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Dear Providence Christian Academy Family,
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we are grateful for the many moments of joy, worship, service, and learning that have filled these past weeks. This season has been a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Christ and the blessing of community. We invite you to read on and reflect with us on the celebrations, activities, and stories that have made this season so meaningful at Providence Christian Academy.
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Kindergarten and Grade 1 students recently came together for a Happy Birthday, Jesus celebration, marking the Christmas season with joy, gratitude, and fellowship. The dining hall was filled with a warm, festive atmosphere as students enjoyed homemade blueberry muffins, fruit cups, juice, balloons, and plenty of cheerful fun.
This special birthday party served an important purpose. Rather than focusing only on decorations or gifts, students were reminded that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. By hosting a birthday party for
Jesus, students were encouraged to pause and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas and who is at the center of the season.
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The celebration also provided a meaningful opportunity for cross grade fellowship. Kindergarten and Grade 1 students shared time together, building relationships and modeling kindness, patience, and joyful participation across age groups. Laughter, conversation, and shared treats made the celebration especially memorable.
The Happy Birthday, Jesus party was a simple but powerful reminder that Christmas is first and foremost about honoring Christ. Through food, fellowship, and fun, students were able to celebrate the true meaning of the season in a way that was both age appropriate and deeply meaningful.
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The Journey of the Magi: Our Third Annual Christmas Celebration
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Providence Christian Academy joyfully hosted its third annual Christmas Celebration, a meaningful and beautifully woven program featuring lower school music, upper school choir, and upper school theater. This year’s presentation, entitled The Journey of the Magi, invited families and guests to reflect on the wonder of Christ’s birth through Scripture, music, poetry, and drama.
At the heart of the program was an original five act play performed by the upper school theater students. Written by theater teacher Karis Soltysik in collaboration with PCA senior and assistant director Emily French, the play traced the journey of the Magi with depth, reverence, and thoughtful storytelling. The program intentionally alternated between dramatic scenes and musical offerings, creating a seamless flow that kept the focus on worship and reflection throughout the evening.
Musical selections were unified around the theme of Christ the King and included Worship the King and One King. Students in grades 3 and 4 performed Coventry Carol on recorders, while poetry and Scripture readings were interwoven throughout the program. Additional selections included What Child Is This? and We Three Kings. PreK and Kindergarten students delighted the audience with Go Tell It on the Mountain, accompanied by xylophones and triangles, a new and joyful addition this year. The congregation joined together in singing O Come All Ye Faithful, and the evening concluded with a powerful all school finale of How Many Kings?
Instrumental accompaniment was provided by Natasha Gheorghita on piano, Ben Emberley (PCA parent and grade 7 Bible teacher) on guitar, and Amelia T. and Mark L. (PCA students), both on violin. Their musicianship added depth and beauty to the entire program.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and leadership of Beth Emberley, Music Teacher, and Karis Soltysik, Theater Teacher, whose many hours of thoughtful preparation and guidance made this celebration possible. Special thanks are also extended to the sound team, including Vitaliy Lashtur, PCA parent, Alex Giurgiu, PCA volunteer, and Ben Giurgiu, PCA Operations Coordinator, for their care and expertise in ensuring the program ran smoothly. This celebration was supported by many additional hands working faithfully behind the scenes, and we are grateful for every individual who contributed their time and service.
Following the celebration, families gathered in the gym for a cookie and hot cocoa reception. Thank you to Inna Falceanu, Student Life Coordinator, her team of volunteers, Holly Shepherd and Heather DuPree, leaders of the PCA Parent Teacher Fellowship, and to the many families who contributed their time, treats, and resources to make both the program and reception so warm and memorable.
Above all, we give thanks to God for a beautiful evening of worship, creativity, and community, and for the many hands and hearts that made The Journey of the Magi such a meaningful Christmas celebration.
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Sharing Christmas Joy at
Poet’s Seat Nursing Home
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Students in grades 7 and 8 recently had the opportunity to share the joy of the Christmas season during a visit to Poet’s Seat Nursing Home. Through music, conversation, and small acts of kindness, students brought encouragement and festive cheer to the residents.
The students sang a selection of Christmas carols and hymns, accompanied by Beth Emberley, (PCA parent & music/choir teacher) on keyboard, Ben Emberley (PCA parent & Bible teacher) on guitar, and Mark L. (PCA student) on recorder. The familiar songs created a warm and uplifting atmosphere, inviting residents to listen, smile, and sing along.
