St. Monica School
60 Sterritt Drive
Brampton, Ontario L6Y 5B6
Tel (905) 454-6346 Fax (905) 454-6349
www.dpcdsb.org/MONIC
Dec. 2013
Advent is a period of simple living and extra prayer. It is a time to prepare for a new coming of Jesus
Newsletter
our Saviour.
Advent means ‘coming’. At Christmas we will remember Jesus’ first coming, and prepare our hearts for a new
coming.
Jesus is a loving and peaceful Saviour. He calls his followers to make the whole world loving and peaceful.
Advent is a time to reevaluate our priorities, to ‘wake up’ and to walk with God. It is a wonderful opportunity for
active service towards those who are poor in body and poor in spirit. It is a time to set aside differences and unite in
peace and love.
Advent beckons us to go beyond our own misgivings and to reach out to those less fortunate.
• Like the shepherds, let us show we love Jesus by our efforts to be with Him.
Mississauga Brampton
Central Family of Schools
L. Papaloni
Superintendent
P. Peroni
Principal
C. Duke
• Like the Wise Men, let us not keep our wealth to ourselves but rather share it among those who have little.
Vice Principal
• Like the little drummer boy, let us shout to the world, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”
C. McIntyre
Our daily prayers and classroom activities act as reminders throughout Advent, the season for hope and for waiting is
upon us.
At school, staff and students are preparing for the season with Advent wreaths, Liturgies, Christmas stories, artwork,
Head Secretary
letters to Santa, songs, hymn practices and charitable assistance. Being together as a community with the children and
joyfully awaiting the birth of Christ is very special indeed.
E. Weseloh
Assistant Secretary
T. B.D.
Council Chair
A. da Silva
Trustee
Dates to Remember
December 11: Rosary Apostolate
December 2: HOPE Primary Advent Liturgy 11:45
December 12: 6 –7 p.m. Primary Christmas Craft
December 3:
December 13: Virtues Assembly 1:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m. Santa Photos
December 9: FAITH Primary Advent Liturgy 11:45
December 10:
December 16: JOY Primary Advent Liturgy 11:45
10 a.m. Mass St. Jerome Parish
(905) 890-0708 (ext. 20154)
anna.dasilva@dpcdsb.org
St. Jerome’s Parish
Fr. Jan Kolodynski
Pastor
8530 Chinguacousy Rd.,
Brampton, Ontario
905-455-4260
ADDITIONAL DATES
December 2-December 13: Gift Of Warmth Collection
December 11, December 17: 2:30 p.m. Choir-Burton Manor
December 5, December 19: Pizza days
December 2-December 11: Christmas Store Share Life Collection
December 12: Mr. Sub Day
December 16, 17: Christmas Store Open for Share Life
December 19: Christmas Snow-A-Thon $2.00/$3.00 donation
Dancing Schedule: 9:30-10:40 Grade 1-Grade 3, 10:45-12:05 Gr.4-Gr. 6
1:15-1:45 ELP-FDK, 1:45-3:22 Gr. 7-8
December 20: Christmas Holidays Begin, No School For Students
Website: www.stjeromeparish.ca
Principal’s Message:
We continue to appreciate your support in working
collaboratively with the school staff and in seeing that your
children carry out their responsibilities as Catholic students. If
you have any concerns about your child, you are encouraged to
contact the teacher immediately to discuss them. C. Duke and
myself are also available to discuss any concerns or
compliments.
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
“Catholic Schools aspire to a holistic influence in that they
seek to infuse the whole curriculum and the ethos with the
Catholic unifying vision. The Catholic character of a school
is not something extra appended to the otherwise neutral
content of the curriculum, to the otherwise instrumental
process of teaching and the otherwise non-ideological
climate of the school. The distinctively Catholic inspiration
of a school leaves, on the contrary, its internal mark on the
whole curriculum and the ethos of that school.”
Stefaan E. Cuypers A Journal of Catholic Education and Practice “The Ideal of Catholic
Education in a Secularized Society” June 2004
This is the moment to continue to teach our faith! In
Catholic schools we provide space and time for the
holy.
Remember to try to be kinder than necessary,
for everyone we meet may be
fighting some kind of battle.
