LETTER FROM SHARON HOLSCLAW, HEAD OF SCHOOL

The Christmas season has always been one of my favorite times at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field School, and celebrating with your children is the reason. Whether they are three-years-old or fourteen, their enthusiasm for this special time of year is apparent and infectious.

Nothing is more precious than the expression of wonder and pure joy so evident on the faces of our younger Pre-School through second-grade students as they hear the beautiful story of the Nativity in their Wednesday Chapel or sing Christmas songs to Santa when he visits them at their class Christmas party.

I hope your heart fills with joy as much as mine will as we listen together to our children singing the beautiful songs they’ve learned for their Christmas Chapels on December 17 (Elementary and Middle School) and December 18 (Nursery through second grade). This Advent season—"this time of waiting"—is the perfect time for your family to gather together around your own Nativity scene and remind each other of the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of the Christ Child.

Children’s Chapel Song:

I have a secret, what can it be? Someone is coming. Wait and see. Come, let’s get ready. Hurry, let’s start. Jesus is coming. Open your heart. He is our Savior. Jesus is near. Born in a manger. He’ll soon be here. Worship and love him. I’ll do my part. Jesus is coming. Open your heart.

As I participate in Chapel and Eucharist and visit the classrooms, I realize how blessed our entire staff is to have such delightful and compassionate students. I am so proud of the way they welcome new students into their classrooms and readily get involved in projects that help the less fortunate. Thank you, parents, for your wonderful gift to us—children who care about others and are excited about learning. When you have a quiet moment, be sure to read the article, "Parents and Episcopal Schools: Partners in Developing Children of Character." It discusses five family behaviors that develop children of character. I’m sure you’ll find it as interesting and thought-provoking as I did.

I also realize how blessed I am to have teachers and staff who love teaching children and show it through their work ethic and their constant daily effort to meet the needs of every child. It is the children, committed teachers and staff, and parents who make St. Martin’s Day School so special. I am truly grateful for you all.

May your Christmas be filled with hope, peace, love, and joy.

Blessings to you and yours,

Sharon