Our school wide theme this past year was "Celebrate!" During the year, our 50th anniversary of the school, we celebrated our heritage, our present school community, and the future of our parish and school.
In September our year's journey began on the very first day of school as we were met with energized cheerleaders, balloons, and signs marking the beginning of our 50th year.
During October we celebrated our health and the beauty of all God's creations. We reviewed how we caretake the blessings God has bestowed on us: clean water, the availability of healthy foods, a city and county and state of varied and natural beauty, a wide variety of animals (from our pets to all the species of creatures residing in our zoo, in the Wild Animal Park, at Sea World, and in the wild throughout local habitats) and healthy bodies and minds. Red Ribbon Week also reminded us that we are called to be stewards of our bodies and minds.
We celebrated friends throughout the month of November. We recognized the saints of our Church, friends who are examples of how to live our lives. We recognized our friends and ourselves still here on earth, living our lives in the communion of saints. We remembered all those who have gone before us in death. Teachers in each homeroom implemented a plan to include the deceased members of our families in prayer throughout this month. Prayer tables or bulletin boards within classrooms were filled with remembrances of our beloved dead. Our "Dia De Los Muertos" honored those holy people.
Throughout December we celebrated all the gifts we have received from our God, especially His Son. We also remembered those in need and those associated with our individual classroom service agencies. Many groups within our parish and school acted as "Holiday Angels", gifting families in need.
In January we celebrated our school on the 50th anniversary of our school with a breakfast for former and present faculty and staff members, and a special Mass concelebrated with Bishop Cordileone, Msgr. Gallagher, Fr. Joe Carroll (a former associate of the parish), Fr. Ralph, and Fr. Ed McNulty (an alumni of OLG). So many of alumni and their families attended with staff from near and far (see the 50th Year Jubilee link). The students participated in open houses for families and friends and grandparents, a day of dancing and prayer on Grandparents' Day, and a pep rally and assembly recognizing those who have made a special contribution to the community.
During February we celebrated our country and all those who have contributed to its greatness. Especially remembered were our Presidents who led courageously and with integrity.
During the month of March we celebrated our faith as we journeyed during Lent to the major feast of the church, the Resurrection of Our Lord. As we concentrated on prayer, sacrifice, and almsgiving, and as we re-enacted the Stations of the Cross, Holy Week during our Lenten prayer service on Holy Thursday, and our support of the RCIA members, we realized how blessed and loved we are.
Multicultural Week began on April 21. Each class in the school learns of a different culture throughout the year. During Multicultural Week we shared what we learned with other classes in music, or food, or presentations, or stories, or dance, or all listed above. Guest speakers were invited to share their backgrounds while we celebrated our heritages.
During May we celebrated our military. With Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day in May, we took time to remember members of our military, living and dead, who pledge to offer all to keep us safe and free. We also sent letters and cards and packages to members of our active military and those who have served in the past as signs of our respect and support.
Updated: November 15, 2008