School​ ​Blessing​ ​and​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines This​ ​document​ ​is​ ​meant​ ​to​ ​accompany​ ​the​ ​School​ ​Blessing​ ​and​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Work​ ​Plan​. Please​ ​refer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​work​ ​plan​ ​document​ ​for​ ​details​ ​on​ ​when​ ​items​ ​should​ ​be​ ​completed.

Table​ ​of​ ​Contents A: Objectives B: Budget C.​ ​ ​Statement​ ​on​ ​Blessings​ ​-​ ​Canadian​ ​Council​ ​of​ ​Catholic​ ​Bishops D: School​ ​Responsibilities 1. Choose​ ​a​ ​Date 2. Select​ ​a​ ​Committee 3. Book​ ​staging​ ​and​ ​AV 4. Invitation​ ​Card​ ​and​ ​List 3. Program 4. Protocols 5. Set​ ​Up 6. Reception E: Communications​ ​Department​ ​Responsibilities 1. Choose​ ​a​ ​Date 2. Gifts​ ​for​ ​the​ ​School 3. Prepare​ ​Ward​ ​Trustee​ ​for​ ​Duties 4. Letters​ ​to​ ​Dignitaries 5. News​ ​Release​​ ​and​ ​Media​ ​Coverage Appendix​ ​1:​ ​Standard​ ​Program​ ​Format​ ​for​ ​School​ ​Blessing​ ​and​ ​Dedication​ ​Celebrations

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A: Objectives The​ ​objectives​ ​of​ ​a​ ​school​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony​ ​are: ● To​ ​officially​ ​bless,​ ​through​ ​a​ ​formal​ ​ceremony,​ ​a​ ​new​ ​school​ ​property​ ​and​ ​community. ● To​ ​provide​ ​an​ ​opportunity​ ​for​ ​parents,​ ​the​ ​local​ ​parish,​ ​local​ ​community,​ ​school​ ​district,​ ​city and​ ​provincial​ ​officials​ ​to​ ​celebrate​ ​the​ ​opening​ ​of​ ​a​ ​new​ ​school​ ​and​ ​encourage​ ​them​ ​to have​ ​future​ ​involvement​ ​with​ ​the​ ​school. ● To​ ​affirm​ ​the​ ​Calgary​ ​Catholic​ ​School​ ​District’s​ ​support​ ​of​ ​the​ ​new​ ​school. ● To​ ​acknowledge​ ​the​ ​efforts​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​board,​ ​administration,​ ​staff,​ ​parents,​ ​the​ ​City​ ​of Calgary,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Province​ ​of​ ​Alberta,​ ​who​ ​work​ ​together​ ​to​ ​build​ ​and​ ​develop​ ​new​ ​schools ● To​ ​create​ ​awareness​ ​of​ ​both​ ​the​ ​school​ ​and​ ​the​ ​district​ ​in​ ​the​ ​community​ ​and​ ​city.

B: Budget School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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A​ ​total​ ​of​ ​$1000​ ​is​ ​provided​ ​to​ ​each​ ​school​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Communications​ ​department​ ​budget​ ​to​ ​help defray​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ceremony. The​ ​school​ ​should​ ​pay​ ​for​ ​any​ ​necessary​ ​materials​ ​and​ ​products​ ​directly.​ ​After​ ​the​ ​ceremony, the​ ​school​ ​must​ ​send​ ​the​ ​original​ ​receipts​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Communications​ ​department​ ​with​ ​a​ ​summary of​ ​expenditure​ ​details.​ ​The​ ​Communications​ ​department​ ​will​ ​complete​ ​a​ ​cheque​ ​requisition​ ​and forward​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Accounting​ ​department​ ​for​ ​reimbursement​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school. School​ ​administration​ ​and/or​ ​ceremony​ ​planning​ ​committee​ ​members​ ​are​ ​urged​ ​to: ● Seek​ ​parental​ ​support​ ​in​ ​organizing​ ​the​ ​celebration​ ​(decorations,​ ​supplies,​ ​food,​ ​etc.) ● Use​ ​district​ ​resources​ ​and​ ​service​ ​departments​ ​where​ ​possible ● Seek​ ​donations​ ​(financial​ ​and​ ​material)​ ​from​ ​school​ ​council,​ ​community​ ​businesses​ ​and organizations​ ​to​ ​subsidize​ ​the​ ​ceremony Examples​ ​of​ ​items​ ​to​ ​budget​ ​for: ● Program​ ​design​ ​and​ ​printing ● Invitation​ ​card​ ​design​ ​and​ ​printing ● Purchase​ ​and​ ​framing​ ​of​ ​patron​ ​saint​ ​print ● Music​ ​copyright​ ​fee(s) ● Flowers​ ​or​ ​silk​ ​plants​ ​(rental​ ​or​ ​purchase) ● Reception​ ​food:​ ​appetizer​ ​trays,​ ​cake,​ ​coffee/tea/juice/bottled​ ​water ● Decorations​ ​and​ ​other​ ​supplies:​ ​tablecloths,​ ​plates,​ ​napkins,​ ​cups,​ ​etc. ● Technical​ ​or​ ​audio-visual​ ​equipment ● Memento​ ​for​ ​students/guests​ ​(ex:​ ​magnet,​ ​bookmark,​ ​embossed​ ​pencil,​ ​pen,​ ​pin,​ ​eraser, ribbon,​ ​etc.)

