Dear friends ,
This past Tuesday I attended St. Mary's Christmas lunch. This was a beautiful experience that touch my heart profoundly. The parent council along with the staff at the school worked together to make a delicious Turkey dinner for every child and staff member in the school. All of the students sat at round tables, decorated with white table cloths and center pieces in the gym. They prayed, ate sang, and even line danced together. ( Who says you have to go to Italy to "eat, pray & love" :) )
Others in attendance were Trustee Linda Zanella, Councilor Bob Callahan, Pastor Father Amaral, his uncle and Father Ricardo, our local police officers, "Super" Superintendent Geoge Prajza, the principal and vice principal from Cardinal Ledger, as well as the executives of the Knights of Columbus.
I felt like I was at one of the biggest family Christmas gatherings ever. The children were well mannered, and seems very happy to have turkey dinner. I was fortunate to speak to many of the teachers and volunteer in attendance.
I had the good fortune of speaking with many staff members and parents, all of whom recognize the role that the principal Patty Peroni plays in ministering to the needs of the children of the community.
According to staff, about 75% of the children of St. Mary's school come from families that struggle financially. Principal Peroni works endlessly to ensure that the basic needs of the students are met. She arranges for food program, both breakfast and lunch, she arranges for clothing drives so that they will have coats, hats and mittens, and she arranges for donations so that students will have food and gifts during Christmas. She knows that students can't learn if their basic needs are not met.
Staff members tell me that for many of these students this Christmas dinner is the only one that they will have this year. What a gift the Christmas Dinner is for these children and what better way to tell them that they are part of the St. Mary's family.
After hearing of principal Peroni's work, it came to me that Patty is more than a principal to these students she is a mother to them as well.
In light of this insight, I have decided to give Patty Peroni, the name of Mother Peroni of Brampton, as she embodies the spirit our our beloved Mother Teresa from Calcutta.
I would like to thank principal Peroni, the staff and the Parent Council for the generosity of time, their kindness, of love and dedication to the students of St. Mary's School.
I would also like to thank all of the people and organizations who donate to presents, foods coats etc.
May you all have a most joyous Christmas and a most prosperous and blessed New Year.
Yours in Christ
Anna da Silva
Thank you Anna, I am the very proud parent council chair of St. Mary School and there is not a time that we as parents and members of the community do not feel blessed to have Ms. Peroni in our school and in our lives. She is the glue that holds our school together. Thank you and all who attended, volunteered and witnessed one of our many special days we do with the students, we have a great council and parent volunteers who are always there for our students. God Bless, Maria Tavares
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