A Mad Dash to Christmas
There are only two weeks of classes until Christmas Break and we have the pedal to the metal. Basketball, dance, and swimming are in full swing as the winter competition season is underway. The band, choir, and orchestra are making final preparations for their live concerts (with limited in-person audience attendance), and auditions for the spring production of Willy Wonka are on the horizon.
The annual Food Drive and Food Drive Auction is in high gear. Families, students, and staff have been incredibly supportive of our efforts again this year. The auction items have raised more than $4,000, which will be used to purchase gift cards for the families. Our combined Advisory groups have been collecting items for weeks as they prepare for pick-up day on Friday, Dec. 17.
We also have several quick changes to school life happening because of the prolonged effects and policy changes due to COVID-19. If you’ve lost track, we are now in our seventh academic quarter and bazillioninth iteration of Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority requirements for pandemic education.
These constant, often time-sensitive, actions make it difficult to slow down during the season of Advent. It seems with each passing year it gets more difficult to quiet my body, my mind, and my soul during this season. I have to be intentional about it otherwise, frankly, I will find that I have missed Advent completely. Here is a simple reflection that helps me be intentional about being present during the season of Advent.
Dear Jesus, You are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help me slow down, listen to Your voice, and focus on what’s really important. I place my hope in You as I prepare my heart to celebrate Your birth on Christmas. Amen.
Have a blessed Advent and Christmas.
Valiantly,
Doug Ierardi, Principal