C: Statement​ ​on​ ​Blessings​ ​-​ ​Canadian​ ​Council​ ​of​ ​Catholic​ ​Bishops

​ ​The​ ​following​ ​are​ ​excerpts​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Statement​ ​on​ ​Blessings​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Canadian​ ​Council​ ​of Catholic​ ​Bishops. Celebrating​ ​Blessings One of the most touching scenes in the gospels shows Jesus welcoming little children, putting His arms around them, and blessing them (Mark 10:13-16). As He is ascending into heaven, He raises His hands and blesses His disciples (Luke​ ​24:50-51).​ ​He​ ​blesses​ ​food​ ​before​ ​it​ ​was​ ​eaten​ ​(Mark​ ​6:41). At other times, we see Him blessing and praising God, and thanking Him for His many gifts to His beloved people. Examples of these prayers are given in Matthew​ ​11:25​ ​and​ ​John​ ​12:41. Meaning The word blessing has two distinct and related meanings. It refers to our praise of God, and to our request for His loving care for us (see Psalm 134; Psalm 115). As​ ​we​ ​praise​ ​God​ ​over​ ​people​ ​and​ ​things,​ ​they​ ​are​ ​blessed​ ​for​ ​His​ ​service. A​ ​Long​ ​Tradition School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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We have inherited the practices of blessings from the Jewish religion. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church has encouraged the use of blessings. Some of these​ ​are​ ​celebrated​ ​within​ ​the​ ​liturgy,​ ​and​ ​some​ ​at​ ​other​ ​times. Types​ ​of​ ​Blessings Three​ ​types​ ​of​ ​Blessings​ ​are​ ​common: 1. Blessings of persons, wherein we ask God to show His love for these people and​ ​to​ ​help​ ​them​ ​in​ ​their​ ​daily​ ​living. 2. Blessings of places, wherein we bless a place and praise God for the people who​ ​are​ ​in​ ​this​ ​space.​ ​ ​We​ ​are​ ​asking​ ​Him​ ​to​ ​bless​ ​them​ ​and​ ​what​ ​they​ ​do​ ​there. 3. Blessing of things, wherein the blessing does not change a thing. It is our prayer that God may bless the people who use this article, and help them to use the​ ​goods​ ​of​ ​creation​ ​for​ ​His​ ​greater​ ​honour​ ​and​ ​glory. When​ ​is​ ​a​ ​blessing​ ​celebrated? A​ ​blessing​ ​may​ ​be​ ​celebrated​ ​at​ ​any​ ​appropriate​ ​time.

D: School​ ​Responsibilities 1.

Choose​ ​a​ ​Date:​ ​The​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony​ ​is​ ​to​ ​take​ ​place​ ​as​ ​early​ ​as possible​ ​in​ ​the​ ​first​ ​school​ ​year.​ ​A​ ​good​ ​time​ ​to​ ​plan​ ​for​ ​is​ ​during​ ​the​ ​months​ ​of​ ​October and​ ​November. Duration:​ ​The​ ​ceremony​ ​should​ ​be​ ​planned​ ​for​ ​approximately​ ​90​ ​minutes,​ ​during​ ​the school​ ​day​ ​so​ ​that​ ​the​ ​students​ ​are​ ​present​ ​and​ ​can​ ​participate​ ​in​ ​the​ ​event. Date​ ​options:​ ​Choose​ ​several​ ​options​ ​which​ ​has​ ​some​ ​significance​ ​either​ ​to​ ​the​ ​patron​ ​of the​ ​school​ ​(i.e.​ ​birth​ ​date​ ​or​ ​date​ ​of​ ​death​ ​of​ ​the​ ​patron),​ ​or​ ​some​ ​appropriate​ ​feast​ ​day​ ​of the​ ​Church.​ ​If​ ​possible,​ ​choose​ ​a​ ​Friday​ ​date​ ​as​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​most​ ​convenient​ ​for​ ​politicians. Discuss​ ​these​ ​choices​ ​with​ ​your​ ​parish​ ​priest.​ ​Together,​ ​decide​ ​on​ ​options​ ​for​ ​the​ ​date and​ ​time​ ​that​ ​also​ ​fit​ ​his​ ​schedule.​ ​The​ ​priest​ ​will​ ​be​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​conducting​ ​the liturgical​ ​aspects​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ceremony. Confirmation:​ ​Inform​ ​the​ ​Communications​ ​department,​ ​as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​possible,​ ​of​ ​your proposed​ ​date​ ​and​ ​time​ ​choices​ ​and​ ​any​ ​blackout​ ​dates​ ​for​ ​your​ ​school.​ ​Communications will​ ​then​ ​check​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Trustees,​ ​the​ ​chief​ ​superintendent​ ​and​ ​the​ ​area superintendent,​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​that​ ​there​ ​are​ ​no​ ​conflicting​ ​district​ ​events​ ​or​ ​meetings. Once​ ​a​ ​suitable​ ​date​ ​is​ ​determined,​ ​Communications​ ​will​ ​contact​ ​the​ ​school​ ​to​ ​confirm​ ​the date​ ​and​ ​time.

2.

