The True Spirit of Christmas
The True Spirit of Christmas
With the sale of candy grams, students pledging to not drink under the influence under the loyal guidance of O.S.A.I.D., and the Pennies From Heaven campaign coming to a close, many could not help but think that the end of year 2006 was fast approaching. With thoughts of Christmas on its way, the Assumption College community had one last major event of the year-- its annual Christmas celebration.
For numerous students and staff, the last day of school marked what could have been the best Christmas celebration of the school’s history. With more than 650 students in attendance - the school’s largest turnout ever – nothing other than true holiday cheer was present within the Lion’s Den. An event cherished by the pride for 15 years, this celebration is reflective of a magical and loved tradition by all.
Morning mass is one of the most treasured parts of the day. Directed by our very own spiritual and faithful Father Phil Reilly, the cafeteria was instantly transformed into the workings of a peaceful and holy sanctuary. Special and honourable guests included Superintendents of Education Cathy Horgan and Trish Kings and Joyce Young, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board’s Religion Consultant. The formal mass was followed by the time-honoured singing of joyous Christmas carols and a meaningful message from Assumption’s Chaplain Wayne Lachapelle.
Another student favourite, ATV Jeopardy, was masterfully created by the talented crew of Assumption Television. ATV entertained us with wacky Christmas questions and riddles. “It was so much fun,” said Martha Franklin, a grade twelve student. “I think we were able to recall every Christmas cartoon special we had ever seen!”
As the morning came to a close, the annual ACS Christmas dinner blessed students with a full and complete turkey dinner. A time for students and staff to mingle, this lunch catered by the Sherwood Restaurant was sure to delight even the heartiest of appetites. Students who may not be given the opportunity to have such a meal were exposed to the joy of a true Christmas feast; the luncheon is so greatly liked for this exact reason. In essence, the true meaning of the season is signified in this very special and unique day.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the celebration of Assumption’s Pennies From Heaven campaign. Throughout the advent season, ACS students comb their coat pockets and empty their piggy banks to help less fortunate families within the Assumption College community. This year more than 30 families received financial help. “The theme of this year’s campaign was ‘It’s About Giving’” remarked staff advisor Dave Allen. This year, we raised over $11,000. “The generous response of the students showed me the true meaning of Christmas,” declared Mr. Allen.
A variety of student talents including lip syncs and musical renditions of famous, well-known songs were featured in the afternoon spectacle. Run by Students’ Council, the Christmas assembly generated laugh after laugh. In particular, the annual staff skit was one of pure hysteria; dancing to youtube’s infamous The Evolution of Dance, honourable staff and faculty didn’t mind compromising their professional personas to entertain us all and remind everyone that it’s okay to laugh at yourself once and a while. With the students roaring and the staff giggling, this event was a definite tear-jerker in the most happiest of senses!
Overall, it was a day where the true Spirit of Christmas was revealed. We all came to appreciate and believe that the essence of the holiday season is not the monetary or material items one may receive at this time of year; rather, it is the memories created, the smiles shared and the peace spread that make this time of year the most sacred and special of all.
Written by:Written By: Carolina Spagnuolo
