Panther Press
Immaculate Conception Cathedral School
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Principal's Corner, by Christi Jarreau
It is hard to believe this past Sunday marked the beginning of Advent and we have begun our countdown to Christmas! Advent is the beginning of a new church year. It is a perfect opportunity to reflect on how we are living God’s call in our lives, spirit, mind and body, and the ideal time to “begin again” if necessary.
The joy of Advent is all around us these days, in the cheery music, in the laughter that each gathering brings, and in the Christmas movies and family traditions that bring many memories. Advent truly is a time to Rejoice and Be Glad when we slow down enough to notice and to thank God for all of the joy in the world.
As we are preparing for Christmas during this Advent season, we look forward to our weekly Advent Blessings led by the first grade and kindergarten students, using the nativity prayer space by our second grade students, and enjoying the Festival of Lessons and Carols and the Christmas music program. Our morning prayers have called us to prepare, to look forward, to be patient, and to be watching. May the prayers around the Advent Wreath and the Christmas traditions in our homes keep us in the true spirit of Advent as we continue to reflect on the questions: How am I preparing for Christmas during this Advent season? How do I live the call to Rejoice and Be Glad, and how do I share and encourage this joy in others?
Curriculum Corner, by Blair Tadlock
Catholic WorldView Curriculum
In this week alone we feel great sorrow with the passing of a vital community member, Deacon Glenn Viau, and yet the great joy of anticipating Christ’s birth along with celebrating the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The sorrow and the joy have called me to reflect on a crucial essential mark of a Catholic school as explained by Archbishop Miller that as Catholic schools we are “imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout [our] curriculum.”
The education that our ICCS teachers so strongly strive to provide is one that will prepare students for “a fully human life” in service to others and “for the life of the world to come.” Pope John Paul II understood both our challenges and contributions toward an “authentically Catholic education” in the U.S. when he expressed that the school should be committed to restoring a culture of “conviction that human beings can grasp the truth of things, and, in grasping that truth, can know their duties to God, to themselves and their neighbors.” In this sense, students are learning to transform the culture around them “in light of the gospel” and the school prepares them to share their Catholic faith and live the faith.
In weeks of great sorrow and joy, like this week, I, as a parent, recognize the powerful ways that an education steeped in a Catholic worldview has impacted my two boys. In their open prayers and innocent actions, I see their knowledge of the truths of faith and are fostering practice of faith from the committed teachers who are so lovingly providing an authentic Catholic education. As it is in our school, may a uniquely Catholic worldview be throughout your home this Advent season and always.
Miller, J. Michael. The Holy See's Teaching on Catholic Schools. Sophia Institute Press, 2006.
Celebrating St. Nick's Day
We celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas today. Throughout the week, students studied about St. Nicholas' good works and generous heart. This morning, students placed one shoe outside of their classroom in anticipation of a special treat from St. Nicholas. Candy and St. Nicholas medals were delivered to all.
Many thanks to Lisa Childress, Kathy King, Melinda Schram and Veronica Lafanette for organizing and stuffing the St. Nicholas treat bags for all students and staff.
December Birthday Mass & Feast of the Immaculate Conception Procession Tomorrow
Each year, many Christians around the world, particularly those of Catholic faith, observe the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This Holy Day of Obligation is universally celebrated on December 8, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary, which is celebrated on September 8. The Immaculate Conception is one of the most important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar.
To commemorate our Patronal Feast Day, Father Rommel Tolentino will be leading students on a Marian Procession tomorrow, Friday, December 7, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Students in 2nd-8th will participate in a procession that will begin on Ryan Street and end on Park Avenue. The December Birthday Mass will begin at 9 a.m. in the Gym following the procession.
Share Your Greenery Ideas and Photos
Many families and businesses in the Lake Area are decking the halls this Holiday season using fresh and fragrant greenery purchased through the annual ICCS PTO Greenery Fundraiser. Check out these beautifully decorated spaces!
How do you use ICCS greenery to decorate your living or work space? Share your creative ideas and show off your style by submitting photos of your festive greenery creations. It’s simple! Snap a pic of your favorite live greenery infused area or wreath and email it to kmorgan@iccschool.org. Photos will be featured on the ICCS Facebook page and in future issues of the Panther Press.
Those submitting photos will be eligible for weekly prize drawings in December.
Congratulations to Gloria Fernandez, winner of this weeks prize drawing!
CHRISTMAS T-SHIRT DAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
- Students may wear an appropriate Christmas t-shirt or an ICCS spirit shirt with blue jeans or uniform bottoms.
- The Christmas Music Program will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the gym.
- Christmas parties will begin at 11:00 a.m.
- There will be a 12 Noon Dismissal with NO AFTERCARE.
LAST CHANCE TO DONATE!
Our first grade students have been collecting money all week for the Sea Turtle Conservancy. To date, our little sea turtle advocates have raised $200! Tomorrow is the last chance to donate and receive a bookmark designed by the first grade students. Thanks to all who have contributed to this cause.
YOUNG ENGINEER'S SOCIETY
Get ready to sign up! The Young Engineer’s Society is gearing up for another exciting season beginning in January! Meetings will be held on Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. Grades 5-8 are welcome to participate. We will focus on engines this year and visit NASA. For more information, contact Margaret Obluda at (337) 802-1858.
CLASSROOM NEWS
2nd Grade Nativity
Our 2nd graders presented three nativity stones this week; including Mary and Joseph, the manger and the angel.
Mrs. Brown and Miss DeRouen's 2nd grade friends encourage all ICCS students, faculty and staff members, parents and Grandpanthers to visit the nativity table in the front lobby to reflect on the Advent season and to learn more about this special project.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE FRIDAY NIGHT:
What Does It Mean to Be a Parishioner?
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Fri, Dec 7: Procession & December Birthday Mass (7B), 8:00 a.m. in the ICCS Gym
Fri, Dec 7: Middle School Diocesan Dance, 7:00-9:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
Sun, Dec 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Wed, Dec 12: Advent Blessing (1A), 8:30 a.m. in the ICCS Gym
Fri, Dec 14: Student of the Year Interviews (TBA)
Tue, Dec 18: 7B Retreat, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tue, Dec 18: Festival of Lessons and Carols, 6:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym
Wed, Dec 19: Advent Blessing (KA/KB), 8:30 a.m. in the ICCS Gym
Wed, Dec 19: School Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Cathedral Parish Building
Fri, Dec 21: 2nd Quarter Ends
Fri, Dec 21: Christmas/ICCS T-shirt Day
Fri, Dec 21: Christmas Music Program, 9:30 a.m. in the ICCS Gym
Fri, Dec 21: Christmas Parties, 11:00 a.m.-12 Noon
Fri, Dec 21: 12 Noon Dismissal, NO AFTERCARE
Mon, Dec 24-Fri, Jan 4: Christmas Holidays
Mon, Jan 7: NO SCHOOL - Faculty In-service
Tue, Jan 8: Classes Resume
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Contact Information
Email: mbmathew@iccschool.org
Website: www.iccschool.org
Location: 1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA, USA
Phone: 337-433-3497
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iccschool