Launching into the New Year after the Christmas holidays can be a bit daunting, especially for students. Hawthorn students, however, can always count on a big, beautiful party to welcome us back and to celebrate the birthday of the modern-day saint, St Josemaria Escriva, who inspired the founding of our school. This annual event is an opportunity for our students and staff to come together, be grateful for our school, and have FUN!
On the morning of Friday, January 9th, we all gathered in the Atrium where our school chaplain, Fr Eric, celebrated an all-school Mass especially to honour St Josemaria’s life, to seek his intercession for daily life, studies, and family, and to reflect on his message of finding God in all of our ordinary tasks, no matter how small. And then, off we ventured to jump into activities together at Bowls & Blasters in Thornhill, where LS students experienced bowling under vibrant neon lights and US girls engaged in epic laser tag battles between classes (congratulations, Grade 12s!!).
Upon our return to school, Maddy ’26, and Victoria ’26, led all of us in an interactive presentation about St Josemaria. They invited US Big Sisters to join LS Little Sisters to help our young charges write a simple prayer to St Josemaria. The notes were collected to be placed by the altar in our chapel and offered up to our special saint by our chaplain.
Next, Ria ’26 launched Footprints in the Snow, Hawthorn’s annual winter clothing drive, an important all-school service activity inspired by St Josemaria. While our specific goal this year is to collect 400 clothing items for donation to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, we always participate with the desire to respond to local needs with compassion and to make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbours by helping to keep them warm.
And since every birthday is better with cake, we capped off our day with festive cupcakes, sharing a sweet treat in friendship and laughter before heading off to our weekends. Thank you, Hawthorn, for this special, convivial way of easing back into school – and Happy Birthday, St Josemaria!
