SafeTeen is a powerful program for teens that covers a variety of topics including empowerment, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, bullying, self defense, sexual health and more.
Once again we are very pleased to host SafeTeen seminars in the school library. Grade 10 boys will be attending SafeTeen seminars on December 7, 9 & 10. As such, the room will be closed to all drop-in and study block students, as well as to all female staff.
December 6 is St. Nicholas Day, celebrated in Europe, and many places around the world by people of European heritage, including some Canadians. For many, the tradition of gift giving that is usually associated with Christmas Day, or perhaps Christmas Eve, in North America, is instead part of St. Nicholas Day. In many places children go to bed with the expectation that they will wake up to gifts from St. Nicholas, perhaps even money or treats placed in their shoes, left out for him the night before.
Nicholas lived in the 3rd and 4th Centuries CE (AD). He lived in what is now known as Turkey, but what was then a Greek area of the Roman Empire. What is factual about his life, and what is is myth, isn’t certain. Nicholas was associated with generosity and charity, especially for the poor and for children.
Nicholas became a Bishop in the early Christian Church. He was persecuted and imprisoned by the Roman Emperor, and after he died was eventually identified as a Saint. In the years since his legend has grown, and morphed into various forms. In modern times the figure of St. Nicholas has grown to be known by various guises and names, including Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Pere Noel, and Santa Claus.
Find out more:
Check out these books in your school library, including both fiction and non-fiction:
It’s time for the some of the movies you have seen multiple times– maybe even some you’ve seen every year that you can remember? Yes, it is time for Christmas movies!
What are your favourite holiday films, movies that you watch every Christmas season?
Krampus is coming to give you what you deserve, bad little boys and girls!
Many people all across Europe celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6 each year, as do some people in Canada who have roots in Europe. St. Nicholas comes during the night and leaves presents for good girls and boys. (Look for tomorrow’s post more more information on St. Nicholas.)
In some places, tradition holds that St. Nicholas had a helper– or at least a counterpart, who visited the bad children. Krampus.
In Germany, Austria and other Alpine countries, Krampus became a part of the St. Nicholas story. Half goat, half demon, Krampus is a nightmarish figure who comes for those overlooked by St. Nicholas, who has gifts for the good (or in some cases, the intelligent!). At best Krampus might deliver coal or twigs. But children fear far worse, that Krampus will punish them, torture them, even kidnap them and carry them away to his lair– or to Hell!
Krampusnacht is is observed in many places on December 5, with parades and other celebrations, including the Krampuslauf, or Krampus Run, in which young people dress up like Krampus.
Find out more:
Check out some of our “holiday themed” fiction:
How many of these feasts and festivals at this special time of year can you identify?
Look for more information on these different celebrations over the next few weeks as we focus “Holidays and Holy Days” in December.
Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School Library 