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Nativi-tea 2025
  • Lower School
Grades 1 and 2 Celebrate Nativi-Tea with Family and Faith
Meghan Hodgin

There is something especially magical about the Christmas story when it is told through the eyes — and voices — of our youngest learners. On Friday, December 5, Oak Knoll’s first- and second-grade students welcomed their families to the beloved Nativi-Tea, a joyful morning celebrating the birth of Jesus, family traditions, and the voices of our Lower School “living examples.”

Gathered in the Aileen Maury Dining Hall, students and families listened to The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda, read aloud by Lower School Religion Coordinator Patti Cepparulo. The beautifully illustrated pop-up edition was a gift to Oak Knoll from Sr. Marlene Brownett, SHCJ, a treasured former Upper School teacher and longtime member of the Board of Trustees, making this tradition even more meaningful to our school community.

After the story, children proudly stepped forward one by one to share nativity scenes that are special to them and their families. Whether showcased in their homes each year or discovered during travel, students confidently described why their scene matters — a wonderful opportunity to build public-speaking skills, storytelling abilities, and reverence.

Families then joined their children in creating their own holiday nativity artwork, filling the space with laughter, creativity, and a few festive treats!

A group of young students, dressed in school uniforms, are gathered in a classroom setting, with a teacher standing in the foreground.
A group of young students, some wearing school uniforms, are gathered in what appears to be a school hallway or lobby, with decorations and posters visible in the background.
A young boy in a gray hooded sweatshirt is sitting at a table, eating a snack while other people are visible in the background.
The image shows two smiling females, an adult and a child, sitting at a table with various food and drink items in front of them. The background appears to be a festive holiday setting with decorations and a Christmas tree visible.
The image shows two elderly women sitting at a table, engaged in what appears to be a craft or activity, with other people visible in the background.
A smiling woman is seated at a table with a young child, both appearing to be enjoying a snack or beverage in what seems to be a casual, indoor setting.
Two young girls, one wearing a floral headband and the other with long blonde hair, are sitting at a table and playing with what appears to be a board game or cards. The background includes a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations, suggesting this is taking place in a festive setting.
The image shows a woman in a red sweater sitting at a table with two young girls, all smiling and engaged in what appears to be a social or educational activity, with a crowd of people visible in the background.