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH:
HOPE
We believe that God comes to
us as a real human who can
show us the way of life. We
understand that both the world
and its people are from God
and so are essentially good.
Furthermore, God has given
us this Advent season year
after year in order to focus our
minds and our hearts on the
good all around us. Year after
year, we are reminded that
God chose to send his Son to
us because we are worth it.
God knows how great we can
be when we all come together.
People of Hope….Are patient, Know how to wait his/her
turn, Can calm him/herself down and think before reacting,
Know how to avoid physical aggression (hitting, kicking,
punching, fighting, etc.)
PARISH NEWS
St. Jerome’s Parish
Tel: 905-455-4260, Fax: 905-450-6326
E-Mail: office@stjeromeparish.ca
Homepage: http//www.stjeromeparish.ca
Sunday Eucharist: Saturday 5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
Fr. Jan “Our Good Father”
On November 5, Fr. Jan had an informational session for parents/
guardians of our Gr. 8 students, the strong parental attendance reaffirms
our Catholic faith and true partnerships.
We continue to work with Fr. Jan on the faith formation of students, families
and staff. As a school we continue to work on mass responses, and
appropriate protocol. We look forward to having him preside over our
Advent Mass on Dec. 10th at 10 a.m. at St. Jerome’s Parish. All are
welcome.
St. Jerome Parish Youth News
The youth group meets weekly on Tuesday evening from 7:30-9 p.m. Feel
free to join in at the 7 p.m. mass before the meeting. Each week the
students explore their faith, have fun and explore many topics that are
important to teens. New members Gr. 8-12 are always welcome.
The Advent Wreath
The season of Advent is upon us and Fr. Jan is sharing an explanation of the
Advent Wreath. The Advent Wreath is one of the oldest traditions of the Church,
probably dating back to the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. The circular
wreath represents the cycle of thousands of years from Adam to Jesus, during
which the world awaited the arrival of the Messiah. THE CIRCLE, without
beginning or end, teaches us that God 's love and eternal life are both never
ending. THE EVERGREEN is the symbol of life and hope. It teaches us that the
Lord Jesus is our hope for salvation as green is the Church's colour for hope. The
evergreen never changes just as God's love for us will never change. THE
CANDLES symbolize the light of grace given to all peoples when our Saviour is
born. The candles have no meaning unless they are lit. Their flame gives us light,
life and warmth. As Jesus' coming draws near, the brightness of their light
increases each week. The purple candles, like the purple vestments worn by the
priest remind us that this season is penitential, as we make our hearts ready to
celebrate once again, the birth of Christ and hopeful, as we wait with great
anticipation for the Feast of Christmas and the final coming of the Lord. The rose
candle reminds us of joy because we know the Lord is near. The white candle in
the centre represents Christ, our Light. Each of the candles also represents the
following: Candle 1 - purple - Hope and the Patriarchs, Candle 2 - Purple - Peace
and the Prophets, Candle 3 - Rose - Joy and John the Baptist, Candle 4 - Love
and Mary, the Mother of Christ, Candle 5 - Christ, the light of the world.
CONSIDER having your own Advent wreath at home, whether purple and rose, or
simple white candles. Lighting the Advent Wreath as a family each night (at
supper?), dispelling the winter darkness as we prepare to celebrate the feast of
Christmas, can be a focus of prayer for your family this year.
(Please do not leave lit candles unattended!)
I suggest you gather the materials you will need and decide on a place in your
home for your Wreath. BLESSING ON THE SECOND ADVENT FOR YOUR
ADVENT WREATH AT HOME
Dear God
Who by your word created light from darkness, and breathed life into all
your creatures. Bless this wreath and those who use it.
May its light remind us of your presence in our lives. May its green
branches remind us of your faithfulness that never ends.
ST. JEROME CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES-TUESDAY DECEMBER 24
5:00 P.M., 7:30 P.M., 9:30 P.M., 12:00 MIDNIGHT
CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES-WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25
10:30 A.M. AND 12:00 NOON
THURSDAY DECEMBER 26-10:00 A.M. ONLY
SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD
(HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION)
TUESDAY DECEMBER 31-5:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 1—10:30 A.M. & 12 NOON
REPORTING ABSENCES
If your child/children are going to be absent or late for school,
we ask that you call the school office and leave a message
(905) 454-6346. Let us know on a day to day basis if your
child will continue to be absent. As a safety precaution we will
always try to contact parents by phone if we have not received
any messages. Your continued cooperation is greatly
appreciated.
