December 21, 2017

Dear Family and Friends of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board:

The Christmas season is always a special time for families in our board. As part of our larger Catholic community, we join together to prepare for the birth of Jesus throughout Advent and then we celebrate the blessing of His love through the miracle of Christmas.

Although this is the most joyous of seasons, for some in our community, Christmas can be a difficult time of year. It is important to reach out to those who may be struggling - lend a helping hand or be a supportive friend to those who may be in need. Our students, staff and families are so incredibly generous. Throughout Advent, we have witnessed so many examples of our school communities reaching out to those less fortunate, both here at home and globally.

This year, our school communities are focusing on our annual theme Our Story ~ Our Journey. There are many natural connections between this theme and the season of Advent. In our schools, our students will learn about the story of salvation through the Jesse Tree. They will follow the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the journey of the shepherds to gaze upon the newborn Christ child and the journey of the wise men who offered their gifts.  

As we all journey together this busy Christmas season, I hope you take time to pause and reflect upon the wonderful gifts of faith, hope and love that Jesus bestowed upon so many years ago in Bethlehem. I wish you a joyous and restful holiday and look forward to beginning anew in January.

Yours in Faith,

Brian Beal
Director of Education

 * Artwork created by Ethan Sanders, a Grade 11 student from Jean Vanier Catholic High School in Collingwood. His creative use of Oh, Holy Night sheet music with his painting of the manger scene is featured as the cover of this year’s Christmas card and will be sent out and viewed by colleagues and partners in Catholic and public education in Ontario, as well as our Premier and Prime Minister.