In the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we learn that everything has its time. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” As it was over 2000 years ago, or 57 years ago in 1965, the year in which The Byrds wrote a song based on this same Bible verse, we witness that the time for sports has returned to Saint Oscar Romero CSS.
Students are participating in a Spring Football League, Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field, Volleyball, Badminton, and Tennis. Coinciding with Easter that has just passed, we are truly witnessing new life within the school through sports.
According to the English proverb, April showers brings May flowers however, living in Canada, we also witnessed some snowfall in the month of April. Now in the month of May, we see Romero’s new field blossoming with the addition of new sod. As the weather gets warmer, hopefully the field, and the outdoor learning classroom, becomes a location for community formation.
Whether we gather to celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday, watch a Football or Soccer game out on the field, or cheer for our Home team in the gym, we can be reassured that the Romero is a place where being a ‘Caring Family Member,’ is deeply important.
Nick Saban is the Football Coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has been quoted as saying, “Don’t ever miss the opportunity to say, “Good job”. As the Athletic Director, I would like to say, GOOD JOB! – to the Coaches and Players, to the Teachers and Students, to the Administration and Staff. Let’s keep the momentum going and make next year an even better year for Sports at Romero.
GO RAIDERS!
Photography By: Phoung Le (Visit Phoung on Twitter)
Looking to the meaning of Thanksgiving and October as the month of Gratitude at the TCDSB, it’s important to pause and reflect on the role gratitude plays in our respective lives. Although, each of us will be spending Thanksgiving in our own way, we’re connected as a school family with much to be thankful for.
Specifically, Thanksgiving provides us all with the opportunity to embrace the importance of gratitude in our everyday lives. As shared in the Harvard Health Publishing article Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier, “gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power” (“Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier.” Harvard Health).
Thus, as we continue to grow as Discerning Believers and shape our own unique relationship with God, gratitude can play a significant role in becoming what God intends all of us to be. From our daily interactions in school to how we engage in our broader communities, intentionally practicing gratitude can nurture a positive relationship with self and others.
Looking ahead, take the time to intentionally pause and reflect on what you are grateful for. Perhaps its the warm sun in the morning, the colour of leaves in the Fall, the support of a teacher and the friendship of a colleague. For students it could even be the high expectations of a school that is committed to community, justice, knowledge and the betterment of one’s self in doing what is right and just.
Personally, this Thanksgiving I have much to be grateful for. This includes the Romero Family. Arriving at a new school during COVID is not an easy thing. This is a reality that many of our own students may recognize, including our Grade Nines.
With all things COVID, school life is not really the same (although we’re starting to feel some normalcy again) and getting to know people behind masks and without much social interaction can be isolating at times. However, every encounter I’ve had thus far has been incredibly positive. Let me stress, EVERY.
From TPH screening at the front doors, to hallway chats with staff, to working with students on school initiatives and even when students are not having their best behavioural moments, I’m grateful for it all. These are all moments in time that connect me to others.
Everyday, I have the true privilege to engage with dedicated staff who inspire and wonderful young people who are sent to Romero by parents and caring adults who want their child to be what God intends them to be. There’s so much to be thankful for in recognizing the true gift that comes in working with young people every day. I’m grateful for the opportunity and know the weight of the responsibility.
What are you grateful for?
In the video below, Chaplaincy student leaders share thanks for their friendships, school and relationship with God.
Nonetheless, as we continue with this school year, please reflect on what you are thankful for today and everyday. You’re welcome to share your thanks here on this website; just let me know.
My hope is that you’re thankful for the Romero Family and what it means to be part of a Catholic school community that is deeply committed to ensuring that each family member can be their very best.
Romero is truly a special place.
A special note of thanks to Chaplaincy and everyone who contributed to the Thanksgiving “Civies Day” Food Drive and the Gratitude Wall this past Friday. It was truly heart warming to see staff and students both giving and showing thanks as a loving community.
St. Oscar Romero CSS 