Select​ ​a​ ​Committee:​​ ​The​ ​school​ ​is​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​selecting​ ​a​ ​committee​ ​that​ ​will​ ​plan and​ ​execute​ ​the​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony.​ ​The​ ​committee​ ​should​ ​be​ ​selected before​ ​a​ ​date​ ​is​ ​chosen.​ ​The​ ​committee​ ​should​ ​involve​ ​school​ ​administration,​ ​staff,​ ​school council​ ​and​ ​the​ ​parent​ ​community.​ ​The​ ​committee​ ​will​ ​be​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​planning​ ​various

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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components​ ​of​ ​the​ ​celebration.​ ​The​ ​planning​ ​committee​ ​should​ ​meet​ ​on​ ​a​ ​regular​ ​basis​ ​to discuss​ ​and​ ​organize​ ​the​ ​ceremony,​ ​budget,​ ​program,​ ​decorations,​ ​sponsorships, donations,​ ​etc. 3.

Book​ ​staging​ ​and​ ​AV:​ ​Book​ ​any​ ​portable​ ​stages​ ​that​ ​are​ ​needed​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Distribution Centre​ ​as​ ​early​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​as​ ​they​ ​book​ ​up​ ​quickly.​ ​The​ ​school’s​ ​administrative​ ​assistant must​ ​process​ ​a​ ​Materials​ ​Movement​ ​Request​ ​(MMR)​ ​to​ ​have​ ​the​ ​staging​ ​transported​ ​to and​ ​from​ ​the​ ​school. Any​ ​additional​ ​audio​ ​visual​ ​equipment​ ​that​ ​is​ ​needed​ ​can​ ​be​ ​obtained​ ​from​ ​outside vendors.​ ​In​ ​order​ ​to​ ​reduce​ ​costs,​ ​the​ ​planning​ ​committee​ ​can​ ​try​ ​to​ ​obtain​ ​sponsorships from​ ​these​ ​vendors.

4.

Invitation​ ​Card​ ​and​ ​List:​​ ​The​ ​school​ ​is​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​preparing​ ​an​ ​invitation​ ​card​ ​to invite​ ​special​ ​guests.​ ​Refer​ ​to​ ​past​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony​ ​invitation​ ​cards​ ​for design​ ​ideas.​ ​Document​ ​Services​ ​can​ ​help​ ​with​ ​design​ ​and​ ​printing​ ​(they​ ​now​ ​have​ ​a standard​ ​format​ ​for​ ​these​ ​cards).​ ​Communications​ ​can​ ​help​ ​with​ ​editing​ ​and​ ​final proofreading. Communications​ ​will​ ​create​ ​an​ ​invitation​ ​list​ ​(as​ ​an​ ​Excel​ ​spreadsheet)​ ​for​ ​tracking​ a ​ ll invitees​ ​and​ ​then​ ​send​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​to​ ​add​ ​their​ ​special​ ​invitees. -​ ​Communications​ ​should​ ​add​:​ ​The​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Trustees,​ ​district​ ​personnel (superintendents,​ ​managers​ ​at​ ​Central​ ​Office,​ ​senior​ ​administration,​ ​program supervisors,​ ​coordinator,​ ​Construction​ ​and​ ​Maintenance,​ ​Purchasing​ ​department​ ​head, Document​ ​Services,​ ​the​ ​district​ ​photographer)​ ​all​ ​invited​ ​dignitaries​ ​(indicating​ ​which​ ​are invited​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​greetings)​ ​and​ ​any​ ​other​ ​VIPs​ ​(such​ ​as​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​parish​ ​priest/pastor, the​ ​Bishop,​ ​architect​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​and​ ​the​ ​general​ ​contractor). -​ ​The​ ​school​ ​should​ ​add​:​ ​Anyone​ ​external​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​who​ ​has​ ​taken​ ​part​ ​in​ ​planning the​ ​ceremony,​ ​school​ ​council​ ​members,​ ​volunteers,​ ​or​ ​people​ ​with​ ​other​ ​special relationships​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​and​ ​important​ ​community​ ​members​ ​and/or​ ​community association​ ​representatives.​ ​The​ ​school​ ​may​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​also​ ​invite​ ​the​ ​principals​ ​of district​ ​feeder​ ​schools​ ​or​ ​CCSD​ ​schools​ ​in​ ​close​ ​proximity. The​ ​school​ ​is​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​designating​ ​someone​ ​to​ ​update​ ​the​ ​invitation​ ​list​ ​as​ ​RSVPs come​ ​in,​ ​so​ ​there​ ​is​ ​an​ ​accurate​ ​number​ ​of​ ​how​ ​many​ ​people​ ​to​ ​prepare​ ​for.​ ​As​ ​RSVPs from​ ​dignitaries​ ​may​ ​arrive​ ​at​ ​central​ ​office​ ​rather​ ​than​ ​the​ ​school,​ ​Communications​ ​and the​ ​school​ ​should​ ​liaise​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​the​ ​invitation​ ​list​ ​up​ ​to​ ​date. The​ ​school​ ​should​ ​distribute​ ​invitation​ ​cards​ ​to​ ​all​ ​guests​ ​on​ ​the​ ​invitation​ ​list,​ ​including district​ ​personnel​ ​(through​ ​pony)​ ​and​ ​dignitaries.​ ​(For​ ​dignitaries​ ​who​ ​have​ ​already received​ ​an​ ​invitation​ ​letter,​ ​this​ ​will​ ​serve​ ​as​ ​a​ ​second​ ​reminder​ ​to​ ​RSVP.)​ ​As​ ​well, parents​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​specially​ ​informed​ ​of​ ​and​ ​invited​ ​to​ ​the​ ​ceremony​ ​through​ ​an announcement​ ​in​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​newsletter​ ​or​ ​a​ ​letter​ ​home.

