Page 192 - Yggdrasil 2021

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Carrollton students celebrated Catholic Schools Week by reflecting on this year's thenne, "Faith, Excellence, and Service"
By Ellica Quintero '24
"In line with the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, we explored
the Faith we receive in and through our loving, personal relationship with Christ and unpacked that through His Word. As a rigorous College Preparatory School, we promote the excellence of mind and heart with the understanding that all good things
are made perfect in God's time. And lastly, we hope to cultivate an attitude o f Service, by doing the 'heart-work to transform our hearts so we can, in turn, transform the world through our actions,"wrote Andrea Pulido 21.
Throughout the week students of all grades participated in a variety o f activities including dress-downs, crafi; activities, book readings with Sister Taylor, and bible studies with Father Vallee. The Primary and Montessori schools held door decorating competitions where students expressed their creativity in depicting Sacred Heart values. Mayor of Coral Gables, Vince Lago, spoke to the Primary School about the importance o f faith and how it plays a major role in one's life.
Intermediate students engaged in zooms and assemblies, one in which Sister Cooke discussed the meaning of the universal, all inclusive Catholic religion. The Junior High celebrated with a father daughter breakfast and Mass, and prayed the rosary Students created "Thank You" videos for Father Valle and Sr. Taylor and raised money for Honey Shine.
The Upper School participated in virtual prayer breaks and "Ask Father Vallee" videos where students asked Father Vallee about Catholic education and religion. Faculty and staffwere recognized with a breakfast and students wrote thank you letters. Catholic School sWeek reinforced the bonds we share in our Catholic community.
Upper School Service Day coincided with Catholic Schools Week where students selected a topic o f interest among the many offered including accountability, acceptance of identity, acknowledgment, fairness, independence, inclusion, the benefit of the doubt, understanding, recognition, and safety. Each group participated in a Zoom with an expert in the field then created video presentations illustrating how we can better embody these values in our daily lives.
Leading up to Catholic Schools Week, the Carrollton community participated in a number o f activities for Respect Life. O n January 28th, all were encouraged to
walk and pray for the preservation, protection, and dignity o f all human life from conception to natural death. Students also participated in silent prayerful contemplation "Espacio," praying the Rosary, and attending church. Girls advocated for the right to life and prayed for healing o f the sick and the protection o f all human life.
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