Superintendent's Monthly Letter to Parents - December 14, 2022

December 14, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Rejoice, for the Lord is near! During Advent, we celebrate the joy that comes through Jesus’ birth and the salvation he will give us.

With the freshness of snow, we make our way into the warm, caring atmospheres within our school communities. Decorations are up, Christmas sweaters are coming out of closets, students are practicing for Advent celebrations, and activities are centered around this joyous season. Schools are wondrous and joyful places to be this time of year!

This past week, I witnessed pure, utter joy from a young boy at his school’s weekly Advent celebration. One of the songs chosen for the celebration was “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman. As I listened to the song, I enjoyed the beautiful childrens’ voices. I looked to my left and to my surprise, a young boy was standing up, strong and tall, shouting out the song. His face was filled with joy and, at the refrain, his hands and body moved with the beautiful beat of the song. He was truly worshiping the Lord’s holy name!

As we continue to focus on our Division faith theme, “Inspired by Christ on a Journey to Encounter, Nurture, and Serve,” my most sincere thanks to our School Councils, parent organizations in each school, who heard the concerns about food scarcity in our school communities and chose to support this cause.

As a result of our School Council’s  generosity and the many, many social justice projects within our schools at this time of year, we have truly supported our students and the people in our communities. Shared with you in our Quarterly Report are the unique stories of how our schools take care of our students’ needs.

While Christmas is a joyous season for many, it can also deepen feelings of loneliness and despair for some. I ask you to pray along with me for anyone in our community who is in special need of God’s comfort, mercy, and blessings this Christmas season. May they receive the help they need through the abundant love of God, and through the generosity and support of our community.

In closing, I hope you will consider seeking out joy every day, reflect, and have a conversation with a friend or colleague about what you saw, heard, and felt. Savor these moments. This action will lift you! Your whole face will light up like the young boy’s in the realization that we are in God’s blessed spaces.

Wishing you and your families a season that is merry and bright with the light of God’s love. May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter.

God bless,

Dr. Kathleen Finnigan
Superintendent