5.

Program:​​ ​The​ ​program​ ​should​ ​follow​ ​the​ ​format​ ​as​ ​outlined​ ​in​ ​the​ ​appendix​ ​on​ ​page​ ​9. Student​ ​performances​ ​(I.e.​ ​music,​ ​drama,​ ​speaking)​ ​the​ ​prayers​ ​and​ ​speeches​ ​by

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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dignitaries​ ​are​ ​the​ ​highlights​ ​of​ ​the​ ​celebration​ ​and​ ​should​ ​be​ ​alternated​ ​where​ ​possible. (See​ ​‘Protocols’​ ​section​ ​below​ ​for​ ​more​ ​details​ ​on​ ​program​ ​order.) ● Master​ ​of​ ​Ceremonies​ ​(MC):​ ​The​ ​principal​ ​is​ ​usually​ ​the​ ​MC.​ ​However,​ ​an​ ​alternate designate​ ​(such​ ​as​ ​the​ ​vice​ ​principal)​ ​can​ ​be​ ​appointed​ ​if​ ​necessary. ● The​ ​parish​ ​priest​ ​should​ ​be​ ​involved​ ​from​ ​the​ ​beginning​ ​in​ ​the​ ​planning​ ​of​ ​the liturgical​ ​portion​ ​of​ ​the​ ​program.​ ​Consult​ ​with​ ​him​ ​to​ ​determine​ ​which​ ​readings, prayers​ ​and​ ​hymns​ ​to​ ​include​ ​in​ ​the​ ​program.​ ​If​ ​you​ ​have​ ​any​ ​questions​ ​regarding the​ ​protocol​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Blessing,​ ​please​ ​contact​ ​the​ ​Religious​ ​Education​ ​team. ● For​ ​the​ ​music​ ​selection,​ ​contact​ ​the​ ​music​ ​consultant/Religious​ ​Education​ ​for assistance,​ ​if​ ​needed.​ ​Check​ ​with​ ​them​ ​with​ ​regards​ ​to​ ​the​ ​music​ ​copyright​ ​fee needed​ ​if​ ​new​ ​music​ ​is​ ​chosen​ ​for​ ​the​ ​liturgical​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ceremony. ● Make​ ​sure​ ​to​ ​complete​ ​several​ ​dress​ ​rehearsals​ ​and​ ​include​ ​the​ ​parish​ ​priest.​ ​This will​ ​help​ ​ensure​ ​everything​ ​is​ ​timed​ ​well​ ​and​ ​flows​ ​seamlessly​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of​ ​the ceremony. ● Items​ ​Recommended​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Celebration: ​ ​-​ ​Candles​ ​for​ ​the​ ​procession​ ​and​ ​for​ ​each​ ​classroom.​ ​The​ ​school​ ​is​ ​to​ ​obtain​ ​these​ ​(i.e. Universal​ ​Church​ ​Supplies),​ ​in​ ​consultation​ ​with​ ​the​ ​parish​ ​priest. -​ ​Crucifixes​ ​for​ ​each​ ​classroom.​ ​These​ ​are​ ​supplied​ ​by​ ​the​ ​district’s​ ​distribution​ ​centre prior​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​opening,​ ​through​ ​a​ ​statement​ ​of​ ​needs​ ​list​ ​for​ ​furniture​ ​and equipment,​ ​etc. -​ ​Water​ ​bowls​ ​for​ ​the​ ​holy​ ​water.​ ​These​ ​are​ ​supplied​ ​by​ ​the​ ​school.​ ​The​ ​priest​ ​usually brings​ ​the​ ​aspergillum​ ​(sprinkler)​ ​with​ ​him​ ​to​ ​bless​ ​the​ ​items​ ​with​ ​holy​ ​water. -​ ​Anything​ ​else​ ​the​ ​priest​ ​may​ ​require. ● Program​ ​design:​ ​Communications​ ​can​ ​provide​ ​samples​ ​of​ ​past​ ​ceremony​ ​programs for​ ​design​ ​ideas.​ ​Draft​ ​the​ ​program​ ​to​ ​be​ ​distributed​ ​to​ ​everyone​ ​in​ ​attendance (except​ ​for​ ​students).​ ​Keeping​ ​the​ ​program​ ​succinct​ ​(to​ ​one​ ​piece​ ​of​ ​paper)​ ​will​ ​save printing​ ​costs.​ ​Typically​ ​for​ ​imagery,​ ​the​ ​school​ ​banner,​ ​logo​ ​or​ ​patron​ ​saint​ ​is​ ​used. After​ ​the​ ​text​ ​of​ ​the​ ​program​ ​is​ ​drafted,​ ​email​ ​the​ ​draft​ ​to​ ​Communications​ ​for​ ​editing and​ ​final​ ​proofreading.​ ​Document​ ​Services​ ​can​ ​help​ ​with​ ​design​ ​and​ ​printing. ● Order​ ​of​ ​speeches:​ ​For​ ​the​ ​order​ ​of​ ​speeches,​ ​the​ ​person​ ​of​ ​the​ ​highest​ ​rank​ ​speaks last,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​person​ ​of​ ​the​ ​least​ ​rank​ ​speaks​ ​first. 6.

