Maironis Lithuanian School
Due to COVID-19, the annual Lithuanian Saturday school Christmas pageant has once again been postponed. Maironis Lithuanian School of Toronto is most grateful to Rev. J. Šileika, OFM, pastor of Resurrection Parish, who allowed us to conduct a special class and small celebratory event at the parish hall on December 11.
Rev. A.Kasparavičius, OFM, led us in prayer, after which we sang the Lithuanian anthem. Our school principal greeted us and introduced the morning program. Classes were led by teachers Nijolė Gudaitis, Dominykas Guzauskas, Rasa Balaišienė and Rima Žemaitytė-De Iuliis. Irena Žilinskienė assisted with the kindergarden class.
The pupils made Christmas cards for the residents of Labdara Nursing Home. Dominykas Guzauskas had students create a greeting from the school for the website tevzib.com. Representatives from the Lithuanian Canadian Youth Association Lina Samonytė and Lukas Janowicz taught the children how to make traditional straw Christmas tree ornaments.
Our special guest was, of course, Santa Claus. He spent some time with the children and handed out candy canes.
A group of students and teachers sang “We wish you a Merry Christmas”, and the recording was sent to the Lithuanian Embassy in Ottawa, for the virtual Christmas event hosted there on December 18.
