St. Patrick’s Blog
Week of December 9th, 2013
This week we discussed the passing of Nelson Mandela. He was celebrated as a great leader and principled individual whose accomplishments included the uniting of a country in South Africa. Mandela’s approach focused on the forgiveness of past wrongs, as opposed to any sentiment of vengeance, despite his lengthy imprisonment at the hands of apartheid supporters. Mandela can be a model for us all as we build relationships among our friends and community despite challenges. This is a quote I shared with our students and staff this week:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”
- Nelson Mandela
A common theme during the second week of Advent is that of Hope. The Hebrew word tiqvah from the Bible reflects a feeling of eager anticipation or waiting. We are waiting for the birth of Jesus at the end of the advent season, but also eager for the second coming in the future. We are asked to continually review our own place and ask ourselves if “we are ready”.
We had a number of visitors at St. Patrick’s over the last week. Our student services department organized a career fair for our grade 7 students. We had representation from public health, Ottawa Fire department, numerous banks and financial institutions, a real estate agent and author among others. Students came up with some great questions for our community representatives as they completed “career passports” at the displays. Thank you again to our community representatives who gave of their time to assist with our students.
We also had a visit from the residents of Billings Lodge who are working on a project with Ms. Sweeney and Ms. Kilbride’s class. Our English class students have been visiting the lodge to complete an assignment on generational stories with their senior friends. This week the lodge residents came to the school to see the culmination of the work.
An additional reminder that we are encouraging our students to “speak out” to provide some information to the Ministry of Education. As part of the Ministry of Education's "Great to Excellent" initiative, they are collecting feedback from students about the education system. Students have an opportunity to share their opinion at either of the following links:
We are continuing to raise money for our Christmas Hampers as students are able to purchase raffle tickets in the cafeteria for a chance to win some great Christmas gifts for family members. Winners will be able to choose from a number of presents on display in our “Christmas Corner” that Miss Sue has set up in the caf!
Have a great week!
Sean Kelly
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