CHOIR
Our committed choir members continue to practice for our
Advent Mass, and their visits to Burton Manor to cheer the
residents this Christmas Season. All of this is made possible
through the dedication and time provided through their teacher
leaders; D. Doyle, M. Manalo, M. Hamilton and S. MacDonald.
Thank you to the directors and the students for their continued
commitment.
FULL DAY Kindergarten Registration for 2014-15
Registration for Full-Day Kindergarten for the 2013-14 school
year, will take place at St. Monica on the following days:
Monday, January 27, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.*
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
* Snow Date:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
For more information about registration and the Full-Day
Kindergarten program, call St. Monica School or visit
www.dpcdsb.org.
Extended French Information Meeting
Grade 4 parent(s)/guardian(s), who wish to enrol
their child in a Grade 5 Extended French class for
September, 2014 are invited to attend an
information meeting at:
School: St. Monica School
STUDENT FAITH AMBASSADORS:
Thanks to T. Collier, A. Tac, S. Figliuzzi, J. Conway, J. Correia,
T. Deleo for leading our Faith Ambassadors, congratulations to
the following students who are committed to the youth
ambassador group; Maya L., Cieria P., Andrew P., Natalie T.,
Eugenio F., Camilla F., Isabella U., Katelyn A., Jeslyn A, Faustina M.,
Marianne N., Teesha A., Salena G., Alexia P., Reese Q., Jamauri N.,
Peace O., Ella S., Yasmine A., Adam S., Christian T., Natalina D.,
Anthony M., Christina J., Jade M., Justin K., Cerra C., Elissa S., Mate
V., Beni D., Stefan L., Victoria M., Angela S., Jordan B., Anjelica M.,
Dumebi I., Janella L., Megan M., Miryam K., Emerson G., Jefferey O.,
Jude A., Tuyet P., Autum G., Belen F.
Student Council
Thanks also to our Student Council for their lead with Our
Christmas Tree Of Warmth. We thank them for all their
involvement throughout the school.
Address: 60 Sterritt Dr.
Brampton, L6Y 5B6
Date:
Time:
Wednesday January 15, 2014
7:00 pm.
Applications will be accepted at our school until
3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 12th, 2014.
GOING GREEN
Thanks to the numerous families whom submitted your e-mail
address for GOING GREEN. Effective immediately, newsletter,
forms, messages etc., will be sent electronically. If you have
not already signed up for going green, you still can, please
contact the office. We will still send out paper copies of
newsletters to the youngest and only for those families whom
did not sign up for this option.
ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK
Please be aware that there are a number of students at St.
Monica with a severe life-threatening food allergy
(anaphylaxis) to peanuts, nuts and fish. This is a medical
condition that causes a severe reaction to certain allergens
and can result in death within minutes. You have been notified if this affects your child’s class directly, please send
foods with your child that are free from
peanuts, nuts and/or fish or any other
severe food items that may cause serious distress, as already notified by
your child’s teacher. Thank you for
your understanding.
EPI-PENS Must be worn in a
pouch/fanny pack on the student requiring an EPI-Pen.
Insurance
With all the activities that take place at school in the playground, the gym and in sports, accidents happen. Dental
injuries can occur when 2 children accidentally bump heads
or fall. The school board does not carry accident insurance for students. Fall outdoor activities, extra-curricular
and excursions are an additional reason you may wish to buy
student accident insurance. An insurance package was sent
home with your child(ren). This is optional for families. You
may purchase coverage for your child at
www.insuremykids.com or by calling toll free at 1-800-463KIDS (5437). Please direct your questions to a Reliable Life
Insurance Representative.
