The St. James Christmas Family Store, a St. James annual tradition.
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Generosity infuses Advent Season at St. James
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Advent is a wonderful time at St. James School. Throughout the month of December, students and staff take moments to celebrate the season of light. Each week, as a new candle is lit, we learn about, build upon, and reflect on the themes of hope, faith, joy, and love.
Our tradition on the last day of school before the Christmas break is to host an Advent Party for families and students, during which they are invited to “shop” for Christmas gifts at our "Family Store."
St. James is always blessed by the generosity of others, but especially so during Advent, when you brought hope, faith, joy, and love to our students and families in so many ways:
- 100 new coats, and dozens of hats, scarves, and gloves were donated and given out
- 85 students received an Advent gift
- 66 families received a week’s worth of healthy snacks to eat during the break
- 66 families visited the Family Store
- 750+ items were available in the Family Store
- 20 families were supported with Christmas gifts
- 15+ churches and organizations raised funds, collected toys, and provided food for the community
- 9 volunteers assisted in the Family Store as a personal shopper or gift wrapper
- 34 individuals gave toward the Year End Advent Giving Tree
- 512 financial gifts were received at Year End
Thank you to all the individuals, churches, and organizations who helped make this Advent season joyous, and who brought light to our students and their families!
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Volunteers joined Maggie Sanborn, Assistant Director of Advancement (4th from left) to help with the Advent Party.
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Tartan, Bagpipes, Scottish Dancers, Scotch Tasting — Can you sense a theme?
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Honoring Kathryn Miani (center) were (back to front, left to right) School Co-Founder The Rev. Sean Mullen, Principal Dave McDonough, Board Member Margaret Wallis, Syniah (4th grade), Shanjae (8th grade), Deshawna Addy (parent), Diamond (Class of 2015), Head of School Dave Kasievich, and Director of Advancement Angie McCole.
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All things Scotland drew a sellout crowd of 170 guests to “A Highland Christmas,” the St. James School student scholarship benefit co-sponsored by the Society of St. George and the Philadelphia Chapter of the English-Speaking Union. December 7th marked the 7th annual event, which was held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ardmore.
The evening began with an Advent Service of Lessons and Carols featuring choral pieces by the St. James School Choir and the St. Mary's Church Choir. The music was accompanied by a student drummer. Several honorees were then recognized.
Head of School Dave Kasievich thanked George and Ronna Tyndall for co-chairing t
he event seven years in a row, helping to generate more than $200,000 since its inception. He announced that two trees will be planted on the St. James campus in honor of the Tyndalls.
George Tyndall presented honorary awards to two couples for their outstanding service and leadership to the English-Speaking Union and the Society of St. George: Andrew and Debbie Webster and Ed and Jean Conroy.
Kathryn Miani, an extraordinary volunteer, committee member, and friend to St. James, received a special award for her tireless efforts from Director of Advancement Angie McCole. The final honoree, Leslie Murray, parent of a St. James graduate, could not be in attendance and was recognized the following Sunday at Community Mass.
Following the merry sounds of a bagpipe, guests were led to a beautifully decorated and fragrant hall for a cocktail reception and dinner. They could taste scotch, chat with St. James teachers and staff, watch a demonstration of traditional Scottish dance, and bid on varied silent auction items, from a signed Eagles helmet to a private tour of the Barnes to an after-hours cheese tasting at Di Bruno Bros.
Volunteer auctioneer George McNeely led a lively, real-time auction of several bigger ticket items, including stays at two shore properties. One of the bidders was only 5 years old!
Thanks to the Tyndalls' leadership, and our many generous sponsors and donors, the event raised nearly $40,000 for student scholarships!
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St. James School Choir performing at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Ardmore.
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Teacher Angel Nalubega (left) speaking with a guest.
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Board Member Bill Mignucci and daughter Alexandria (an auction winner) talking with Associate Director of Advancement Martha Heuser.
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Event co-chairs George and Ronna Tyndall sporting their best tartan attire for the Scotland themed fundraising event they have led since its inception.
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Student Name: Davon
Grade:
8th
Family Information:
Six siblings, an awesome mom, and a family history of talent (singing, acting, etc.).
How you discovered St. James School: My mom wanted me out of a bad school. She met a few St. James teachers one day and learned about St. James.
Favorite school activities: Theater program, football at recess, basketball team, NorthBay Summer Camp.
High School you have applied to: The Philadelphia High School For Creative & Performing Arts, West Philadelphia Catholic High School, Mercy Career & Technical High School, Roman Catholic High School.
Which high school most interests you:
The Philadelphia High School For Creative & Performing Arts.
How many plays have been in at St. James, and which were your favorite and why?: Nine plays through Missoula Children's Theater Program.
King Arthur and
Robin Hood were my favorites because I had the lead in each.
Career Aspirations: Actor, Engineering (plan B), or Chef (plan C).
What are some words of wisdom to St. James Lower School Students: Keep doing good things. Ignore the doubters and haters. Just be who you want to be. Pray.
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My New Year’s Resolutions
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Shakim:
Work harder,
read more
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Geonna:
Use social
media less,
keep practicing Portuguese
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Nyyira:
Go to sleep early, stay out of drama
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Da’Jah:
Study more, do my homework
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One Way To Help St. James School This Week
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Shop to support our Alumni Woodshop!
Saturday, February 9th, 2019
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Come ready to purchase items hand crafted by our graduates:
cutting boards, jewelry displays, cheese platters, and more!
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St. James School is a faith-based Philadelphia middle school in the Episcopal tradition, committed to educating traditionally underresourced students in a nurturing environment. The school is a community that provides a challenging academic program and encourages the development of the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative gifts in its students.
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