In addition to the music, students prepared handmade Christmas cards ahead of the visit. These cards were personally distributed to residents, offering thoughtful messages of care and reminding them that they are remembered and valued during the holiday season.
The visit was thoughtfully organized with the help of Alena Lashtur (PCA parent & upper school teacher), who serves as the students’ advisor and regularly coordinates events and activities that encourage service and community engagement. Her guidance helped make the outing both meaningful and well organized.
This visit to Poet’s Seat Nursing Home was a beautiful example of students living out compassion and service. Through music and simple gestures of kindness, our middle school students were able to reflect the love and hope of Christ to others during the Christmas season.
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Christmas Fellowship With Our Buddies
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One of the sweetest moments of our Christmas season was a special time of fellowship shared with our school buddies. Students gathered together on our last day before break to enjoy a cozy celebration filled with laughter, music, and meaningful connection.
The event began with a festive hot chocolate bar, complete with whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint, and other favorite toppings. Freshly baked cinnamon rolls filled the room with the comforting scents of Christmas, alongside simple snacks like orange slices and cheese sticks that made the gathering feel both joyful and welcoming.
After enjoying treats together, students joined in a musical candy cane game, a Christmas twist on musical chairs. As the music played, smiles spread and excitement grew, with buddies cheering one another on and sharing plenty of laughter along the way.
More than the food or games, this time together reflected the heart of our community. Older and younger students alike practiced kindness, patience, and joy as they spent time building relationships and celebrating the season together. Moments like these remind us that Christmas is a time to slow down, share fellowship, and reflect Christ’s love through simple acts of togetherness.
A special thank you to Mrs. Falceanu and her Student Life volunteer team for organizing this joyful time, and to Mrs. Lashtur for leading the activities and helping with preparations.
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“Every Good and Perfect Gift”:
A Joyful December in Pre-K
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December was a joyful and meaningful month in our Pre-K classroom as students prepared for Christmas with a focus on its true meaning. Through age-appropriate lessons and conversations, students learned that Christmas is not about trees or presents, but about celebrating the birth of Jesus and the greatest gift of all.
Hands-on holiday activities were a highlight throughout the month. Students enjoyed making salt dough ornaments, an activity that strengthened fine motor skills while encouraging creativity and patience. Decorating gingerbread cookies was another favorite, filling the classroom with excitement and Christmas cheer.
Alongside these activities, students spent time learning Scripture, memorizing James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” This verse supported lessons on gratitude, God’s blessings, and the joy found in the Christmas season. It has been a blessing to watch our Pre-K students grow academically, socially, and spiritually, and their enthusiasm made December a truly special month in the classroom.
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Creative Expression
in Sixth Grade SMArt Class
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The sixth grade SMArt class recently enjoyed a festive and creative project as students used watercolor paints to design Christmas ornaments. To make this possible, students first applied a special watercolor ground to wooden ornaments, allowing them to use the same watercolor techniques and paints they have been practicing throughout the year.
This process gave students the opportunity to transfer their developing skills onto a new surface while creating something meaningful to share with their families. Each ornament was unique, reflecting individual creativity and careful craftsmanship, and the project provided a joyful way to combine artistic learning with the Christmas season.
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Exploring the
Connecticut River Watershed
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The Thursday before break, second and fourth grade students enjoyed a hands-on field trip to the Great Falls Discovery Center, where learning came alive through exploration and discovery. During the visit, students investigated the different habitats found within the Connecticut River Watershed, gaining a deeper understanding of how plants, animals, and ecosystems are uniquely connected to this important local river system.
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Through interactive exhibits and guided observation, students were able to see how classroom learning connects to the world around them. We are grateful for the support of Alina Komerzan and Inna Falceanu, who helped chaperone and transport our students, making this enriching experience possible. Field trips like this one help spark curiosity, reinforce academic concepts, and foster a growing appreciation for God’s creation.
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Field Trip Spotlight: Arms and Armor at the Worcester Art Museum
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Students in grades 7–12 enjoyed a field trip to the Worcester Art Museum this past week as part of their ongoing studies in Mr. Johnson’s social studies classes. The outing, which Mr. Johnson organized, was designed to extend classroom learning beyond textbooks and into a real-world setting.
