Letter From The Principal

Dear OLC Community,

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Although I much prefer warm weather, there is so much about the Christmas Season that comforts me. I am sure many people can agree that there is a sense of magic in the air around the holidays, but I would argue that the magic is felt most when around children. Seeing their excitement and faithful belief is heartwarming.

Over the last week I was lucky enough to watch both Christmas concerts as well as the Scrooge and Follow That Star productions (Bravo, Mr. A.). Everyone in the audience for those productions knows how spectacular they were! But what I got to witness - which most of you didn’t - the conversations, emotions, and joy behind the curtain. I saw students building each other up when their nerves got the best of them. I saw students whispering lines together and encouraging one another after the curtains closed. As I approached they would have the biggest smiles on their faces telling me about their costume, their favorite song, or anxiously asking me, “Are there a lot of people out there?”

I am always impressed by our students’ talent and presence on stage. This year, I was more impressed by their joyful spirit- they were so happy to be performing together again for all of you. They were all in, and there was such a sense of holiday magic. I am not sure which I enjoyed more, Mrs. DeFelice’s class “mooing” while singing about the Nativity, or the 5th and 6th graders singing “Waka Waka”- but both times I had a tearful smile and felt overwhelmingly happy to be part of this community- especially during the Christmas season.

So here it is - our annual opportunity to recommit ourselves to following the Way of Jesus, and bringing joy, peace, and the light of God’s love to all those we encounter every day. After this last week I can say, our students get it!

Peace and Joy,

Madeline Martineau

Acting Principal