The Advent wreath is a symbol of the beginning of the Church year. It is a circular evergreen wreath with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the centre. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.

Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6).

The four candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.

The colours of the candles are usually three purple candles, and one pink candle and a white candle in the centre.

• The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
• The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
• The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy and to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.
• The final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The Advent season is one of the most beautiful times in the school. We gather every morning as a school. We sing the song "Violets in the Snow", we share a Jesse Tree Symbol and its significance as students and staff offer up the prayers of their hearts.

November

28 - First Holy Communion Mass 4:30 pm OLPH parish

December

1-21 Daily Advent Virtual Assembly at School

1- Early Dismissal -->SCHOOL IS OVER AT 2:15 pm

1- Return Swimming Lessons form

1- School Council Mtg. 7 pm

3 - Flex Option

9- School Spirit Day ... dress up in Christmas Colours

10 - Flex Option

17 - Virtual Christmas Concert

21 - Last Day of School before Christmas Break

December 22nd to January 4 = Christmas Break NO School

January

5 - First Day Back and Early Dismissal ... school is over at 2:15 pm