OLW students hold Christmas concert

There wasn’t even any standing room available last Tuesday night for the annual Christmas concert at Our Lady of the Way School.
The students and their teachers obviously had worked overtime to give the audience a piece of the Christmas spirit, namely, peace and goodwill to all mankind.
Prior to the program, students of Stephanie Hawkins presented a mini recital.
Taking part were Audrey Chojko-Bolec (“We Three King of Orient Are”), Nelson Bragg (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”), Ursula Chojko-Bolec (“Up on the Rooftop”), Timothy Sharp (“The Little Drummer Boy”), Patricia O’Connor (“Joy to the World”), Alyshia Langlais (“It Must be Santa”), Alexis Sharp (“The Little Elves of Christmas”), Hailey Heyens (“Go Tell It On the Mountain”), and Peter Sopotiuck (“We Three Kings of Orient Are”).
OLW principal David Sharp then welcomed everyone and wished all the best in enjoying each number. The Lord’s Prayer was recited next, followed by the singing of “O Canada.”
Fr. James Panikulam was given a gift of appreciation for his work among the students and generally in the school.
The school choir presented two selections, “We Go Forth” and “It’s Christmas Time,” followed by the JK/SK class, directed by Sue Vanderbrand, in the “Drummer Boy.”
The Grades 1/2 did the story on “A Gift for Baby Jesus,” as well as an action song accompanied by Timothy Sharp and directed by Linda Budreau.
Meanwhile, the Grade 7/8 class was involved in several programs, including “Green/Red,” a spoof on “Lord of the Rings,” Aerosmith, and the nativity (which was presented in three parts).
The French Grades 3/4 had the selection, “Qui Peut Sauver Pere Noel?” (Who can save Santa) directed by Patrick Tougas. The group came back later and presented “Mary’s Boy Child”—a choreographed routine in black light.
This was a lively presentation with the accompaniment of music. Each student also recited a portion of the story, which did get the audience involved near its conclusion.
Ilene Indian, with the Ojibwe class, presented two selections “Kiinawind owe aki” (This Land is our Land) and “Ningod waaswi giichigan” (The 12 Days of Christmas).
Concluding with the nativity scene and children singing “O Come Little Children,” this was an enchanting, bright picture of the Christmas season, given with enthusiasm by the students.
Principal Sharp thanked everyone for coming and saluted the work involved by the students, staff, and everyone else who was involved in the Christmas concert.
“May the peace and joy of Christmas fill your hearts now and long into the New Year,” he added.
There also was thanks directed to those who had donated candy, Santa’s helpers, decorations, and trees received. Merry Christmas to all!