FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear GCHS Parents,
Lately, I’ve been revisiting The Screwtape Letters written by C.S. Lewis, and feeling both convicted and encouraged. It made me wonder what it would look like if Screwtape wrote a letter to my staff, to my students, and even to me personally.
As we head into the Thanksgiving season, I thought I’d share a short version of what Screwtape might say to all of us, not to discourage, but to strengthen us as brothers and sisters in Christ. May it remind you to stay alert, stay rooted in truth, and stay anchored in gratitude.
*If you have never read The Screwtape Letters, Lewis writes from the perspective of a senior demon (Screwtape) advising a younger demon (Wormwood) on how to distract, discourage, and derail Christians. It’s written satirically, meaning the demon says the opposite of what is actually good.
A Short Screwtape Letter to GCHS Parents
My Dear Wormwood,
Your assignment this week is the parents of Gilbert Christian High School. Thanksgiving is approaching, the perfect storm of busyness, hosting, travel, family dynamics, and last-minute grocery runs. Many of them are hosting this year (including that principal of theirs), which means stress levels should be rising beautifully.
Do everything you can to keep them rushed and irritated. Make them believe they don’t have enough time, enough energy, or enough patience. Whisper that hosting is a burden, not a blessing. Prevent gratitude at all costs as gratitude is the Enemy’s territory.
Whatever you do, do not let them slow down long enough to pray, laugh, or enjoy the people in their home. Do not let them remember that thankfulness strengthens their families and weakens our influence instantly.
If they enter this weekend grounded in Christ, present with their families, and filled with gratitude, well, Wormwood, then we’ve lost before the turkey even hits the table.
With growing concern,
Screwtape
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
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
College and Career Highlights
5 Reasons to choose a Christian College
- Employers are looking to hire students who are more than just competent in their area of study but possess integrity and soft skills all of which are the focus of Christian colleges.
- Christian colleges tend to have a higher sticker price than state schools, however, they generally have a great deal of scholarships to off-set the difference.
- Christian colleges are not a replica of high school. Rather it can be a safe place to work through personal questions about your faith.
- The biggest difference I have seen in all of my visits as your school counselor and my experience as a student has been the commitment and faith of Christian professors to mentor you, connect you, and serve as a safe place to walk through your faith journey.
- Your college education should not just be “transactional”, it should be transformational!
ATTENTION STUDENTS
Get ready for a cozy, fun, and festive Pajama Day on Wednesday, December 3! Put on your most comfortable pajamas and slippers, and if you have Christmas PJs, now’s the perfect time to showcase them! For just $3, you can dress down and relax throughout the day – all while supporting our amazing choirs!
Students will pay at the door, so come prepared with your dollars and your best PJ style. Let’s make this a day to remember – fun, comfy, and full of holiday spirit! Everyone’s invited to participate, so don’t miss out on pajama dress down day!
See you in your pajamas (and maybe some Christmas cheer) on December 3!
STUCO UPDATE!
Mark your calendars! Winter Formal 2026 will be on Saturday, February 7th. More details coming soon!
Attention all FRESHMEN! Be sure to RSVP for the Freshman Christmas Hangout on Saturday, December 6th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the high school football field. Dress warm and bring your cozy blankets. We will have popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate, and we will be watching ELF on the big screen. Parents! We still have some chaperone slots available, if you would like to Sign up to Chaperone the Freshman Christmas Hangout. Email Mrs. Jones with any questions.
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.
