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Advent Countdown Week One
It has become a St. Mary tradition that each year, during Advent, the HSA treats students and teachers to a surprise each day to get them into the Christmas spirit and remind them of the reason for the season.
During this first week, Cocoa, the school elf, came back. The kids have reported finding him hiding in the Christmas tree, playing the piano and lurking in the hallway. It’s been really fun watching the kids’ faces when they spot her.
On Monday, the HSA wanted to start the season off right. Kids and teachers were treated to donuts from the Donut Bus. This is the third time that the Donut Bus has come to our school. They continue to be a big hit!
On Tuesday, students were surprised with extra recess.
On Wednesday, despite their busy schedule, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with the kids and brought them clementines and chocolate coins in honor of Saint Nicholas Day. The students were reminded that Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity and charity. Saint Nicholas gave gold coins to those in need. He wanted to do good things for others without being recognized for it, so he would place the coins in houses when people were asleep. Today, clementines and chocolate coins are symbols of St. Nicholas' generosity.
On Thursday, we had a special visit from a local charity. The Cape Fear Raptor Ambassadors came to our school with a red-tailed hawk, a barn owl, a great horned owl, and 2 screech owls. This organization takes in injured birds of prey and rehabilitates them with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. The birds that cannot be released are cared for by the organization and used to educate and bring awareness to others. Each class got to see the birds and were told some really cool facts about them. Please consider joining the HSA in making a donation to the Cape Fear Raptor Ambassadors to support their efforts. You can Venmo your donation to @capefearraptorambassadors1 – even just a few dollars would make a difference.
In addition, each class got a Falcon stuffed animal as a classroom mascot to remind them that falcons represent victory, determination, loyalty, strength, and wisdom.
On Friday, each classroom was given a new playground ball and a temporary 4-square grid at the lower school. After the holidays, a more permanent 4-square grid will be painted for the kids to enjoy all year.
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