![A stage decorated for Christmas with a choir and a small string ensemble.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1703196666/santacatalina/xwcb2cz1mj1y5uvzl7ta/ChristmasPerformances.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1703196666/santacatalina/xwcb2cz1mj1y5uvzl7ta/ChristmasPerformances.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1703196666/santacatalina/xwcb2cz1mj1y5uvzl7ta/ChristmasPerformances.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1703196666/santacatalina/xwcb2cz1mj1y5uvzl7ta/ChristmasPerformances.jpg","width":1200}])
There are many wonderful things about Christmas at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School, but perhaps chief among them is the many opportunities students have to perform.
The performance season starts with delightful Christmas plays put on by PreK and kindergarten students on the small stage in the dining room. In full costume—robes, angel wings, animal onesies—they tell the story of Jesus’ birth and sing classic Christmas carols. The plays are performed for families on Sunday, but older students always come up to enjoy Friday’s dress rehearsals.
Not to be outdone, grades 1–8 come together for an annual Christmas concert. This year’s concert, “It Feels Like Christmas,” drew a standing room only crowd to the 500-seat Performing Arts Center. The concert featured a whole school choir as well as choirs grouped by grade level, plus glee clubs and a string ensemble.
Finally, on the Friday before break, Compass houses visit four senior living facilities to sing Christmas carols and visit with the residents. This joyous tradition is one of our community’s favorite service projects.
These performances are not only wonderful ways to celebrate the season; they reinforce our connection to music, grow students’ confidence, and give them a chance to shine.
![New faculty and staff members pose in the recital hall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724280214/santacatalina/ttpe6lxlse0ujeg8vexq/NewLMSFaculty2425.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724280214/santacatalina/ttpe6lxlse0ujeg8vexq/NewLMSFaculty2425.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724280214/santacatalina/ttpe6lxlse0ujeg8vexq/NewLMSFaculty2425.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724280214/santacatalina/ttpe6lxlse0ujeg8vexq/NewLMSFaculty2425.jpg","width":1200}])
![Low-angle view of students walking up a gangplank onto a gray WWII ship.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714673601/santacatalina/hzay6fwkcw5bzf5yzdxg/grade5ship.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714673601/santacatalina/hzay6fwkcw5bzf5yzdxg/grade5ship.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1714673601/santacatalina/hzay6fwkcw5bzf5yzdxg/grade5ship.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714673601/santacatalina/hzay6fwkcw5bzf5yzdxg/grade5ship.jpg","width":1200}])
![Overhead shot of a Santa Catalina student drawing a graph with a ruler.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1712097090/santacatalina/mgowk4xlicekjjttdd1b/Mathcounts2024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1712097090/santacatalina/mgowk4xlicekjjttdd1b/Mathcounts2024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1712097090/santacatalina/mgowk4xlicekjjttdd1b/Mathcounts2024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1712097090/santacatalina/mgowk4xlicekjjttdd1b/Mathcounts2024.jpg","width":1200}])