By: Maria 12-16-04
Many new and interesting Christmas events are happening at I.H.M. this Christmas. For example, the 5th graders are going caroling, grades four through six are putting on a Christmas play, and Student Council has created a Christmas Angel Tree. In addition, the school is planning other events to help the people of the parish.
Before Christmas break, the sixth graders and their kindergarten buddies are going to meet to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Mrs. Hardesty will read If You Take a Mouse to the Movies. Afterward, the students will exchange gifts and share Christmas stories. Finally, they will watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas while indulging in warm, buttery popcorn. They then will depart for Christmas break, with a new memory of a special day with their buddies.
The student council now is sponsoring a chance for your holiday wishes and prayers to be known to all. There is a Christmas tree in the school cafeteria, where all students will place their beautifully colored angels that include their holiday wishes and prayers. The tree is a symbol to the entire I.H.M. Parish Community that we are one family and we pray together. There are so many opportunities to help all of those in need in the I.H.M. Community.
Guess who came to I.H.M. last Friday? Santa Claus! During his visit, he stopped by grades K-4 and read The Polar Express. The students enjoyed the book almost as much as they enjoyed telling Santa their wishes. Each kindergartener, after whispering his or her wishes in Santa’s ear, received the book What Readers Can Do. Students in grades 1-4 received a bell after hearing the story. This book really makes people think about their childhood and Santa Claus.
As always, the fifth graders have received a wonderful opportunity to give back to the I.H.M. community,for all that has been given to them. The fifth graders will go caroling on December 13th. They will sing to I.H.M. elders and will, visit Cardinal Village Retirement Home. They will sing their favorite Christmas carols- and those of the elders. After caroling, the fifth graders will return to I.H.M., where they will enjoy punch and cookies.
This year, for a change of plans, the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grades are putting on a performance called “Holiday Wishes.” The 6^th graders will be on stage, singing and acting, while the 4^th and 5^th grades sing in front of the stage. “Holiday Wishes” takes place in a shopping mall, where there is a surveyor asking shoppers what they want for Christmas. One couple wants a Hawaiian vacation, while another couple wants their children to get along better, and yet another couple just wants peace in the world. Then there is an older couple, and all they want for Christmas is peace, joy, and harmony. This mini- performance has a hidden meaning: There is more to Christmas than just gifts and presents. There are many people in the world who would be happy with just the bare essentials, things that most of us take for granted every day. We must not just think about ourselves, our family, and friends, but we must remember those who are not as fortunate as us. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas is a favorite season of I.H.M. faculty, staff, and students because there are so many opportunities to help those in need in the Parish Community.