Stack-A-Thon
Congratulations to the St. Monica Stack-A-Thon Club who
Participated in the World Record Competition for the most people
Speed Stacking at the same time for 30 minutes straight! Our
participants were Daniel M., Angelo G., Jeslyn G.A., Neamaka I.,
Eghosa, Elisha L., Delaine P., Justin K., Miguel A.V., Azucena V.,
Reese Q., Iverson, Jada R., Graham M., Peace, Shaniya P., Celina L., Zyus M., Cameron S., Taj'ae P-H., Tiago O.,
Nina S., Anuji V., Jordan D., Daniel M., Hayden A., Malik C., John
M., Ava S., Jiselle L., Brayden P., Melissa L., Jada, Danny J.,
Daniella A., Kosi, Vanessa A., Daniel J.K., Hellina B., Katelyn A.,
Logan N., Julian P., Adam F., Peter P., Faustyna, Savanna T.,
Chelsea F., P.J P., Luis A., Alexandra C., Daniela A., Jedidiah O.,
Cloe C., Jada R., Cayla N., and Cristiano. Thanks to J. Correia
and L. Gredi for guiding and practicing with the students.
Outdoor/Indoor Shoes
VOLLEYBALL: On November 18 the Intermediate Boys Volleyball team travelled to Our Lady Of Peace to compete. The boys
played as a team and demonstrated their true athleticism and
sportsmanship, coming in fourth. Congratulations to Marcin,
Parents/Guardians! We need your help to keep our school
safe, clean and dust-free. Please send an indoor pair of
shoes. If you require assistance please contact the school.
their coaches P. Simpson and T. Collier.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Knights of Columbus Soccer
Thanks to M. Zarkovic for working with the Knights on the
KOC soccer challenge. Our students competed with other
schools. Congratulations to Kaia C., Samuel M., Maya B.,
Marko K., Jessie L., Sean M., Kaelin C., Martin T., Miryam K.,
and Marcin M. who represented us with pride and took advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Winners for their age
group were: Samuel M., Jessie L., Sean M., and Miryam K.
Mike M, Chris S, Lucas C, Nikola, Brandon, Lucas Y, Joshua S, Gabe C, Andrew, Dumebi, Jeffery. Special thanks to
On November 19 the Intermediate Girls Volleyball team competed
at our school. The girls worked hard placing third and represented St. Monica with pride. Congratulations to Victoria M, Megan
Mahue, Amber P, Angelica M, Giselle F, Gayle S, Megan
Mc, Alexi B, Maryam K, Victoria S, Jessica S, Adeola A.
Special thanks to their coaches D. Doyle and P. Simpson.
SCHOOL HOURS:
9:15-3:45
Bell to Bell, Time on Task
Arriving late for class means that a pupil misses a
very important part of the day - the time when instructions for the
day’s activities are given, discussed and teaching begins. Entering a classroom late is embarrassing for a child. It interrupts the
lesson for both the teacher and the other pupils. The habit or
custom of punctuality is one that should be established very early
in a child’s school life. School attendance and punctuality are
legal requirements. We ask for your co-operation in ensuring your
child’s regular attendance by arriving before 9:15 a.m. Bell to
Bell, Time on Task!
Lost and Found Items
Ask your children to check our tables in the hallway for missing items by Friday, Dec. 13. All unclaimed items will be
donated to charity after this date.
Early to Bed….Early to Rise
Getting enough sleep is crucial to school success with academics, attitude, behaviour, social adjustment, effort, contentment and well-being. Research indicates that consistency in this routine is extremely important for success at
school.
VALUABLES
Just a reminder that students should not bring to school items of
value. These may be things of sentimental value or monetary
value. This is, also, not the place where cards or any other collectibles are traded. Cell phones, cameras, i-pods and other electronic devices should not be visible at school. The school is not
responsible for lost or stolen items.
Columbian Squires St. Patrick Circle 2042 Invite
The Columbian Squires are the official youth organization of The
Knights Of Columbus. The Squires program develops leadership
by allowing the Squires to plan and carry out activities with advice,
suggestions and encouragement from Knights Leaders. Squires
also have fun and bond while helping their Church and community
through service. St. Patricks Circle 2041 would like to extend an
open invitation to all Catholic boys age 10-18 to meet with us every Thursday night from 7-9pm at St. Monica School for our weekly
activity night where we play sports like basketball, soccer, floor
hockey and dodgeball. Every week we meet together to not only
play but to learn how to strengthen our Catholic Faith through
prayer, reading the gospel and learning how to pattern our lives
around the Youth Christ. For more information please contact
Knights Of Columbus Youth Director Domenic Rutigliano at 905
459 0488 or by email at dmrdistributing@aol.com
INFOpage - an online resource for information
about awards, scholarships, fundraising opportunities, educational resources, professional development opportunities,
parent/guardian resources and community events. To access the INFOpage, visit www.dpcdsb.org.
