It’s been a busy Advent Season at St. Martha school! In case it was all a blur, we re-cap it for you here…

We began our first week of Advent by introducing our Advent Challenge. Each day our students were given an act of kindness to complete. Our 3rd grade set a great example – sitting beside someone new at lunch.

Throughout Advent, each grade level also collected items for those in need. Once again, the St Martha community has shown their spirit of giving. We have pet items going to the Animal Place, stocking stuffers going to Roo’s Wish, pajamas going to Home of the Innocents with books from Scholastic, and ten angels are going to receive some nice gifts on Christmas morning. One organization shared their surprise and gratitude for St. Martha’s generosity.
The PTO Santa’s Shop was hopping too! Lots of Shamrocks purchased little gifts for their families and friends. We are thankful to all of the parents and other volunteers for making our Santa’s Shop so awesome!
Saint Nicholas was even spotted on campus on St. Nick’s day! He brought treats for our students who left out their shoes…AND he dropped his bells on the roof!
As the weeks progressed, our 8th Grade Confirmation Candidates completed their works of mercy (and retreat!) as they prepare for the sacrament this spring. In addition to being stewards of time at our own parish, they served food at a local soup kitchen, assisted at a food bank, volunteered with the Special Olympics, and collected warm winter items (coats, sweaters, etc.) for the families new to our county who are enrolled at neighboring school, Newcomer Academy.
Many St. Martha families, as well as friends and neighbors, came to campus on Saturday the 14th for Pancakes & PJs with Santa! Families enjoyed a delicious breakfast, got to visit Santa and got to take home a craft! We hope we’ve begun a new tradition at St. Martha! The event was organized by St. Martha teachers and parents and the Student Council. Proceeds from the event will go toward our middle school field trips.
To round out the final week of classes in 2019, our Pre-K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students (as well as our 5th-8th grade choir) performed their Christmas programs! They sang their hearts out, memorized lines and wowed us with their talent!
As the week came to a close, our faculty & staff enjoyed a Christmas Cookie Cart organized by our PTO. Parents sent in cookies and treats of all kinds to thank our teachers for all they do (and to provide a little morale boost in the last week of school!)
Finally, Pre-K through 5th grade celebrated a Christmas party with their class, and our middle schoolers’ enjoyed a Christmas buffet! And everyone got a visit (and photo opp!) with Santa!