Advent Festival

The second annual Lower School concert and Advent Festival happened this past week-end. Memory-making of the sweetest sort resulted from this day. A few delightful vignettes:

During the concert the Montessori preschool students joined the “big” Lower School children for a portion of the program. They climbed the stairs onto the stage, reaching for hands of older friends for assistance. They somewhat tumbled into place and then participated sweetly, if only by staring with big eyes into the audience while letting friends carry the musical chores. They rustled and smiled and seemed utterly pleased that they were part of things. And for all of us watching and listening, we had a glimpse of how it all begins, this experience of Lower School – with teeny ones trying new things.

Later in the afternoon was the bustle of fifth graders and their smiling, stalwart teacher, serving three shifts of diners during the Advent Festival. They set tables, delivered food to the families assembled, and then cleaned up – all non-stop for three+ hours. These “big” kids were so helpful on this day and served as real role models for the younger students. And for all of us observing their industry and service, we had a glimpse into where things lead in Lower School – to young people growing into real leaders.

Volleyball!

Super fans galore, in red and white regalia of many sorts, cheered on the team – the varsity volleyball team. There was one last hurdle to clear before heading to the state tournament. Grit and grace and boundless energy carried the day. It took five games to win the match, but the Blazers prevailed. Heart stopping. Exhilarating.

Yes, many would say that it’s just a game. I would say that it’s more than that.

Point Vis!

Being...

I loved the Salesian Retreat Day for all faculty and staff during Workshop Week. What a rare opportunity to pause together – with all colleagues – to reflect upon what is at our core here at Visitation. Brother Ed Ogden did a masterful job of gently guiding us to consider how we might be… this year.

Be prayerful.
Be gentle.
Be open.
Be positive.
Be present.
Be real.
Be still.
Be healthy.
Be happy.
Be grateful.

My prayer is that our entire Visitation community will be able to center on these modes of being as we begin another faith-filled journey through a new school year.

Crater Lake or the Moon

I had the great good fortune of spending five days last week on a road trip with my husband. Through Northern California and into Oregon, we marveled at nature’s beauty, with the redwoods serving as giant exclamation points along the way. A highlight of this trek was seeing Crater Lake. So beautiful. Peaceful. Undisturbed by any negative forces of nature or man. Truly I felt my breath escape when first we came upon this marvel, the deepest lake in the United States.

We spent one day and night exploring the lake environs. There were no crowds, but rather an occasional clump of hikers. Early in the morning, we sat outside with our coffee cups in hand to watch the sunrise. Spectacular. A family of hikers came into view – Mom, Dad, and two teen-age sons. At least it seemed that this was a family. At any rate, the scene was disturbing in that both young men were totally immersed in their hand-held devices - phones, I think. They were totally absorbed. I watched them walk for quite some time. Nary a glance toward the lake. They might as well have been on the moon or walking along a city street or at home in the backyard.

I wonder what was so transfixing as to subvert the experience of being one with nature in this special spot. Or perhaps I do not want to know.

Quite a Week

In a short while I look forward to processing into the gymnasium as the 137th Visitation commencement begins. What a culminating event to a remarkable year!

The year has been marked by many interesting weeks, but this last one certainly took the cake, as the saying goes. Quite a week. And its happy conclusion makes the event of this sunny Sunday all the more precious. That our 16 students are back safe and sound from their service trip to Guatemala is a true blessing from above. And that they returned intent upon keeping the focus not on their own travel travails but rather on the suffering that they left behind is emblematic of these fine young women.

God be praised.

A Small Celebration

Just yesterday I was in the Middle School wing where I witnessed a small but significant celebration. A young lady returned to school after having visited the orthodontist for that milestone visit of having braces removed. She quietly joined the group, which was gathered for morning meeting. After the meeting ended, many friends approached her, hugged her, and congratulated her for being freed of these teeth monitors. She was delighted with the sweet attention.

I think that such small, touching moments reflect perfectly the bond of community here at this school. It’s really all about relationships.

A Lovely Convocation

Two days ago I attended the Secondary Schools Department Convocation as part of the 3-day NCEA 2010 convention. What set this particular convocation apart for me was the honoring of three religious congregations for distinctive anniversaries. Our own Sisters of the Visitation – The Order of the Visitation of Mary – were among the honorees. 400 years. Amazing.

Sisters representing the Visitation Schools in Brooklyn, Georgetown, St. Louis, and of course, our own Mendota Heights, were there to share in this special moment. Sister Susan Marie, Federation President, accepted the award plaque on behalf of all of the Sisters. With a humble smile, so emblematic of the Visitation Sisters, she stood on the stage to be recognized.

As was noted in the convocation program: Today, Visitation sisters operate twelve monasteries in the U.S., four of which run schools…All these sisters continue in their commitment to the Salesian motto, Live Jesus. This simple phrase encapsulates the humility, gentleness, and patience that the Sisters of the Visitation exude, allowing Jesus to live through then and affect the lives of all they meet.

Being there with so many of my colleagues to experience this lovely moment was a blessing…as is working at Visitation – shoulder to shoulder with these remarkable women.

A Visitation Week-end in Honor of the Sisters

That more than 400 Visitation community members would celebrate this year’s Merrie Market was such a testimony to the Sisters, in whose honor we gathered this year. It has been 400 years since their Order’s founding. Remarkable.

I loved watching the Sisters through the evening as they viewed the artifacts on display and the slide show created in their honor. They were, of course, the center of attention as person after person sought them out – to chat, to reminisce, and simply to be with them.

This year’s weekend of fundraising and friend-raising certainly took on a new dimension. It underscored so beautifully why we are here, doing what we do at Visitation – keeping alive the legacy of the Sisters, with them and for them. I loved every minute of it.

Flipped

At a Dream Team meeting yesterday, I was introduced to a flip camera. I was struck by both the ease of using this little tool and the enthusiasm of the teacher who was demonstrating it. She explained the many ways in which she had already employed it as an enhancement to lesson creation – not just the next gimmick to come along, but rather a real tool to help students illuminate what they are learning.

I think I need to get one.

Looking Ahead

I do keep in mind that we should be present in the moment. Being present to each other, to one’s self, to the situation at hand, is an important tenet of Salesian Spirituality. I strive for such presence. Yet yesterday, when I was selecting a greeting card to send to a friend as a New Year’s note, I found myself leaning away from those cards with wintry snow scenes. Rather, I selected a card bedecked with a tree filled with green leaves. A glittery red bird sat on one of the branches.

In this deep-freeze time of year, it strikes me as OK to think about spring. We need not wish a day or even a few minutes away, but we can look forward to warmer weather. Or at least I do!

Happy New Year!