Passing the Torch

Prayer, Support, & Encouragement to All of You

In a normal school year, the week before the 8th grade's last academic classes would include a Leadership Mass at the middle school campus. At this Mass the current 8th grade class would pass the student leadership responsibility of All Saints Academy to the incoming 8th grade class. Then, both groups are prayed over as they each prepare to take their next steps in their  respective educational journeys. 

This year we had to adapt this tradition a little. On Tuesday, May 26th the 7th & 8th grade gathered in a large group Google Meet with their teachers to share some prayers, support and encouragement. Here are some of their words of blessing and wisdom from that meet: 

On this occasion, we commemorate an important milestone. With joyful hearts we begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thank you. Thank you to everyone who made our years at ASA amazing. Thank you teachers for providing wonderful education and thank you students for helping us through the whole way.

7th grade, 

We know that every year the speeches sound the same. That's because what we are going to tell you is the most important thing to remember. 8th grade year goes fast, so instead of growing apart with drama, try growing together like family. You can’t just do it by yourself, you must work with others.

The time has come for us to pass down this responsibility to you. We have no doubt that you will do great with this task, but you might have to step out of your comfort zone, and try some new things to fully complete this new, challenging job. You are going to be the example for every single student from preschool through 8th grade. It may seem scary but it’s so worth it. And being a leader doesn’t just happen overnight it takes time so don’t try to rush into it either. Just do what you think is the right thing. Have integrity and be kind.

Everybody says that the time flies. Well, in our case, it really did. As the All Saints Academy eighth graders, we had the excitement of doing a few special things like Camp Manitoulin. However, thanks to corona, we didn’t have a chance to have a lot of those things we looked forward to, like Fun Day. With the last couple months of school cut off, we didn’t even get to say goodbye to our classmates before school was cancelled. As you advance into the next stage of your life, know that you are not alone, you have so many people wishing you the best. So our message to you, is to enjoy the time you have with your friends and make the most of it. You never know when something can just suddenly come up and take it all away. Take the time to appreciate all that is around you, because you are very lucky to have it. Stay in the moment and remember everyday is a gift so use it, don’t push it aside.

It's your turn to take our roll, you will have ups and downs with your classmates but that is just one thing. As leaders you start to recognize the responsibility you  will have. You want to make people feel included and make them feel appreciated. As 8th graders you sort of get that feeling that you run the school, you are the oldest, but remember, the oldest have to show respect. 

Most of all, have fun. The upcoming year will seem much quicker and easier if you just try to have fun. In your schoolwork, extra time, and every time in between. Don’t let the year overwhelm you, let it help you make friends, strengthen existing friendships, learn, and grow.

We, the 8th Grade Class of 2020 at All Saints Academy, pass over our student leadership of All Saints Academy, to our future leaders, the 7th grade. The student leaders to this school. Our school. Your school. No matter what challenges you encounter, please lead this school with responsibility.We have faith in you. We know you will be good leaders, and will do well your last year here. We wish you luck on this journey.  We offer our deepest prayers, support, and encouragement to all of you.  We wish you the best of luck and don’t forget, we are one!

- All Saints Academy Class of 2020 - 

8th grade, we send you out. Hold to the standards of the sound teaching that you have heard in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.