Protocols:​​ ​The​ ​school​ ​should​ ​follow​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​protocols​ ​when​ ​creating​ ​the​ ​program and​ ​hosting​ ​the​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony: ● Protocols​ ​for​ ​introductions:​ ​When​ ​the​ ​MC​ ​makes​ ​the​ ​welcome​ ​introduction​ ​at the​ ​beginning​ ​of​ ​the​ ​event,​ ​dignitaries​ ​are​ ​introduced​ i​ n​ ​the​ ​order​ ​of​ ​the person​ ​of​ ​the​ ​highest​ ​rank​ ​to​ ​the​ ​person​ ​of​ ​least​ ​authority.​ ​ ​As​ ​with​ ​all​ ​events where​ ​Trustees​ ​and​ ​special​ ​district​ ​staff​ ​are​ ​in​ ​attendance,​ ​the​ ​protocol​ ​to follow​ ​is​ ​mention​ ​the​ ​Trustees​ ​first​ ​(if​ ​a​ ​trustee​ ​is​ ​speaking​ ​at​ ​the​ ​event,​ ​do​ ​not introduce​ ​them​ ​individually​ ​as​ ​they​ ​will​ ​introduce​ ​the​ ​board​ ​in​ ​their​ ​greetings), then​ ​the​ ​chief​ ​superintendent,​ ​followed​ ​by​ ​any​ ​other​ ​superintendents​ ​in attendance.​ ​(Please​ ​contact​ ​Communications​ ​if​ ​there​ ​are​ ​any​ ​questions​ ​about the​ ​order.) ● Throughout​ ​the​ ​ceremony,​ ​the​ ​MC​ ​should​ ​also​ ​take​ ​the​ ​podium​ ​to​ ​briefly​ ​invite​ ​each speaking​ ​dignitary​ ​up​ ​to​ ​the​ ​microphone​ ​before​ ​they​ ​speak​ ​(in​ ​effect,​ ​passing​ ​the podium​ ​off​ ​to​ ​the​ ​speaker). ● Because​ ​this​ ​is​ ​public​ ​event,​ ​the​ ​national​ ​anthem​ ​must​ ​be​ ​sung.

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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5.

The​ ​chief​ ​superintendent​ ​brings​ ​greetings​ ​on​ ​behalf​ ​of​ ​the​ ​district​ ​and​ ​presents​ ​the framed​ ​district​ ​Mission​ ​Statement. The​ ​ward​ ​trustee​ ​brings​ ​greetings​ ​on​ ​behalf​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​and​ ​presents​ ​the​ ​framed calligraphy​ ​artwork. Protocol​ ​for​ ​speeches:​ ​The​ ​order​ ​of​ ​speeches​ ​is​ ​the​ ​same​ ​as​ ​for​ ​introductions.​ ​The person​ ​of​ ​the​ ​highest​ ​rank​ ​speaks​ ​first,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​person​ ​of​ ​the​ ​least​ ​rank​ ​speaks​ ​last. (Communications​ ​will​ ​confirm​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​order​ ​of​ ​the​ ​speeches​ ​when proofreading​ ​the​ ​program.) If​ ​the​ ​Mayor​ ​is​ ​not​ ​in​ ​attendance​ ​the​ ​attending​ ​alderman​ ​is​ ​referred​ ​to​ ​as​ ​Deputy Mayor.

