Side by Side: The Religious & the Secular
Consider this Part II of last week’s blog about beloved traditions we celebrate as a preschool and elementary community. In this final stretch before the campus goes into a two-week hiatus so that the faculty and staff can enjoy the holidays with their families and friends, we are excited about three traditions that celebrate the religious and secular Christmas.
As Mid-Pacific is rooted in its Christian heritage, students will listen to the combined gospels of Luke, Matthew, and Mark that document the birth of the Christ Child, as narrated by fifth graders. The story of Christmas is re-enacted by students dressed in costume who take their place on the stage in Bakken to create a simple tableau. The audience participates by singing classic carols that also describe certain moments in the narrative. We have honored this tradition for many years, as far back as our Epiphany days. The costumes themselves are about 50 years old now and will soon need refurbishing! Nonetheless, what a beautiful reminder about the origin of Christmas.
The very next day we turn to another holiday tradition — the choral reading of S.Clemens Moore’s classic “Tʻwas the Night Before Christmas.” Every teacher and staff member reads a line with as much dramatic flair and gusto possible. If you could see what I see during the reading, you'd be smiling broadly! Every studentʻs eye is fixed on the readersʻ animated vocal rendering. At the end of the reading, the jingle of bells and the children know who will arrive on campus. Santa and Mrs. Claus have brought frosty treats for everyone to enjoy at 9:00am in the morning! But please donʻt spill the beans! It's supposed to be a surprise for the children.
The last holiday tradition is the Christmas Holiday Performance in Bakken Auditorium where every student performs and every student is a shining star. This year’s theme of holiday treats provides a sweet ending to 2024 and our holiday gift to our families. Here are images of an outdoor rehearsal for a special opening video featuring all students and class rehearsals in the auditorium.
These holiday traditions and all the other traditions we continue to honor throughout the year characterize the school culture that enriches the experience of being part of Mid-Pacific. The traditions strengthen a sense of belonging to a community that began in 1908 and continues to thrive and evolve over these past 116 years with decades to follow. While the preschool and elementary school have been Mid-Pacific for twenty years, these holiday traditions are an integral part of the tapestry of our school culture.
On behalf of the children, the faculty and staff, I wish all of you, our dear families and friends, a bright Christmas and a promising New 2025. Tidings of good cheer, good health, and peace! Treasure the gift of our children.
E Kūlia Kākou! Let’s strive and aspire together!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey, Ed.D.
Principal