From the Desk of the Superintendent- Christmas Message

It is hard to imagine that we are about to start Christmas vacation. Although, given the excitement of our students and probably some staff (me included), this last week has seemed to drag on! But it is here! The first four months of the school year have flown by and when we meet again in the new year, we will be in 2017!

Although I didn’t get to all of our schools these past couple of weeks, (I did manage 6 turkey dinners though) I’m in schools enough to be very grateful for all the work you do. I’m thankful for the commitment to the journey of Advent and the Christmas season. As a Catholic Christian community, we acknowledge that Christmas is about Christ. It is not about happy holidays or crowds at the mall or even finding that perfect gift; It is about that tiny baby! That message is always evident in our schools. But I’m also proud of the love, care and attention provided to our students and their families by you, the staff of Holy Spirit! There are so many kind gestures that go on behind the scenes, so much time taken outside of the normal day and so many prayers provided without much recognition. To all of you, my very sincere thanks!

Christmas will be extra special this year for the Smeaton household as we will celebrate our grandson’s first Christmas. They say that something happens to you when you become a grandparent and it is not easily explained but rather needs to be experienced. All I can say is that simply I’ve been blessed with so many good fortunes in my life, and becoming a grandparent is certainly one of my greatest blessings.

I’m also aware that there are some in our community who will not have the same joyous experience this Christmas. Strains in relationships, illness, tragedy or other events sometimes leave individuals and families wishing that the season would never arrive or be over as quickly as possible. For those, I humbly offer my prayers that God may heal your heart and bring comfort in your sorrow.

And so as you begin your holidays, I pray that the Christ child born over 2000 years ago continues to live in your heart. May you experience of unconditional love of Christ during this season and may God bless you and your family in 2017.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!