The last day of school was filled with excitement for the students at Mater Christi School, and this did not include the fact that freedom for the summer was looming. The students and teachers had three 3 important events to celebrate:  honoring new First Communicants at Mass; a farewell to a drama (and kindergarten) teacher; and Pre-school Graduation.

Each year, second graders who received the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist during the year, are honored at a special Mass at the end of the year. This year was no different. The entire school attended this Mass at which the new communicants among the girls got to wear their white First Communion dresses and veils, and the boys their formal shirts, ties and suits. Fr. David Theroux, SSE, was the celebrant, the school’s Sax Ensemble played, the second graders performed a liturgical dance, and the Mass ended with everyone singing “Awesome God” accompanying it with sign language.

The next event followed immediately. Ms Kristen King, after 13 years at the school as a kindergarten teacher, had also been involved in the drama program. One of her favorite free-time activities was attending Broadway shows, so it was decided that a Broadway Musical Montage would be a fitting way to say thank-you and to wish her happiness in the next phase of her life. The biggest difference in this performance of music from Broadway shows was that the performers were the  teachers, not the students. Not only was Ms. King touched by the tribute, but the students were delighted as each teacher in the school sang a few lines from a musical, which had been chosen by that teacher ahead of time.

In the meantime, the nine preschoolers were involved in their Graduation Program. The little ones wore caps and gowns, and after receiving their graduation scrolls, presented a program of action songs to the delight of their parents. Their teacher, Mrs. Beth Gazo, had worked closely with her students to make sure that their end-of-year celebration would be perfect. Helping it to be that way were wonderful refreshments for all following the program.

Although the school buildings became very quiet in a few hours, this does not mean they will remain that way. Between teacher in-service days and several day camps, the Mater Christi campus will be very much alive all summer!

Sister Joanne LaFreniere, RSM
Director of Public Relations and Spiritual Life