On Thursday, May 31st 2012, St. Gabriel the Archangel School welcomed students, staff, alumni, and honoured members from the community and district to celebrate 10 years of Catholic education in Chestermere. Father John Nemanic, our Parish Priest, opened the evening of festive celebration with a prayer of thanksgiving for all the blessings that have allowed us to grow as a community of faith over the past decade. Father John compared Heaven to a party where family and friends join together, reminisce and laugh over the years of trials, tribulations, challenges and successes shared. True to Father John’s message, the celebration that took place among the community at St. Gabriel School was our own little piece of Heaven.
As the wind and rain held off, the sun shone on the smiling faces of children who enjoyed face-painting, balloon animals and chased bubbles around the playground as family, friends, and staff from years past and present came together to look back on all the ways St. Gabriel has grown within the community.
Life is celebrated through the arts and to kick off the evening, Mrs. Clifford’s elementary choir “put their hands in the air” to celebrate the student life that radiates throughout the halls of St. Gabriel. Ms. Graham’s dance team brought the party to life as they tore up the dance floor and showed great school spirit. The party rolled on to the beat of Mrs. Stelmack’s band students who awed the audience with their great musical talent and Mrs. Young’s classes’ stunning art display. This was a true visual celebration of the skills and talent that is fostered among the students of St. Gabriel.
What truly made the night one to remember was the joy seen on the faces of all members of our school community as we feasted together and toasted to 10 fantastic years of Catholic education. Our students, families and guests were well fed, entertained by music and friends old and new.
This night would not have been possible without the gracious support of our sponsors M&M meats 52nd St. Location, Safeway Shawnessy, Westin Bakery, Old Dutch Chips, Petrovic family, Sarah Papke and Kernels Popcorn, CIBC Chestermere, McDonald’s, Mountain View Funeral Home, Pinks & Plates Insurance and Corinne Watson Realty. A big THANK-YOU to all of these companies for their generous donations.
As we conclude our 10th year at St. Gabriel the Archangel School we look back over the past ten years and stand tall on the foundation of faith, community and strength that will carry us into the next decade of Catholic education in Chestermere. Once again we thank all those who were able to attend this momentous occasion and are lucky to have you all as a part of our school family.
Julia Mallon Kindergarten Teacher and Sarah Teppler Grade Four
