As Christmas gets closer, I interviewed our principal to learn how our school is preparing, celebrating, and staying connected. Celebrating Christmas at a small Catholic school compared to other places is a special and unique blessing. Unlike public schools, we are capable of expressing our faith openly in this magical time of year. Our principal, Mrs. McLaughlin, shared with me that “being present” and truly active throughout this Advent and Christmas season is what makes our school stand out. Traditions such as the Christmas Program and attending adoration are just a few of the meaningful aspects of being here at Jordan during Christmas time.
The Advent season is the time in the liturgical year we take to prepare for the birth of Jesus. Starting on Sunday, Nov. 30th this year and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent influences the way we anticipate His coming as a community tremendously. Mrs. McLaughlin explained that we can take this time to pray and reflect on the meaning of each week. This season guides us toward a more profound celebration of Christmas with a deeper sense of purpose and faith. I asked what Christmas would mean to Mrs. McLaughlin from her perspective as a Catholic leader. In response she said, “When you’re a Catholic school principal, it’s a very personal position; it’s not just being a school leader, but you are charged with the faith direction of the school.” Therefore, this time of year holds deep meaning for her, as it is an important time to celebrate our Lord as a whole. She also pointed out that the entire year is a meaningful time to honor Him, not only at Christmas! All of the wonderful programs and activities we partake in during the Christmas season reflect what Mrs. McLaughlin says is “the beauty of what she gets to celebrate at her job.”
During the holiday season, it is the perfect time to reflect on leadership. I had the opportunity to ask Mrs. McLaughlin how she supports both the youngest kindergarteners and eldest junior high school students at the same time, and she shared how great it is to see the sense of responsibility 7th and 8th graders have for the younger kids in our building. She says it is such a blessing witnessing the different stages of our childhood education. At Jordan, students in grades Pre-K through 8 learn together in one building, creating daily opportunities for older students to mentor the younger student body. During the Christmas season, it is especially important that our 7th and 8th graders model values of kindness, generosity, and leadership to younger students. To finish us off, Mrs. McLaughlin would like to send out a message to students and families as we head into this holiday break! She hopes we can spend time together with family and participate in all the wonderful faith events that surround Christmas. She wishes us all safety and to find moments of peace and joy in this time.
By: Carolyn DeMarlie