End of the Year

The 2012-2013 is rapidly coming to an end.  With the end of the school year comes the end of your time at St. Joe’s.  You have been a tremendous class.  You have greatly contributed to the culture and legacy of the school.  You should be proud of your time at St. Joe’s as individuals and as a group.  Whether you have been here one year or nine, you have influenced the school.  Thank you.

I hope that at some point you can look back at your time at the school with the same admiration as we have for you.  I hope you can look back on your years at St. Joe’s as fun and challenging.  I hope we have prepared you for high school and beyond.  The teachers have been committed to providing you with a good education and with the morals and values that are based in the Catholic faith.

Whether or not you are great friends with all of the people in your class, you will forever be linked to them.  You have shared a unique and special experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.  You will grow apart as you continue through life, but whether it is two years from now or twenty, you will reminisce about your days from kindergarten through Hallissey and everything in between. 

Thank you for coming to St. Joe’s.  Thank you for being great role models to the school.  Thank you for showing the people of our community what it means to be a student at St. Joe’s.  Thank you for everything you have done to make our school what it is today.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St. Joe’s?  What will you miss the most?  What advice or words of wisdom would you like to leave behind for the classes that follow?

The Holidays of May

May is full of holidays and special days.  Throughout the month you have May Day to Memorial Day.  There are holidays for mothers, workers, and teachers.  It can be a festive month which also marks the end of the school year.  From start to finish, below are some notable special days:

May 1 – May Day

Celebrated as the unofficial start of spring, festivals and parades are common across the globe.  The use of flowers and the May pole are traditions.

May 1 – International Worker’s Day

To commemorate the 1886 Haymakers’ affair in Chicago, over 80 countries observe the 1^st of May as a national holiday to celebrate the workers.  The Haymakers were able to secure an eight hour workday and improve the safety and treatment of the workers.  Over the years the activities have been led by socialist, communist or anarchist groups.  The original intent was to recognize the rights of the workers and their safety and financial security.  Unfortunately, the day has also been full of riots and destructive parades.  In Seattle this year 17 people were arrested for various reasons including the destruction of property when someone through a skateboard through a Walgreen window.  8 police officers were injured as they attempted to break up the anarchy.  These often violent protests have occurred in many places annually. 

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo

Possibly the most misunderstood holiday.  Most Americans assume Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of ^th.  Cinco de Mayo is not even a national holiday in Mexico.  It is primarily celebrated in the province of Puebla.  In 1862 the French decided to invade Mexico and make it a territory.  Before the French made their way to Mexico City, they met a ragtag group of Mexican citizens which fought and defeated the superior troops. 

Mexico’s independence.  They are all wrong.  The national holiday in Mexico recognizing their independence is September 16

While the town of Puebla commemorates the day, it is not a big holiday throughout Mexico.  The commercialization as well as a tie into the Civil War has elevated this holiday in the United States. 

May 7^th – National Teachers Day

It is not a national holiday, but more of a day to recognize the people who take on the profession of educating the youth of our country.  I personally do not need a day of recognition.  Working with all of you each day is all the thanks I need. 

May 9 – The Ascension of Jesus

40 days after the resurrection of Jesus, we celebrate His Ascension into heaven.  The description of the Ascension can be found in Luke 24:50-53 and Mark 16:19.  A more detailed description can be found in Acts of the Apostles 1:9-11.

May 12^th – Mother’s Day

Circle this day on your calendar each year.  Our mothers do more for each of us than we could ever imagine.  They are your biggest fan.  They work tirelessly to provide you with a great life.  They are selfless, generous, caring, and deserve to be celebrated every day of the year.  Make certain to give your mom something special to let her know how much you love and appreciate her.  Make sure you give her a hug and tell her you love her. 

May 18 – Armed Forces Day

This is a day to thank the members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps for their patriotic support and defense of our nation.  The day was initiated by President Harry S. Truman.  

May 19 – Pentecost

This is a Catholic holiday celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus. 

May 27 – Memorial Day

The national holiday was originally designated to honor the men and women who have died in defense of our country.  It started soon after the end of the Civil War to recognize the price paid by both Union and Confederate soldiers.  It has since been expanded to all men and women who have given their lives in defense of our country.  People have taken this time of remembrance to honor any loved one who has passed, regardless of military service.  Loved ones visit cemeteries and bring flowers or other mementos.  The decoration of our national cemeteries is remarkable.

As you can read, May has a holiday for everyone.  Which May holiday do you enjoy the most?  Do you have any special traditions with any holidays above?  Were you surprised by any of the holidays?  If you could create a holiday, what would it be and why?