After the party

For the third time in almost a week, students at St. David's threw a party.  This time, a full turkey dinner for all the students (and as many of the staff as cared to partake as well).  The décor for this meal included placemats for each diner; each one a work of art in its own right.

Students stood attentively behind each one of the dishes of heaping food, and served the meal with poise and grace (good lessons for all of us in the art of hospitality).  With teachers' assistance, the students also distributed cookies and cupcakes to those who had completed their savory meals.

While all the guests were devouring their meals, a collection of slides prepared by the senior students displayed memories from the months past, and the good work that has been accomplished.  As an added bonus, the staff agreed to have their pictures taken and to be included in Christmas carol displays which were shown to all the students.

When all the gastronomic adventures were complete, the younger students made their way to the school yard in order to enjoy some fresh air while the senior students cleaned up the tables and chairs.  Last but not least, a group of six students grabbed brooms and dust mopped the floor of the gymnasium.  By the time they left the room, all the chairs had been stacked, the tables counted, the floor swept and the room made ready for the next adventure.

Some valuable lessons were taught today: hospitality, including simple greetings for friends who shared a meal together; sharing of chores, including the cleanup after the meal was complete; and the satisfaction of knowing that each student present played a part (small or large) in making this celebration one of great joy for all who were there.