Busy day starts with Christmas Chapel

The service featured a Nativity pageant by the Class of 2023. Second graders also led the entire congregation in Christmas carols, and Makena Monaco, Jaycie Tamura and Izack Takazawa each brought the house down with their solos during "We Three Kings of Orient Are."

While the offerings in support of Helping Hands Hawaii and its Good Neighbor Fund were gathered, the Class of 2023 sang "Sing Noel/The First Noel," accompanied by Lima Harbottle '20 on drums and Mr. Manny Dayao '97 on piano.

This year, the surprise Magi were the Rev. Norio Sasaki ('Iolani School Chaplain 1978-1988, pictured below on right), the Rev. Franklin Chun ('Iolani School Chaplain 1996-2002, pictured below on left) and the Rt. Rev. Richard Chang '59 (Bishop of Hawai'i 1996-2007, pictured below in center).

Bishop Chang delivered the Christmas blessing, which was followed by a rousing rendition of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by the entire congregation.

Following chapel service, the Class of 2024 held its Christmas Celebration with the assistance of dozens of parents. The first graders rotated through their classrooms where they participated in various holiday activities.

They also visited the Lower School Library and posed for pictures with Santa Claus.

After eating lunch, the kindergarteners were treated to a "Snow Day" near the "Senior Tent." The Classes of 2025 and 2013 had a wonderful time playing in the snow. 'Iolani's youngest and oldest students enjoyed making snow angels, experimenting with snowballs and building snowmen. After the kindergarteners returned to their classrooms, the seniors engaged in occasional snowball fights and took hundreds of pictures.

At 1:30 p.m., the entire Lower School gathered in St. Alban's Chapel for the annual "Christmas Sing-a-Long" with the Lower School orchestra. The event also featured some special guest performers.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Have a wonderful and safe break. School resumes on Monday, Jan. 7.