Parents and guardians of Dufferin-Peel students can stay upto-date with the latest board news and information by joining the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board ECommunity. Members will receive the latest news and information by email, including media releases, school activities and events, board highlights, school and transportation
cancellations, plus useful tips for parents. Sign up online
TODAY!
You
may
go
to
www.stopr.ca for daily bus
cancellations or delays.
DPCDSB is now on
Twitter! For the latest
Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board
news and information
on schools, programs,
in-services, follow us on
Twitter
@DPCDSBSchools
MILK PROGRAM
We will be continuing our milk program at St. Monica
School. Thanks to M. Hamilton, C. McIntyre and our student volunteers for co-ordinating and distributing.
POPCORN
We continue to have Popcorn and Cookie Fridays. Bring your toonies and enjoy a bag of
Kernels popcorn or for a loonie enjoy a cookie.
Thanks to T. Gratton, M. Zarkovic, N. Leo and
Gr. 8 students and student council for coordinating.
PIZZA
Pizza days will continue twice a month on
Thursdays. Thanks to D. Doyle, J. Conway,
and the Gr. 8’s for coordinating and all staff
for coordinating orders, as well as all families for submitting forms on time and appreciating this special luncheon.
Parenting and Family Literacy Centre
St. Monica School is very proud to continue to host the Parenting
and Family Literacy Centre at our school. This program welcomes parents and caregivers with young children from birth to
age six to engage in learning and playing together. The program
is FREE and will be open Monday-Friday from 9:15 a.m.- 12:50
p.m. in Room 101. Mrs. Mabel A.K. the parent worker continues
to welcome families. The goal of the program is to help young
children make any easier transition to kindergarten, to foster their
early literacy and numeracy skills as well as to support parents
and care-givers and enable them to be successful in their parenting role. Please note, OLDER siblings are NOT permitted in the
Parenting and Family Literacy Centre during school hours.
Inclement Weather Conditions (See attachment)
On the days when the weather is extremely hazardous or
conditions seem to be deteriorating throughout the day,
parents may decide to keep their children home in the
morning, or not have them return after lunch, for reasons of
safety. On days when the weather is extremely hazardous,
please listen to a radio station for information regarding the
operation of school buses. If the bus does not run in the
morning, there are no buses in the afternoon.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
Volunteers
We encourage parents to become involved in various aspects of
school life. School Council also requires volunteers to assist with
their many endeavours at our school, specifically our major fundraiser –Dance-A-Ton, our Used Book Sale, Mr. Sub and Poutine Lunches. Please come out and share your talents. Many hands make light
work! Don’t forget to get your required Criminal Reference Check.
Mr. Sub Lunches
Thursday December 12th is Mr. Sub Lunch.
Thanks to Tish G. and the school council for coordinating and offering this additional lunch option.
School Council
Next Council meeting will be in January 2014, date to be determined.
YOU Make A Difference!!!
Thank you to all parents/guardians who:
•attended our school council meeting and provided valuable
input
•volunteered to coordinate /assist with the Mr. Sub luncheon;
Tish G.
•volunteered to coordinate /assist with the Gr. 5/6 Poutine
Lunch; Nancy M., Anthony F., Tish G.
•drove students to their tournaments; i.e. volleyball, KOC
Soccer Challenge
•contact the teacher or office with a concern or compliment
•volunteer on a regular basis or quick notice basis
•assist your children in following our Code of Conduct, and
safe bus procedures
•support all efforts of our school council
•will be supporting through volunteering at our Advent Mass
at St. Jerome’s Parish
•continue to respect our Kiss and Ride procedures and are
adhering to this new practice
•continue to seek out solutions re: council meeting dates,
templates etc; Luana F.
