Dear Academy families and friends,
This has been quite a week at the Academy . . . we have celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and in doing so considered how each is given a purpose by God that is ours alone to do . . . for Mary it was to become the mother of the Christ child. What does God hold in promise for us? During this season of Advent, a season marked by waiting and hopeful anticipation, it is essential to still ourselves from the busyness of the secular season of Christmas in order to attune our hearts and minds to the coming of Jesus. This recalibration of our spiritual selves allows us to focus on that which is truly essential.
This morning our youngest learners in the Little Acorns and Pre-Primary classes offered their parents the gift of their Silver Tea performance. The story of the birth of Jesus was told by the children. There were kings and camels, shepherds and doves. Mary and Joseph and the angel Gabriel helped to remind all present of the true meaning of Christmas. It was a gift more precious than gold and frankincense!
The Academy’s Silver Tea tradition stems from the Sacred Heart practice of Feast Wishes. Historically, Feast Wishes were the presentations and special gatherings that students would provide in appreciation of the Religious of the Sacred Heart with whom they lived and studied. It is so appropriate that the Academy’s Silver Tea tradition is gifted to you the students’ parents . . . their first teachers. I hope that through each Silver Tea presentation you attend, or those that you recall from long ago, happy memories of the love and joy shared by your children are kindled.
I thank you for the many ways that your generous spirit is being made known through your attentiveness to our Adopt-A-Family project in the Middle School and the Primary and Lower Schools’ participation in the Toy Drive supporting Santa’s Helpers, Inc. And a special word of thanks to our alumni for your generous participation, along with current families, in our annual tradition of sharing Christmas Baskets with those experiencing need.
May the blessings of this season be with each of you,
Dr. Susan Dempf
Head of School
