By Elli Anderson & Abbey Bohn, Grade 8 Students
Last week was the first week of Advent, and a bright candle took light in our hearts starting December off right. Advent is a special time in the Catholic Church. The word comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’, which means, ‘coming.’ It is a time of waiting for the real reason for the season. A beautiful celebration took place on Monday Dec. 1. Our wonderful kindergarten class led the celebration and expressed how important Advent is, and what it represents. Every day last week, each class lit the first candle in their Advent wreath, which represents the season of hope. It signifies our hope that the Messiah will come soon.
The basketball season started this past week. Although Christ-King will not play until January, students were excited to begin practicing for the season. The girls’ first practice was on Monday, while the boys’ team practiced on Tuesday. The girls’ team welcomes back their returning coach, Kristy Gulak. The boy’s team welcomes a new coach this season, Matt Ghesquiere.
The monthly Leader-in-Me Assembly took place on Friday, Dec. 5, which was led by Mrs. Bohn. The assembly focused on Sean Covey’s Habit #5: Seek to understand, and then be understood. Mrs. Bohn used this habit to focus on the harmful effects of mean words. Calling up three volunteers, Kirklind Bachmier, Connor Wyness, and Cameron Ryan-Whynot, Mrs. Bohn instructed the boys to empty a toothpaste container, shaving cream container, and whipping cream container. While the boys did so with flair, Mrs. Bohn explained that these different materials represented hurtful words.
In an unexpected twist, Mrs. Bohn then asked the boys to put their materials back into their containers, which, of course, proved to be impossible. Likewise, Mrs. Bohn explained that once hurtful words are said, they cannot be put back or unsaid. She asked Christ-King students to use three simple words to avoid misunderstandings and escalated situations. Students were encouraged to ask each other “Are you okay?” These three words will help students to understand another person’s circumstances, before rushing to rash words. It is important that everyone thinks before they speak.
Another Spirit Day slept into the school last week – Pajama Day! Held on Friday, Dec. 5, everyone came to school in their favourite PJ’s, housecoats, and slippers. The entire school looked like they were ready to hit the snooze button.
Advent Concert practice has been continuing, and full school rehearsals will be taking place this week.
Christ-King Catholic School would like to invite the Stettler community to the production of “Christmas Hang-ups” on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
Stay tuned Stettler.