The name for the last month of the year means “tenth month.” The ancient calendar of the Romans began in March which made December the 10th month. In ancient times, people of northern Europe stopped counting the days during winter. There wasn’t any farm work to do, so there wasn’t any reason to keep track of time. They called this free time Yule. The days of Yule connected the old year to the new. For Christians, December is a time of waiting. Advent readies us for this joyful anniversary of Jesus’ birth, but there is more. It also prepares us for the second coming of Christ. We do not know when this will come, but we should be on watch (Matt 24:42). The readings, traditions, and rituals of this liturgical time help Catholics practice the art of joyful anticipation and holy patience. To more fully prepare for the Messiah, people acknowledge their sins. Advent offers us the reflection time to see our incompleteness and to ask for his forgiveness. We pray that when he comes, he may be merciful. We pray Come Lord Jesus, Come.
As we continue to improve on infusing Catholic Identity into the curriculum, look for ways to bring the message of Advent into your lessons. Remind students to have holy patience as they struggle to learn a new math concept or wait for their grade on the project they just turned in 5 minutes ago. Tell the story of Yule during calendar time. This week we will wrap up Domain 2. Focus on Elements 4 and 5. The classroom environment is safe. Look at your classroom. Are you maximizing your space for learning. Can the students move around safely. Now is a good time to clean up your clutter before Christmas break. The classroom environment is conducive to learning. Do you always have high expectations? Do students know why they are doing what they are doing? Are you objectives, the essential questions, and academic vocabulary visible on the walls of your classroom? Are all students treated with respect? Do students accept everyone? These are things to be aware as you go through the week.
For the schedule this week, please follow Thursday's schedule for the last two periods on Wednesday. In addition, 5th grade will have music right after lunch on Wednesday. If you have any questions, let me know. Please be sure you have contacted your helpers for the Advent retreat and let they know what they are doing.
