Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

ACHIEVEMENTS

ALL IN A WEEK'S WORK

THEOLOGY 12

Theology 12 is not learned all in the classroom! In fact, some of our greatest learning might come from days like this …

This amazing group of young people spent the day at Mamas for Mamas serving the poor by preparing for Christmas giving. “Kindness is the currency” there and we couldn’t agree more.

More pics here

KELOWNA COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Preparing the hamper for our Christmas family. This KCR single mom and her 7 children will feel the Mustangs LOVE this Christmas!!

Blessings to all who supported this beautiful mission (whether it be in gift, monetary donation, or prayers) to support people in need. Look what we did together. That’s the way we do it at IRHS!!

More pics here

INTERNATIONAL SKATING

On Tuesday, December 13^th, Mrs. Rizzo, Mrs. Koebel, and Mrs. Schaad along with 40 international students headed to Stuart Park to ice skate. We had lots of fun! Some students were experts and some were just learning. Lots of smiles and laughs on and off the ice. It was nice to warm up by the fire and enjoy hot cocoa and donuts before we loaded back up on the bus to head back to school.

More pics here

WINTER FORMAL

We did it! We had our first dance in 3 years and it was a great success!!! Thank you to everyone who attended, helped with setup and clean up, and generally had a great time. Way to show Mustang spirit everyone.

More pics here

SECRET SANTA AND PAJAMA DAY

And we topped it all off with a great day of fun! It was the Grinch vs. Santa in a "sleigh" race -Santa won. And then minute to win it games, followed by secret Santa gifts for many!

I think madame is ready for bed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

KIDS ADVANCED TECH

We are so excited to be able to offer this great opportunity once again. Kids’ Advanced Tech (KAT) club is an initiative from the Engineering Department at UBCO that provides programs for students to learn new skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in a fun way.

KAT club presents Modules comprised of 8 classes each, running after school from 3:30-4:30pm.

This year we are asking for your input to see what module to run. The options are Robotics, Web Design, Coding, or 3D printing.

Once we have an idea of the numbers and then payment up front, we will confirm details.

FILL OUT ONLINE FORM

Cost per student $165 per module (8 classes)
Need 10 students to run
Includes material and instruction
Tentative start dates January or February
3:30-430 pm
Days TBC

Please contact Mrs. Uhrich, at iuhrich@cisnd.c a if you are interested or would like more information.

Or fill out the signup sheet here to record your interest and preferences.

DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVERS?...

GRAPES FOR GRADS

The Annual Grad Show is fast approaching, and we are asking for your support.

One component of this evening is the Grapes for Grads Wall of Wine and Spirits.

For those of you who played along last year, it's a fun way to support your school.

How You Can Help!

We are asking people to generously bring a bottle of commercially produced wine or spirits to the school office as a donation towards the Grad Show.

Tickets for a chance at one of the bottles will go on sale at the Friday Night Live Grad Show happening February 10^th.

Small School. Big Family.

LEADERSHIP

MISSION NEWS

HAITI IN MY HEART

This week we were busy spreading love for the Holiday Season!

On Wednesday, we wrapped gifts for our host family at Kelowna Community Resources, made a complete Haitian dinner, and delivered that dinner to the Kelowna Gospel Mission.

How did we accomplish so much? We started the morning with prayer! And we had a little help from Ms. Rantucci and Ms. Elliott from Haiti in My Heart in the kitchen.

When our Haitian meal was cooked and ready – Haitian chicken, rice and beans, potato and carrot au gratin, and gingerbread cake – our presents were wrapped, and all was ready for delivery, we rested! We enjoyed a taste of the meal we created while watching a video that reinforced the ideas Ms. Elliott introduced us to a few weeks ago about Haiti’s history and why it is so difficult for the country to find stability.

We’re committed to supporting 2 students at Institute Mixte Remax, the school Haiti in My Heart operates, ensuring their access to education, just like we receive in Canada. We know there are many asks for support in December, and our school community does so much already for local charities and families! Our fundraising page will remain live all through December and the first part of January: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/haiti-in-my-heart-society/p2p/haitianrecipechallenge2022/page/irhs-jj23-mission-team/

We leave for our international Mission to Mexico in late January. Be prepared that when we return our hearts will be on fire – to continue to help locally, and internationally for our students in Haiti!

A MESSAGE OF THANKS

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge word of thanks to the Immaculata school community. Three years ago I approached the school about hosting a Turkey Drive that had been initiated a year previously at Willowstone Academy. I am so pleased with how engaged the Immaculata school has remained and the level of support that continues to this day.

Although the Turkey Drive has now been positioned as a community event, it is so great to see that Immac has remained as the proud host. It was delightful to see how the students on hand (most of them for the first time) became so increasingly enthusiastic during this year's event as the morning went on.

This year’s cash collection has reached over $5000. That will put the grand total of turkeys over 300!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.

Jim Hare

WORLD YOUTH DAY REGISTRATION

FROM OUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Experience OC is returning in 2023!

For those who are unfamiliar with Experience OC, it is an opportunity for Grade 10 and 11 students in Central Okanagan to experience a day in the life of an OC student.

Save the date and stay tuned for updates - more details about the format of the event and dates for the sessions preview launch and open registration coming soon.

Please CALL the office at

250-762-2730

and leave a recorded message for Ms. Despins if your child will be absent or late.

It is very important that every student is accounted for when marked away. This will save Ms. Despins time when recording attendance.

Tue, Jan 3: Boston Pizza

Wed, Jan 4: Deli City

Thu, Jan 5: Edo Japan

ORDER SESSION FOR JAN/FEB IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDERS.

Lord Jesus, The celebration of Your birth is near; Help me to draw nearer to You. You came to share our humanity; Come into my heart anew. Advent is a time of waiting But of preparation, too. Thank You for this moment Which I give with love to You. Amen.

heartofthenation.org

CALENDAR ITEMS:

STAFF SPIRITUAL DAY-NO CLASSES

DEC 16

CHRISTMAS BREAK

DEC 19- JAN 2

SCHOOL MASS -UNIFORM DAY

JAN 11

LAST DAY ASSIGNMENTS/SERVICE HOURS

JAN 16

MIDTERMS/FINALS

JAN 20-25