Can you feel it? It’s February and love is in the air! From the hearts and the glitter, to the Valentines made with care, Parish Day School is full of love everywhere. It is such an exciting time to be a preschooler!
It is wonderful to feel this identity of love at the core of who we are as a school and as one of the missions of Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church. The love that is shown throughout our halls, in our classrooms, in the interactions between students, teachers and parents has its roots anchored in the Mission of Eastern Shore Chapel; To love all as Christ loves us, and to share the light of God through worship, service and ministry. This mission is expressed through key values of worship, service, education, stewardship, reconciliation and hospitality that are reflected in the daily life of Parish Day School.
WORSHIP- Each day our students gather in the small chapel or sanctuary to pray, sing, and hear the word of God. Students learn the Episcopal teachings of christian love for one another as a school family and to build a strong faith foundation and relationship with God. Our teachers encourage these lessons through the school day in their classrooms.
SERVICE- Our Parish Day School family serves our community in a variety of ways. Each month the students have an opportunity to donate food or can goods to the food pantry. We partner with the youth ministry on a variety of drives from backpacks and school supplies for the students in need, socks, hats and gloves for the homeless and toys and stuffed animals for children. At our annual Scholastic Book Fair, families raise money for books for children in need. The school makes such an impact through the generosity of our families.
EDUCATION- A child’s learning and development is at the core in all we do at Parish Day School. We love seeing the spark in our students when they learn something new or reach a new developmental milestone. This is the joy that makes our work with children so rewarding.
STEWARDSHIP- We see our preschool as a blessing and service to the Virginia Beach community. We are providing a couple hours of rest for the stay at home mom, dad or grandparent and provide a safe, loving environment for students to grow and learn throughout their day. It is truly a privilege to be part of our families lives in this way.
RECONCILIATION- A big part of growing and learning is working together as a classroom family. Students have daily lessons on how to be kind to one another and forgive each other. Reconciliation is learning to work together and having a heart for one another. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
HOSPITALITY- Parish Day School has created a welcoming and kind learning environment that we get to share with new families throughout the year with tours and meet and greets. Families let us know that when they come through our doors they feel our warm and loving environment that one parent described as getting a big hug. We love that our families feel this way!
To lift up our school in prayer, join us in this community prayer for vision discernment that is shared with our school and the church congregation.
Loving God, Awe inspiring Creator, we confess that the choices we make, often keep us from being in relationship with you. Thankfully, you assure us that you are ever present. We ask that You guide us, help us to walk in faith, to love all as Christ loves us. Please grant us insight, so that all of our decisions and actions allow us to share Your light in this world, through worship, service and ministry. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
As we approach March, we will be partnering with Eastern Shore Chapel Church to contribute to the Vision of the church. For more information, please follow the link to Eastern Shore Chapel Church on Facebook or the website. You will see the mission and key values displayed in our hallways and outside our classrooms. We welcome your feedback on how Parish Day School has been or can be a blessing to your family.
Come celebrate with us on Tuesday, March 5th at the Mardi Gras Pancake Celebration Dinner from 5:30-7:30 pm in the Parish Hall. The highlight of this event is the amazing variety of toppings provided for the pancakes (you won't want to miss it!). This event is fundraiser for the Eastern Shore Chapel Youth Ministries and Parish Day School Butterfly Fund. More information will be coming home soon!