Set​ ​Up:​​ ​The​ ​school​ ​is​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​setting​ ​up​ ​the​ ​gymnasium.​ ​The​ ​school​ ​must​ ​also​ ​set up​ ​a​ ​smaller​ ​area​ ​for​ ​a​ ​short​ ​reception​ ​after​ ​the​ ​ceremony.​ ​(See​ ​‘Reception’​ ​section​ ​below for​ ​details.) ● Gymnasium​ ​set​ ​up:​ ​Choose​ ​designated​ ​seating​ ​areas​ ​for:​ ​students,​ ​parents, attending​ ​media,​ ​dignitaries/speakers,​ ​District​ ​personnel​ ​and​ ​other​ ​special​ ​guests. Take​ ​into​ ​consideration​ ​spacing​ ​for​ ​choir​ ​risers​ ​and​ ​music​ ​equipment.​ ​Consult​ ​with Communications​ ​to​ ​help​ ​designate​ ​specific​ ​areas​ ​and​ ​appropriate​ ​seating​ ​order, especially​ ​for​ ​speaking​ ​dignitaries.​ ​Speaking​ ​dignitaries​ ​should​ ​be​ ​seated​ ​as​ ​close​ ​to the​ ​podium​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​and​ ​should​ ​be​ ​seated​ ​in​ ​the​ ​order​ ​that​ ​they​ ​are​ ​to​ ​present. ● Gift​ ​table​ ​set​ ​up:​ ​Ensure​ ​a​ ​table(s)​ ​is​ ​set​ ​up​ ​near​ ​the​ ​podium​ ​on​ ​which​ ​to​ ​lay​ ​the​ ​gift items​ ​(not​ ​displayed)​ ​until​ ​they​ ​are​ ​presented​ ​by​ ​district​ ​representatives​ ​and dignitaries.​ ​Involve​ ​students​ ​(with​ ​guidance​ ​and​ ​assistance​ ​as​ ​necessary)​ ​in accepting​ ​the​ ​gifts​ ​from​ ​the​ ​presenters,​ ​holding​ ​them​ ​up​ ​for​ ​the​ ​audience​ ​and​ ​placing them​ ​on​ ​an​ ​appropriate​ ​display​ ​surface.​ ​Students​ ​can​ ​place​ ​received​ ​gift​ ​items​ ​back onto​ ​the​ ​gift​ ​table​ ​in​ ​propped​ ​up/visible​ ​positions.​ ​The​ ​gifts​ ​that​ ​will​ ​be​ ​presented​ ​are: framed​ ​Mission​ ​Statement​ ​(by​ ​chief​ ​superintendent);​ ​Calligraphy​ ​art​ ​work​ ​(by​ ​ward trustee);​ ​Bronze​ ​plaque​ ​with​ ​staff​ ​names​ ​(ATA);​ ​Bronze​ ​plaque​ ​and​ ​provincial​ ​flag (Alberta​ ​Infrastructure​ ​representative);​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Coat​ ​of​ ​Arms​ ​(by​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​MLA). ● Gymnasium​ ​decoration:​ ​Decorate​ ​the​ ​gymnasium​ ​with​ ​student​ ​artwork,​ ​lighting, flowers,​ ​plants,​ ​etc.​ ​You​ ​may​ ​try​ ​to​ ​borrow​ ​potted​ ​flowers​ ​or​ ​plants​ ​from​ ​Sunnyside, Golden​ ​Gate​ ​or​ ​other​ ​garden​ ​centres.​ ​(Alternately,​ ​to​ ​offset​ ​costs,​ ​some​ ​schools have​ ​chosen​ ​to​ ​pre-sell​ ​potted​ ​flowers​ ​to​ ​parents/students​ ​for​ ​pick​ ​up​ ​after​ ​the ceremony.)​ ​In​ ​addition,​ ​it​ ​needs​ ​to​ ​be​ ​ensured​ ​that​ ​a​ ​Canadian​ ​flag​ ​is​ ​placed somewhere​ ​visible​ ​in​ ​the​ ​gym​ ​during​ ​the​ ​ceremony.​ ​If​ ​your​ ​school​ ​does​ ​not​ ​have​ ​one to​ ​place​ ​in​ ​the​ ​gym,​ ​Communications​ ​can​ ​bring​ ​a​ ​standing​ ​one. ● Gifts​ ​and​ ​patron​ ​saint​ ​picture:​ ​As​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony,​ ​the school​ ​receives​ ​several​ ​gifts.​ ​These​ ​include​ ​a​ ​wooden​ ​cross​ ​crafted​ ​and​ ​painted​ ​by local​ ​artist​ ​Al​ ​Gerritsen​ ​(this​ ​is​ ​a​ ​gift​ ​for​ ​the​ ​school​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Diocese);​ ​framed​ ​prints​ ​of the​ ​Pope​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Bishop.​ ​As​ ​well,​ ​the​ ​school​ ​is​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​obtaining​ ​a​ ​framed print​ ​of​ ​the​ ​patron​ ​saint.​ ​If​ ​required,​ ​Document​ ​Services​ ​can​ ​help​ ​to​ ​locate​ ​an appropriate​ ​print.​ ​The​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​patron​ ​saint​ ​print​ ​and​ ​its​ ​framing​ ​is​ ​not​ ​covered​ ​by the​ ​district.​ ​These​ ​four​ ​items​ ​should​ ​be​ ​on​ ​display​ ​at​ ​the​ ​front​ ​of​ ​the​ ​gymnasium during​ ​the​ ​ceremony.​ ​Communications​ ​can​ ​supply​ ​three​ ​easels​ ​if​ ​needed. ● Nametags​ ​and​ ​seat​ ​labels:​ ​Prepare​ ​nametags​ ​and​ ​seat​ ​labels​ ​for​ ​all​ ​special​ ​guests and​ ​speaking​ ​dignitaries​ ​(who​ ​should​ ​sit​ ​at​ ​the​ ​front,​ ​near​ ​the​ ​podium).​ ​Double-check all​ ​nametags​ ​and​ ​seat​ ​labels​ ​for​ ​spelling​ ​of​ ​names​ ​and​ ​appropriate​ ​titles.​ ​Ensure​ ​all names​ ​are​ ​printed​ ​in​ ​a​ ​large​ ​and​ ​legible​ ​format.​ ​Communications​ ​will​ ​help​ ​with​ ​order

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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6.

of​ ​seat​ ​labels​ ​before​ ​the​ ​event.​ ​Each​ ​board​ ​member​ ​should​ ​have​ ​their​ ​own​ ​seat​ ​label with​ ​their​ ​name​ ​on​ ​it. Ushers:​ ​Select​ ​student​ ​volunteers​ ​as​ ​ushers​ ​to​ ​show​ ​each​ ​special​ ​guest​ ​(Special dignitaries,​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Trustees,​ ​chief​ ​superintendent,​ ​area​ ​superintendent,​ ​and Central​ ​Office​ ​staff)​ ​to​ ​their​ ​designated​ ​seat. Memento:​ ​Choose​ ​a​ ​memento​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony​ ​for​ ​each​ ​student and​ ​special​ ​guest​ ​(ex:​ ​magnet,​ ​bookmark,​ ​embossed​ ​pencil,​ ​pen,​ ​pin,​ ​eraser,​ ​ribbon, etc.)