•working hard to secure sponsorships and prizes for our February Dance-A-Thon; Phil S., Joanne S.
School Council & Community Bulletin Board
Located in the foyer. Feel free to check the bulletin
board regularly for School Council Updates, School/
Board Updates and Community events.
“Guided by the Spirit…growing as a family”
Child’s Prayer for Advent
How dark outside!
but see -- a star's in the sky;
Mary and Joseph are passing by.
So let's light a candle to welcome them
as they go on their way to Bethlehem.
We'll light a candle in church each Sunday,
We'll light one candle each week and pray.
O God,
as light comes from the candle,
may the blessing of Jesus Christ come to us,
warming our hearts and
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Advent Mass
Please join our school for this special mass at 10 a.m. on Dec. 10th
at St. Jerome’s Parish.
This is a great way to begin this special liturgical season.
Gifts Of Warmth
We are continuing with our St. Monica School “Gifts of Warmth” tradition. To help those in need this winter we will be collecting NEW mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, winter headbands, earmuffs, socks, jackets, snowsuits and neck warmers. The hallways on the first floor will
be decorated with yarn. For each new item a student, community
member or staff bring in, they will decorate a cut out mitten and print
their name on it to acknowledge their kind and generous donation.
We will give our gifts of warmth to those in need through St. Vincent
De Paul Society or St. Louise Outreach. Special thanks to M. Heitzner, M. Scalise, T. Gratton and the Gr. 6 students for coordinating.
brightening our way.
May Christ our Savior bring life
Share Life Christmas Store
into the darkness of this world,
This year we are opening our Second Christmas Store. J. Correia, T.
Deleo, S. Guelherne and our student faith ambassadors are coordinating this. From Dec. 2-Dec. 11 staff and students will be donating
new or gently used items for our community to purchase for friends
and families for Christmas. Items will range from 25 cents to $5.00.
Students will have the opportunity to purchase Christmas Gifts on
Dec. 16 and 17. (A gift wrapping station will also be available.) If
you care to donate Christmas bags or wrapping paper that would
also be appreciated. ALL PROCEEDS from this sale will go directly
to SHARE LIFE.
and to us, as we wait for his coming.
We'll light a candle in church each Sunday,
We'll light one candle each week and pray.
Burton Manor
On Dec. 11 and Dec. 17 our choir will visit
Burton Manor to sing for the residents. We
are fortunate that we have the support of our
families and the dedication of our staff in
providing Christmas joy to the Burton Manor
residents.
“Guided by the Spirit…growing as a family”
ECO/HEALTHY SCHOOLS
St. Monica continues to work on going green and being healthy through our excited new initiative: WALKING
WEDNESDAYS!!! Every Wednesday, students are asked to walk to and from school to help out the environment and
work on becoming healthier kids! Parents, we need your help with this initiative! Please encourage your son or
daughter to walk to school on Wednesdays! The class with the most walkers will receive a class prize!!!
We also welcome our new PALS leaders who received training on Tuesday, November 26 th. These students have
graciously joined our team to help implement fun activities and help problem solve when students are outside during
afternoon recess. They will be out three afternoons per week. This program will be up and running in December. A
special thanks to our staff committee members and Shemiza Hamir, our Peel Health Nurse who organized training for
our student leaders.
Also don’t forget Waste Free Fridays, yes send snacks, lunch, etc, in reusable containers for students to bring home!
Let's continue working together to be an Eco-Friendly and Healthy school community!
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN (Read them this story, as a family!)
Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened, I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself
stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.
"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was
gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.
He then answered me with a simple statement. "TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question,
and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree.
As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas
has forgotten."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green colour of
the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a
symbol of man’s thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago.
God promised a Saviour for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world,
and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the
real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag and ornament of HIMSELF. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus symbolize the generosity and good will we
feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn
by our Saviour. The red holly berries represents the blood shed by Him."
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave..." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We
should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents
the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our
brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Saviour's
birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest on earth peace and good will toward men. "
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the
lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and
return. Santa looked back and was pleased.
He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the
true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I
bow down to worship Him, Jesus Christ our Lord, our God."