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We are getting ready for Catholic Schools Week (January 31-February 4). The national theme is “Faith in Every Student.” Since the roots of our own faith are in the Bible, we are using the Old Testament to develop the theme. Each day of the week will feature a popular children’s bible stories.
On Monday, the fifth and sixth graders will attend the Diocesan Mass at Saint Mary Cathedral in Lansing. For that occasion, they will wear dressy clothes. Here at school, too, the boys and girls are permitted to wear Sunday-best outfits. Monday’s bible story focuses on Noah and the Ark. Classroom teachers will recount Noah’s adventures, after which the children will learn a fun song about the Old Testament hero. Morning snack will include, of course, animal crackers! In the afternoon, the teachers will host a special reception for the students. Beforehand, we will review points of etiquette, then the children will be treated to punch and cookies served with formal white tablecloths, candles, and even a floral piece.
Jonah and the Whale is Tuesday’s story. Again, the teachers will tell the story of the prophet and his escapades. Goldfish crackers will be included in the snack. There will be a craft activity in keeping with the theme. This is also Career Day; children are encouraged to wear outfits which reflect what they want to be when they grow up.
The teachers will talk about David and Goliath on Wednesday. Except during Mass and lunch, the children may wear a hat in school! Each week on Wednesday, the children prepare the liturgy and take an active part in the first Scripture reading, Intercessions, and singing. During Catholic Schools Week, the Wednesday liturgy will be extra special. Join us on that day if you are free.
Our Old Testament hero on Thursday is Joseph, son of Jacob. The K-2 classes will hear the story from their respective teachers. Those in grades 3-6 will watch a video presentation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This is also Clash Day. Students should wear clothes that do NOT go together! No jeans, please.
On Friday we will consider the prophet Daniel and his stint in the lion’s den. As on the other days, the teachers will review the story with their classes. We are planning a group activity to go along with the theme. The fifth and sixth graders will take a field trip to Jackson. There, they will attend the noon Mass at Saint Mary, Star of the Sea parish. After the service, they will tour the church, which has world-class mosaics, frescoes, and stained-glass windows. Within walking distance of the church is The Book Exchange, a terrific secondhand store offering books worth a second reading at reasonable prices. The students are earning “beads” between now and February 4. If each one meets the goal, I’ll treat them to lunch at Steve’s Ranch, a local restaurant with delectable fare. Here at school, the children will observe Sports Team Day. They are welcome to wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt that shows their favorite sports team. Please have your child pair the top with black, gray, or khaki slacks.
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