Reception:​​ ​The​ ​school’s​ ​planning​ ​committee​ ​should​ ​arrange​ ​for​ ​a​ ​small​ ​reception following​ ​the​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony​ ​for​ ​approximately​ ​150​ ​guests.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​to​ ​be held​ ​for​ ​parents,​ ​special​ ​guests,​ ​representatives​ ​and​ ​dignitaries.​ ​The​ ​school​ ​council​ ​may wish​ ​to​ ​assist​ ​in​ ​preparations​ ​for​ ​the​ ​reception​ ​by​ ​baking​ ​or​ ​donating​ ​the​ ​food.​ ​The​ ​school may​ ​wish​ ​to​ ​have​ ​a​ ​cake​ ​inscribed,​ ​offer​ ​beverages​ ​(such​ ​as​ ​coffee,​ ​tea,​ ​juice​ ​and/or bottled​ ​water)​ ​and​ ​serve​ ​appetizer/finger​ ​foods​ ​(such​ ​as​ ​trays​ ​with​ ​fruit,​ ​small​ ​pastries, cookies​ ​and/or​ ​simple​ ​hors​ ​d’oeuvres).​ ​Typically,​ ​the​ ​reception​ ​is​ ​held​ ​in​ ​the​ ​school rotunda​ ​or​ ​library.​ ​The​ ​location​ ​should​ ​be​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​invitation,​ ​ceremony​ ​program, as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​by​ ​the​ ​MC​ ​in​ ​the​ ​closing​ ​remarks.

E: Communications​ ​Department​ ​Responsibilities 1.

Choose​ ​a​ ​Date:​​ ​Communications​ ​checks​ ​first​ ​with​ ​the​ ​school​ ​to​ ​determine​ ​any​ ​blackout dates,​ ​then​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Trustee’s​ ​office,​ ​the​ ​chief​ ​superintendent,​ ​the​ ​area superintendent​ ​and​ ​the​ ​MLA,​ ​to​ ​narrow​ ​down​ ​available​ ​dates​ ​and​ ​times.​ ​Once​ ​a​ ​suitable date​ ​is​ ​determined,​ ​Communications​ ​contacts​ ​the​ ​school​ ​to​ ​confirm​ ​this​ ​date.​ ​If​ ​possible, choose​ ​a​ ​Friday​ ​date​ ​as​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​most​ ​convenient​ ​for​ ​politicians.

2.

Gifts​ ​for​ ​the​ ​School:​ ​Communications​ ​is​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​preparing​ ​the​ ​following​ ​gifts​ ​to be​ ​presented​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​by​ ​district​ ​representatives​ ​during​ ​the​ ​celebration. Communications​ ​will​ ​either​ ​have​ ​the​ ​items​ ​delivered​ ​directly​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​prior​ ​to​ ​the ceremony,​ ​or​ ​bring​ ​them​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of. From​ ​Central​ ​Office: ● District​ ​Mission​ ​Statement​:​ ​presented​ ​by​ ​the​ ​chief​ ​superintendent ● Calligraphy​ ​Piece:​ ​School​ ​administration​ ​(along​ ​with​ ​school​ ​council​ ​and committee​ ​members,​ ​if​ ​appropriate)​ ​will​ ​select​ ​an​ ​appropriate​ ​poem,​ ​verse,​ ​or scripture​ ​passage​ ​that​ ​embodies​ ​the​ ​theme​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​or​ ​is​ ​in​ ​keeping​ ​with​ ​the school’s​ ​namesake.​ ​The​ ​school,​ ​Communications​ ​representative​ ​and​ ​calligraphy artist​ ​should​ ​meet​ ​to​ ​discuss​ ​the​ ​piece​ ​that​ ​is​ ​to​ ​be​ ​created.​ ​This​ ​gift​ ​is​ ​presented by​ ​the​ ​ward​ ​trustee​ ​(or​ ​board​ ​chair​ ​if​ ​ward​ ​trustee​ ​cannot​ ​attend). ● Wooden​ ​cross:​ ​Communications​ ​will​ ​contact​ ​local​ ​artist​ ​Al​ ​Gerritsen​ ​to​ ​order​ ​the wooden,​ ​painted​ ​cross.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​a​ ​gift​ ​for​ ​the​ ​school​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Diocese. ● Framed​ ​print​ ​of​ ​Pope​ ​and​ ​framed​ ​print​ ​of​ ​Bishop. Other​ ​gifts:

