A message from Director of Lower School, Jessica Hallin: 

I hope that you all enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving Break and were able to appreciate time with family and loved ones. My family and I stayed busy, and also took time to relax. It was a nice balance.

As we all prepare to change the calendar over to December, and prepare for the Christmas season, you're invited to kick off the holidays with Vis the Season on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The holiday fun features complimentary photos with Santa, kids' activities, Candy Cane cake walk, coffee cart, food trucks and a Christmas Marketplace. With nearly 30 local vendors, including a few of our very own Vis faculty/staff and alumnae, there's something for everyone on your list (and you too)! 

Here in the Lower School we are about to enter time for Advent. Your children will see, learn about, and participate in the time of Advent in many ways. Classes will have their own wreaths, which will be blessed at a Lower School Prayer service in The Chapel. We will join together for Advent Prayer services, both as a Lower School team and later as an All School Prayer Service. Classes will discuss Advent during religion, and it will be built into our teaching. It is a time for all to find hope, peace, joy and love as we prepare for Christmas.

Next week we will also have a Late Start day on December 5th. As a reminder, arrival begins at 9:15am and classes begin at 9:30am. We thank you for your support in our professional development on these days. 

Also next week, the Lower School will get a special visit for St. Nicholas Day, in celebration of the feast of St. Nicholas. This is always a fun tradition and we appreciate the Upper School for spreading joy on this day and keeping the tradition alive!

Our highly anticipated Lower School Christmas Concert will be on December 7th. Students should arrive in formal uniform at 5:15pm. They will meet their teachers for warm ups in De Chantal. Doors for the concert will open at 5:45pm. We encourage families to gather, socialize and enjoy our book fair from The Red Balloon for some special Christmas shopping. The concert will begin at 6pm. Then our Advent Festival will begin immediately following the Lower School Christmas concert. There will be a pasta dinner, dancing, and other festive activities hosted by the Visitation Parents’ Association. The more, the merrier – bring the whole family, including grandparents, to join in the dinner and fun. Watch your email for the formal invitation from PA coming soon. We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of the season with you!  

Finally, next Friday December 8th will be a formal uniform day, as we will hold a Mass for The Feast of Immaculate Conception. This will be an all-school Mass, and families are always welcome to join.

It is a busy season and time of year. I am grateful to our amazing teachers and staff that continue to keep our students engaged and inspired in classes, and also bring the joy of the Christmas season to your children here at Visitation.

With gratitude,

Jessica Hallin
Director of Lower School