of the day is measured in how many students try to hang out in the lodge after lunch.  The fewer the students inside the better.  Not one of Monsignor William Irwin's students stayed in after they devoured their nutritious bag lunches.  I am sure a few beginning skiiers and snowboarders put lessons on their Christmas list!

The Fourth Advent Celebration...

As our last week of school came to a close we celebrated the fourth Advent Celebration with the entire school.  The grade one students were the main celebrants with some assistance from several students in other grades.  Father Andrew from St. Thomas More Parish was in attendance and gave the homily for the beautiful celebration.  The students sat in a circle to signify the never ending cycle of our liturgical season and our belief in life eternal.

Two grade one students played the parts of Mary and Joseph in the manger.

Students listened, prayed and sang respectfully throughout the Celebration and truly understood the reason for the season.

Santa's Breakfast...
On Friday Decemember 17th we had our first Annual Monsignor William Irwin Santa's Breakfast.  The morning was a huge success.  As many staff members rolled into school about 7:45 their nostrils were filled with the heavenly scent of pancakes.  Students, staff and parents alike were all wearing their P.J.'s to school to mark the end of a great first term and the beginning of a restful vacation.

Did you know that monks in Mexico in the 17th Century began to include the Poinsettia in their Christmas celebrations?

I looked into the gym the night before just to see what preparations had been made for Santas arrival.  This is what I saw: 

Serving tables.

Tables for students to sit and enjoy their breakfast.

A corner to have a little visit with Santa in!

The next morning the gym was a buzz with volunteers cooking and serving the healthful breakfast.

Ms. Stang's grade two students dug into their wholegrain pancakes, fruit and whipped cream.  Mmmhh!

Mrs. Flanagan's grade threes didn't mind taking a break from eating to talk with Jolly Old St. Nick.

 This is Madame Brassard's grade two class.

Each class posed for a group photo with Santa after asking him for their Christmas wish. 

Reflecting on the empty gym photos and those with the volunteers and children in them it is clear that we are Church.  It is not the building, but the people who are filling it with their love and faith that are making our community grow.

Once again, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!