TCS Family,

I hope your family is enjoying this season of advent. The Latin origin of Advent is adventus, which means, coming. During this time leading up to Christmas, we are preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of God's coming to earth in Christ Jesus. This "coming" that we celebrate is the foundation of the hope that we have and celebrate throughout the year. It is a blessing to be part of a Christ-centered community that celebrates and recognizes the significance of Christmas. We are committed to teaching our students the hope made possible through Christ and it is a joy to watch them begin to own their understanding of this truth.

In today's culture, many hesitate to stand strong in their beliefs, or worse, do not spend reflective time to understand what they believe and how they know their beliefs are true. Unfortunately, this lack of clarity and conviction is present in the faith and educational communities as well.

Over the past year, we have worked to strengthen The Christ School's articulation of its core Christian Beliefs and Convictions. Last month, our Board of Trustees adopted an updated statement of beliefs. Please take a moment to review our statement. These beliefs and convictions serve as the platform on which we endeavor to shape the Biblical Worldview of our students as they discover all of God's truth through our rigorous academic pursuits. Whether it is discovering the pattern of God's creation through science, celebrating the birth of Christ together in chapel, or serving the world through a class mission trip in the Dominican Republic, all of these actions intentionally tie back to our Christian Beliefs and Convictions. This is what we believe.

Merry Christmas!

Congratulations to the 8th grade atomic model winners: first place Matthew Casler, second place Danielle Towle, third place Rylee Witherington, fourth place Chas Cook, fifth place Brianna Sanders, and sixth place Carlie Dorr.

The Middle School C.A.S.T. Yule Ball was Friday, December 9. With over 65 students attending, a great time was had by all. January's C.A.S.T. event will be ice skating. It will be held Friday, January 13. More information will be announced after the Christmas break. February 10, March 9, and April 13 will be the next C.A.S.T. events. All middle school students are welcome.

From its beginning almost three decades ago, The Singing Christmas Trees have become one of Central Florida's most loved and spectacular traditions.  Featuring a huge choir, full orchestra, worshipful dance, powerful drama, and a beautiful display of 250,000 lights, The Singing Christmas Trees was presented eight times over the last two weekends at First Baptist Church Orlando.  The two trees are 40 feet tall, fifteen rows high.

Mrs. Carrick, one of our second grade teachers, was blessed to be a part of this powerful presentation for the last two years. 

TCS families are invited to hear the choir and orchestra sing the songs from the Trees this Sunday, December 19th, at the Lake Eola Bandshell.  Performances are at 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm.  In addition, Channel 9 will be showing the Trees on Sunday, December 18th at 2:00 pm, and again on Saturday, December 24th at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.  

TCS recently donated "gently loved" (used) books to Orlando Day Nursery and Mercy Drive Ministries. The nursery staff was overjoyed to receive two boxes of preschool books and thankful for the 3rd graders who visited and read to the children on One Great Day. Pastor Andrews of Mercy Drive Ministries graciously accepted numerous school age books which he will distribute to children during the holiday season. If you have books that you would like to donate, contact Katie Segrest, TCS Library & Media Center Coordinator, to see if your books can be added to our school library.

Ho-Ho-Hold that Yearbook Ad Deadline! 

If you would like to support The Christ School yearbook program by submitting an ad from your business or by surprising a special student with a personal ad of encouragement, please contact adviser Pat Minnick and just say "Contact me after Christmas; I'm still interested!" Ad pricing begins with a $20 donation.

The Orlando Community School of the Arts/FPCO Outreach Ministry will open online registration for private and group instruction beginning December 15 for the January - May 2012 term. We are proud to announce the addition of our E3K, "Ears, Eyes, Echos, and Keyboard" middle school group piano class scheduled on Monday's from 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm. Please visit our website for a listing of our instructors and class offerings. For more detailed information, please contact Leigha Pace, Director of Arts or call 407.956.5869.

Tennis Anyone?

Basketball

Congratulations to our 7/6th grade girls' basketball team!!

These ladies finished their season strong this past Saturday placing 3rd in the tournament.

Thank you ladies for representing the Lions Pride.  You were awesome!

Middle school games -  

Friday, December 16

6th grade boys - 4:30 pm at Home

Saturday, December 17

7th grade boys - 10:00 am at Lake Mary Prep

Lower School Basketball -

Our lower school teams will start their game season upon our return from Christmas break. Stay posted for game times.

Flag Football - Trotters Park

TCS filled the fields with green this past Saturday!

Thank you to our 1st, 2nd 3rd & 5th grade coaches and players for a great season of flag football.

Our 4th & 6th grade football teams will move into tournament play on Saturday, December 17.

Game Times:

4th grade - 9:00 am - advancing game 11:20 am

6th grade - 10:10 am - advancing game 12:30 pm

Let's Roar Lions!

Middle School Spring Sports Meeting

Monday, January 9, immediately following middle school chapel.

Lower School

Tennis - Please check out the tennis flyer

Swimming - Information and registration will be available in February