During the visit, students explored the interactive Arms and Armor exhibit, which features one of the largest arms and armor collections in the United States. Spanning from ancient Egypt to nineteenth-century Japan, the collection includes over 1,500 objects and a diverse array of full suits of armor from around the world. Students learned how arms and armor reflect the historical, cultural, and technological contexts of different civilizations, and many enjoyed the opportunity to try on pieces of armor themselves. This hands-on experience reinforced classroom learning and brought history to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
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Fifth Grade Wolverine Sets Record at
Winter Showdown 3
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At the Winter Showdown 3 powerlifting competition, student-athlete Mark M. made an unforgettable entrance into competitive lifting. Competing in his very first bench press meet, Mark delivered an exceptional performance that far exceeded expectations.
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Lifting in the 105-pound weight class, Mark successfully benched an impressive 126.7 pounds. This remarkable achievement earned him the IPA World Record in the Under 13 age division, an extraordinary milestone at the very beginning of his competitive journey.
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We give glory to God for this accomplishment and are deeply grateful for His faithfulness. Mark’s success reflects hours of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, as well as a strong foundation of faith and the encouragement of family and friends who have supported him along the way.
Congratulations to Mark on an outstanding debut at Winter Showdown 3. This achievement is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing how God continues to shape his journey both on and off the platform.
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Wolverines Shine at December Wrestling Tournaments
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Wolverine wrestlers had two recent tournaments, where they had the opportunity to demonstrate hard work, determination, and sportsmanship.
In early December, athletes competed at the Gladiator Tournament in Long Beach, Long Island, NY. Mark M. earned an impressive 1st place finish, and Nate G. took 3rd place, competing strongly against tough competition.
Last weekend, the team traveled to Johnston, Rhode Island, where the boys once again performed exceptionally well. Nate G. and Mark M. both placed 1st in their groupings, while Levon M., Max P., and Mike T. each earned 3rd place finishes. Throughout both tournaments, the boys wrestled with confidence and resilience, drawing attention from spectators who frequently asked where they were from and about their program.
The athletes proudly represented Providence Christian Academy and, more importantly, the Lord, wearing singlets that feature the message: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
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Meet the Spuddoodle: Genetics Comes to Life in Life Science
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Seventh and eighth grade students recently brought genetics to life through a hands-on lab centered around heredity and trait inheritance. As part of their life science studies, students used what they learned to create their very own “Spuddoodle.”
Beginning with parent spuds (potatoes), students determined genotypes and identified which traits would be passed down to their Spuddoodle offspring. After mapping out the inherited characteristics, students got to work building their Spuddoodles based on the genetic results. This creative lab helped reinforce key genetics concepts in an engaging way, making learning both educational and entertaining.
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Joyful Movement and Holiday Fun in Kindergarten PE
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Kindergarten students wrapped up the season with a joyful and energetic Christmas-themed physical education celebration. The gym was filled with excitement as students participated in festive games designed to encourage movement, cooperation, and fun.
Activities included Build the Snowman, Snowball Relay, and Reindeer’s Polar Express, each giving students the opportunity to practice teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship while enjoying the Christmas spirit. Laughter echoed throughout the space as students cheered one another on and worked together to complete each challenge.
The celebration was a wonderful reminder that physical education is not only about developing skills, but also about building community and creating joyful shared experiences. It was a memorable and meaningful way for our kindergarteners to celebrate together.
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Thank you for walking with us through these highlights from the weeks leading up to Christmas. We are grateful for the ways our students have learned, served, created, and worshiped together, and for the faithful partnership of our families and staff. As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, may your hearts be drawn to the wonder of Christ’s birth and the hope He brings. We wish you a blessed and joy-filled Christmas season and look forward to the year ahead together.
Blessings,
Linda Temby
Principal, Providence Christian Academy
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January Prayer Points
As we begin a new year, January is a natural time to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with the Lord. We invite our school community to join together in prayer, asking God to renew our minds, guide our work, and strengthen our unity as we move forward in faith. The following prayer points are offered to help focus our prayers for the month ahead.
Renewed Hearts and Minds for the New Year
Prayer focus: That students, families, and staff would begin the year with renewed hearts, clear minds, and a desire to walk faithfully with the Lord in all they do.
Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Wisdom and Faithfulness in Learning and Teaching
Prayer focus: For wisdom, perseverance, and integrity in teaching and learning, and that all instruction would point students toward truth and godly understanding.
Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
Unity and Love Within the School Community
Prayer focus: That our school community would grow in unity, patience, and love, reflecting Christ in relationships between students, families, and staff.
Scripture: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches
of His glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
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