Principal’s Post for December

Today we have the expectation of snow! After what seemed like “biblical-like” rains for over 40 days, I welcome a little snow, especially on a day that we enjoy God’s great Grouse mountain.

In our wonderful part of the world we often associate snow and Christmas. I have heard people say after a rare Lower Mainland December snow fall that it now feels a lot more like the “Christmas season.” What really makes the Christmas season? If you ask someone in New Zealand, where there is no snow at Christmas you will get answers like beaches, BBQs, and bonfires. We have many wonderful Christmas traditions and events that make the Christmas season enjoyable, fun, and festive. But once again, what really makes the Christmas season?

You only need to examine the very word “Christmas” to get the straight forward and true answer. You can have no snow, no big dinner, even no presents; yet you can still celebrate Christmas. However, you can’t have Christmas without Jesus Christ. Around the world, for over two thousand years, generations of people celebrate Christmas with many special cultural family traditions that make the season fun, memorable and very special. A Christmas without family, friends, festivities, fun, food and presents might not be our ideal Christmas celebration, but a Christmas without Christ is impossible.

The words spoken to Joseph remind us about the most important and significant aspect of the Christmas season. [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.  Matthew 1:21

Amidst your family’s preparation and expectations for this Christmas advent season, take lots of time to reflect on the true meaning and reality of the Christmas season. Jesus came to earth to save all people from their sins. This alone gives us all we need to celebrate the Christmas season.

Blessings on your season of Advent and for a wonderful celebration of our Saviour’s birth this December.

Mr. Mathew

Parent Teacher League (PTL) News

PTL Treasurer – The PTL is looking for a talented person for the Treasurer position.  If you are interested, please email Jolene at hopelutheranptl@hopelcs.ca.

Christmas wrapped collection bins have been placed in each classroom for Kindergarten through Grade 6, and if you are at the Pitt Meadows Campus, please place your items in the bins outside of Mr. Mathew’s office.

Donations will be collected for 2 weeks – Monday, November 28 until Monday, December 12, 2016.
Thank you for your help & support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Karri at hopelutheranptl@hopelcs.ca

Tree of Gratitude

God has been faithful for the last 21 years to Hope Lutheran Christian School.  From year to year we see the work of His hands and His plans for our school unfold.

At this time, we would like to offer your family the opportunity to share in giving God glory for His continued goodness as part of the legacy of the Tree of Gratitude which is displayed near the entrance of the Elementary campus.   Its history dates back to 2002 when the school launched plans to develop the south wing.  The Tree stands as a testimony and commemoration of the partnership and culture of giving within our community.

If you would like to give a monetary gift to Hope this Christmas season, please fill out the form in the following link and drop off all gifts at the school office.

TREE OF GRATITUDE DONATION FORM

Parent Help Needed

Mr. Mathew would like assistance from some parents to discuss uniform changes for the Pitt Meadows campus. Please email Mr. Mathew at dmathew@hopelcs.ca if you are available to help. 

Winter Activity Trip (Ski Trip)

Grades 5 – 12 are away on Hope Lutheran’s annual Winter Activity Trip.  Reminder that buses will be returning to the Port Coquitlam campus at 5:00 & 6:00 pm.

Education & Career Fair

Students in grades 8, 10 & 11 will be attending an education and career fair on Friday, December 9, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

• Students will be transported by bus, leaving the Pitt Meadows Campus at 8:30 am and returning at 3:00 pm.  No parent drivers are needed.
• Students are to wear their school uniform
• Students may bring a bagged lunch or cash to purchase lunch
• Forms due Friday, December 2

Basketball Tournament

Grade 8 Girls/Boys Basketball Tournament Saturday, December 10, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, at Abbotsford Christian School. Grade 7 players will be included.

Concession will be available.

Grade 9 Christian Studies 

The Christian Studies 9 class will visit the Grade 3 classes at the Port Coquitlam campus on the morning of December 12.  No parent drivers are needed.

Grade 7 – 12 Field Trip – Port Coquitlam Campus

Wednesday, December 14, grades 7 to 12 will be traveling to the Port Coquitlam campus by bus to view the Elementary Christmas production “Angels Alert”.

Busing students will remain at the Port Coquitlam campus for an earlier pick up.

Cambridge Uniforms

A note from Hope Lutheran’s uniform supplier, Cambridge Uniforms:

Dear Cambridge Families, We will be closed during the holidays from December 18 -28.

We will be open the following days: Thursday December 29 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Friday December 30 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday December 31 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

We will return to regular hours of operation as of Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!