11 Dec A Word from Dr. Satterly—December 11, 2025
Dear WA Community,
Christmas is full of tradition—and here at WA, those traditions bring our entire school family together in meaningful ways. From our All-School Christmas Chapel, where we worship and celebrate the birth of Christ as one community, to our Prayer Buddies connecting students across grade levels in encouragement and prayer, each moment reflects the heart of the season. Add in the joyful “Happy Birthday, Jesus” parties in the Lower School and the always-lively candy cane sale frenzy led by our Student Council, and you can feel the campus buzzing with festive purpose and childlike wonder.
One of the most cherished traditions in my own family is gathering before opening gifts on Christmas morning to read the Christmas story from the Gospel of John—reminding us that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” In much the same way, our school traditions invite us to pause from the busyness and refocus on the true reason we celebrate.
The season of Advent also provides that intentional rhythm of reflection. Advent is both a celebration and an anticipation. Beginning the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we walk through weekly themes of hope, peace, love, and joy—often guided by daily devotion. For the past several years, I have been honored to contribute to the Coral Ridge Advent Devotional. One of this year’s entries, “Bread for the Weary” (1 Kings 17:1–16), reflects on God’s faithful provision and our daily dependence on Him—truths woven into all we celebrate this season.
My prayer is that both our family traditions and our campus celebrations gently lead each of us back to the greatest gift of all: Christ Himself, our living bread and everlasting hope.
Read Dr. Satterly’s devotional:
Bread for the Weary – I Kings 17:1–16
Merry Christmas,
Dr. Joel Satterly
Headmaster