FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear GCHS Families,
As we move toward the third week of Advent, our hearts turn to the candle of Joy, a joy not rooted in circumstance, but in the unchanging promise of Emmanuel, God with us. In a season that often feels hurried and full, Scripture invites us to remember that true joy is found not in what we accomplish, but in the Savior who came near.
At Gilbert Christian, this theme resonates deeply with our mission to ensure every student is seen, valued, and loved. Joy is cultivated when students know they belong, when they feel safe, and when they are reminded daily that their identity is anchored in Christ. This week on campus, you’ll see teachers preparing finals with peace and purpose, students encouraging one another through the busyness, and our community taking intentional moments to pause and reflect on God’s faithfulness.
Next week, as your students step into the final stretch before Christmas break, we pray that the joy of Christ will steady their hearts and brighten their days. Whether they are studying for exams, participating in Christmas events, or simply navigating the normal rhythms of high school life, may they experience the same joy the angels proclaimed in Luke 2:10: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
Thank you for partnering with us in shepherding their hearts and minds. We are grateful for each family in our community, and we pray your homes are filled with Christ-centered joy as we anticipate the celebration of His birth.
For such a time as this,
December Staff Birthdays
Andrew Rasmussen – December 2nd
Kathi Ridgeway – December 3rd
Kurt Keener – December 19th
Heather Stansberry – December 25th
*If you would like to bless our staff, here is the favorites list
Optional Staff Christmas Blessing
As we head into the Christmas season, we know it can feel overwhelming to shop for every teacher your student interacts with. To help ease that pressure, and to continue a wonderful tradition some parents began a few years ago, we will once again be hosting a Staff Christmas Raffle at our annual high school staff Christmas party. Each year, parents donate raffle items, and every staff member receives one gift. These items can be as simple as a $10 gift card or as creative as a themed basket. Last year, most families chose to donate gift cards in whatever amount they felt led to give, and they were a huge blessing to our staff. If your family would like to participate, you may donate either:
- A gift card (any amount)
- A themed basket or small gift
We have 65 staff members, so our goal is to collect 65 items in total. All donated items should be dropped off at the front desk by Friday, December 12th. Our hope is that this provides an easy, low-pressure (seriously…NO obligation) way for families to bless the high school staff, should you choose to participate, without adding extra stress to an already full holiday season. Thank you for loving our community so well. We are grateful for you!
Semester 1 Final Exam Schedule
Wednesday, December 17 (Half Day)
7:45-9:00 Period 1 Final Exam
9:00-9:10 Snack Break/Passing Period
9:10-10:25 Period 2 Final Exam
10:30-11:45 Period 3 Final Exam
Thursday, December 18 (Half Day)
7:45-9:00 Period 4 Final Exam
9:00-9:10 Snack Break/Passing Period
9:10-10:25 Period 5 Final Exam
Friday, December 19 (Half Day)
7:45-9:00 Period 6 Final Exam
9:00-9:10 Snack Break/Passing Period
9:10-10:25 Period 7 Final Exam
Course Catalog & Course Requests for 2026-27
In January, students will complete their course requests for the 2026-27 academic year; details on this process are forthcoming. In the meantime, check out the 2026-27 HS Course Catalog on the High School Counseling webpage, along with a number of other resources that are helpful for course planning (e.g., 4-year Plan Worksheet, GCHS Graduation Requirements).
Notes from the Athletic Department
Girls soccer is home tomorrow for a rare Saturday outing! You don’t want to miss it, games are few and far between over break. The 2-0 Knights are scheduled to take the field at 10:00am against San Miguel. We hope to see you there, Knight Nation!
Our cheer squad is also competing this weekend on Saturday, in the USA Arizona Regional II. This event is a Cheer Nationals Qualifier, and we know our girls will bring the heat! They are on the stage bright and early- 8:12am at Deer Valley High School. Awards will be handed out around 10:00am. Let’s go!
On Tuesday of next week (10/16), girls basketball is in action versus Seton Catholic, taking on the Sentinels in the final games of the year! JV will kick off the competition at 4:00pm, followed by varsity at 5:30pm. Both contests will be held at Chandler Prep.
Shoutout to Sienna Cathey, Lillie Duitsman and Shay Loth for earning spots on this year’s 3A ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL FIRST TEAM! The Knights also placed two, Alex Heyn and Sidney Loth, on the HONORABLE MENTION ALL-STATE squad. Great showing for our incredible volleyball players. Way to represent! Go Knights!
College and Career Highlights
Each year, the Gilbert Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) sponsors an all-day Student Government Day, which allows 50 high school students to learn about the inner workings of local government by shadowing Town employees across all departments, participating in a mock council meeting, and providing input on community initiatives.
Students attending the all-day event are provided a school excuse letter from the Mayor. Applications for this open on January 5th, and we highly encourage all students to apply for this amazing opportunity; let’s represent GCHS in our town government for the day! For more information, please visit this link.
Discovery Days at Colorado Christian University
This is an immersive, weeklong experience designed to help rising juniors and seniors explore their calling, discover their career interests, and grow as a Christ-centered leader. This FREE summer camp has been a tradition for several GCHS students who have all loved their week at CCU. The 2026 dates are July 13-16. This will fill up! Register here. Attending this week allows each student to receive a $1,250 scholarship per year at CCU as well.
STUCO UPDATE!
Class Shirts and Senior Hoodies have arrived and were delivered to students in their Bible classes. Any students who did not receive their shirt/hoodie, or if they would like to order one, please stop by the office and see Mrs. Jones.
Christmas Spirit Week Dress-up Days continue this week!* Students and Staff are celebrating the Christmas season with some fun dress-up days that we invite ALL students and staff to participate in:
Monday, December 15th: “Christmas Pj’s” dress in your cozy Christmas or winter-themed Pajamas.
Tuesday, December 16th: “Snow Day” dress like school was cancelled for a “snow day”-messy bun/bedhead, sweatpants, warm hoodie, oversized sweatshirt, fuzzy slippers, cozy blankets.
*Remember: Spirit Week Dresscode still applies and will be enforced.
ROOTED IN PRAYER
Parents, Grandparents, and all friends of GCHS are invited to join the team of volunteers that make up Rooted in Prayer every Wednesday morning when school is in session, starting at 8 AM in the cafeteria. Praying aloud is not required. Contact Mary for more information: HSPrayer@gcsaz.org. Have a prayer request? Click Here.
