Sometimes, when everyone has left for the day, I take quiet walks around the school. During these quiet walks I reflect on what goes on in the classrooms, I talk with God about the successes and challenges of doing His work at our school, and remind myself that every parent who sends their child to us each day is putting a special trust in us. I just finished one of those walks, and the thought that most came to me is how blessed I am to be able to send my son to a school in which Christ is at the center of all that we do. I read an article today about a group entitled "Freedom From Religion" that purchased a billboard in Pittman, NJ onto which they posted an ad that reads "Keep Saturn in Saturnalia." What a terrible insult to all of us who hold the Christian faith dear! As I walked around our building, I saw Advent wreaths and acknowledgements of the birth of Christ outside of every classroom. As a principal, and even more as an Academy parent, I take comfort in knowing that we are giving our children a firm foundation in our Catholic faith. Here, we not only teach the Catholic faith, but we are also immersed in the Catholic way of life. Perhaps one day my children and yours will be angered by signs which mock our faith because their Catholic faith is so dear to them.

As I walked around, I took some pictures of our Christmas decorations:



How wonderful that our children can see the nativity in their school. Think of how many children cannot...



(Please overlook the cracks, missing hands, etc. Whenever children and figurines mix, there is always the danger of missing parts!)




Our Jesse Tree, which contains symbols from notable Old Testament passages leading up to the birth of Christ.



Our Christmas Tree in the cafeteria.



The tree in my office, which I have to admit gives Charlie Brown a run for his money...