Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

Thanksgiving Break is over and the Season of Advent is officially underway.  We are entering a busy period of time that will end with a flourish before Christmas break.  Much preparation and planning has taken place to assure our students are well prepared for the coming of Christ on Christmas Day.  Here are some of the upcoming events at St. Patrick School:

• On November 30, our high school students participated in their annual retreats.
  

• Each Monday during Advent, students will assemble in the gym to participate in the Advent Wreath lighting ceremony led by our high school Campus Ministry Team.

• On December 14, we will celebrate our final school Mass of 2011.  After Mass, Big Rocks will assist their Little Rocks to write “Letters to Santa,” as part of a program sponsored by Macy’s.  The company donates$1.00 to the Make A Wish Foundation for each letter to Santa.

• Our annual preschool through 5th grade Christmas music program will be held on Monday, December 19 at the Portland High School auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

And, inaddition to all of the Christmas activity, we have a flurry of athletic and academic activities, as well:

• The winter sports season kicked off this week with our JV and varsity girls basketball teams hosting Morrice at home on November 29.  The boys JV and varsity boys basketball season begins when they travel to Morrice on December 6.  The bowling team starts their season at home (Meadowbowl Lanes) against P-W on December 5.
  

• This year St. Patrick School isexperimenting by having first semester exams take place before Christmas break.  Exams will be held on December15, 16, 19 and 20.

 I appreciate the efforts of our students and staff and all they have done to help us prepare for a busy Advent Season.  I also appreciate the support of our parents and grandparents during Advent.  We look forward to this busy time of year and welcome the challenges ahead as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.