November message from ACES
Hello Alpenglow Families,
November is here along with the arrival of the snow transforming our familiar landscape and creating a magical wonderland for children and families. With this month also comes Martinmas, a festival that would normally have an invitation to all our families to gather together. Martinmas celebrates the gentleness and kindness we hold within us and the ability to shine light and warmth unto others.
St. Martin was a roman soldier who shared his warm cloak with a poor man. The focus of this festival is about “being of service” in the spirit of St. Martin. Lanterns are carried as a symbol of the light we can shine into the dark world, normally in the forest, walking and singing together along the candle lit path carrying our own lanterns. This is a quiet and meditative celebration bringing to life the strength of our own individual light, shining bright amongst the darkness. I hope your family is able to take some time, possibly gather with those in your family’s close circle, and enjoy the magic of this evening.
The very beautiful and symbolic festival of Martinmas can be celebrated at home in a very simplistic and meaningful way. It is also a wonderful time to begin new rituals in the home such as a new meal blessing, lighting of a candle at meal times, beginning a new bedtime verse or a change of rhythm in the home. It is a time to slow down and connect to the rhythms of the earth and one another. Here are some simple ways in which you might like to celebrate Martinmas in your home:
Also this month as you have seen in your email inbox, we have our Valbella Gourmet Foods fundraiser happening now until November 14th. If you haven’t already ordered your kit, please do so and enjoy some quality local meats while also supporting our school! Please also share it with your friends and family.
I’d also like to send out a very large and heartfelt thank you to Samantha with Canmore Mask Makers. Not only did she stup to to our community ask of someone to sew some crayon cases quickly for our Kindergarten children, but she has offered to sew the cases we will need for the next year's students who will be getting new cases. If you see Sam, please show her your gratitude or if you need a mask, please consider Canmore Mask Makers!
Our next ACES meeting will be held on Tuesday November 17th at 7pm. All parents are welcome to join this meeting and be a part of our school, so please consider attending.
Warmly,
ACES
November is here along with the arrival of the snow transforming our familiar landscape and creating a magical wonderland for children and families. With this month also comes Martinmas, a festival that would normally have an invitation to all our families to gather together. Martinmas celebrates the gentleness and kindness we hold within us and the ability to shine light and warmth unto others.
St. Martin was a roman soldier who shared his warm cloak with a poor man. The focus of this festival is about “being of service” in the spirit of St. Martin. Lanterns are carried as a symbol of the light we can shine into the dark world, normally in the forest, walking and singing together along the candle lit path carrying our own lanterns. This is a quiet and meditative celebration bringing to life the strength of our own individual light, shining bright amongst the darkness. I hope your family is able to take some time, possibly gather with those in your family’s close circle, and enjoy the magic of this evening.
The very beautiful and symbolic festival of Martinmas can be celebrated at home in a very simplistic and meaningful way. It is also a wonderful time to begin new rituals in the home such as a new meal blessing, lighting of a candle at meal times, beginning a new bedtime verse or a change of rhythm in the home. It is a time to slow down and connect to the rhythms of the earth and one another. Here are some simple ways in which you might like to celebrate Martinmas in your home:
- Making a lantern together
- Lighting a candle or a fire together and holding a reverent space or singing some seasonal songs by candlelight
- Going on a lantern walk or candlelit walk in the early evening with your family and/or a few close friends
- Making a warm soup to be shared around candlelight
- Telling the Grimm’s Fairy Tale story of the Star Money (Star Gold) or the story of St. Martin
Also this month as you have seen in your email inbox, we have our Valbella Gourmet Foods fundraiser happening now until November 14th. If you haven’t already ordered your kit, please do so and enjoy some quality local meats while also supporting our school! Please also share it with your friends and family.
I’d also like to send out a very large and heartfelt thank you to Samantha with Canmore Mask Makers. Not only did she stup to to our community ask of someone to sew some crayon cases quickly for our Kindergarten children, but she has offered to sew the cases we will need for the next year's students who will be getting new cases. If you see Sam, please show her your gratitude or if you need a mask, please consider Canmore Mask Makers!
Our next ACES meeting will be held on Tuesday November 17th at 7pm. All parents are welcome to join this meeting and be a part of our school, so please consider attending.
Warmly,
ACES