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

Page​ ​7​ ​of​ ​11

The​ ​dignitaries,​ ​who​ ​will​ ​either​ ​bring​ ​the​ ​gifts​ ​with​ ​them​ ​in​ ​person,​ ​or​ ​send​ ​them​ ​to​ ​the school​ ​prior​ ​to​ ​the​ ​event,​ ​will​ ​present​ ​the​ ​following​ ​gifts.​ ​Communications​ ​must​ ​contact Alberta​ ​Infrastructure​ ​early​ ​to​ ​arrange​ ​paperwork​ ​and​ ​plaques​ ​(as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​date​ ​is confirmed).​​ ​Allow​ ​at​ ​least​ ​eight​ ​weeks​ ​production​ ​time​ ​for​ ​the​ ​bronze​ ​plaque.​ ​In​ ​order​ ​to complete​ ​the​ ​order,​ ​a​ ​Notice​ ​of​ ​School​ ​Opening​ ​Ceremony​ ​form​ ​and​ ​School​ ​Opening Information​ ​Sheet​ ​need​ ​to​ ​be​ ​completed​ ​and​ ​faxed​ ​in.​ ​For​ ​the​ ​ATA​ ​plaque,​ ​the​ ​school must​ ​send​ ​the​ ​ATA​ ​president​ ​a​ ​complete​ ​list​ ​of​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​every​​ ​employee​ ​at​ ​the school. From​ ​the​ ​Province​ ​(Alberta​ ​Infrastructure) ● Bronze​ ​plaque ● Provincial​ ​flag From​ ​the​ ​MLA ● Coat​ ​of​ ​Arms​ ​(Alberta) From​ ​the​ ​ATA ● Bronze​ ​plaque​ ​engraved​ ​with​ ​all​ ​staff​ ​members​ ​name​ ​at​ ​school 3.

Prepare​ ​Ward​ ​Trustee​ ​for​ ​Duties:​ ​Contact​ ​ward​ ​trustee​ ​and​ ​inform​ ​him/her​ ​that​ ​they will​ ​be​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​greetings​ ​and​ ​formally​ ​present​ ​the​ ​calligraphy​ ​piece​ ​at​ ​the dedication​ ​ceremony.​ ​Communications​ ​should​ ​prepare​ ​speaking​ ​notes​ ​for​ ​the​ ​ward trustee.​ ​Speaking​ ​notes​ ​templates​ ​are​ ​on​ ​file​ ​on​ ​the​ ​R​ ​drive/Communications.

4.

Letters​ ​to​ ​Dignitaries:​ ​Communications​ ​prepares​ ​and​ ​sends​ ​letters​ ​inviting​ ​the​ ​below dignitaries.​ ​Dignitary​ ​letters​ ​templates​ ​are​ ​on​ ​file​ ​on​ ​the​ ​R​ ​drive/Communications. The​ ​following​ ​receive​​ ​a​ ​letter​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​greetings: ● ● ●

Bishop Minister​ ​of​ ​Education Minister​ ​of​ ​Infrastructure

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MLA Mayor​ ​of​ ​Calgary Local​ ​A.T.A.​ ​President

The​ ​following​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​standard​ ​letter​ ​of​ ​invite: ● ● ● ●

Alberta​ ​Education​ ​Facilities representatives Calgary​ ​Regional​ ​Office​ ​of​ ​Alberta Education​ ​representatives Local​ ​CUPE​ ​President Local​ ​CEP​ ​President

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Alderman​ ​for​ ​the​ ​ward Local​ ​Priest​ ​(invited​ ​by​ ​the​ ​school​ ​to​ ​lead the​ ​religious​ ​portion​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ceremony) School​ ​architect

Please​ ​note:​ ​Communications​ ​and​ ​the​ ​school​ ​must​ ​liaise​ ​regarding​ ​incoming​ ​RSVPs​ ​from special​ ​guests​ ​and​ ​dignitaries,​ ​so​ ​the​ ​school​ ​can​ ​finalize​ ​the​ ​program​ ​and​ ​so​ ​the​ ​school has​ ​an​ ​accurate​ ​number​ ​of​ ​how​ ​many​ ​people​ ​to​ ​prepare​ ​for.

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

Page​ ​8​ ​of​ ​11

5. News Release, Media Coverage and Photography: ​Communications ​invites members of the media to cover the blessing and dedication ceremony. Communications will prepare a media release/invitation to be distributed to all local media the day before the event. The school should prepare an area near the rear of the gymnasium for any attending media. Members of the media may show up unannounced, so both Communications​ ​and​ ​the​ ​school​ ​should​ ​be​ ​prepared​ ​for​ ​this. The district’s blessing and dedication ceremony is to be considered a public event. Photography and/or videotaping of the ceremony are permitted. The district photographer will also be present at the celebration to take photographs for the purpose of​ ​CCSD’s​ ​records​ ​and​ ​archives. Please​ ​note:​ ​Because​ ​the​ ​blessing​ ​and​ ​dedication​ ​ceremony​ ​is​ ​considered​ ​a​ ​public event,​ ​FOIP​ ​forms​ ​are​ ​not​ ​required​ ​for​ ​students.​ ​However,​ ​if​ ​there​ ​are​ ​students​ ​whose parents​ ​have​ ​not​ ​given​ ​them​ ​permission​ ​to​ ​be​ ​photographed​ ​or​ ​videotaped,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​the school’s​ ​responsibility​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​these​ ​students​ ​are​ ​flagged​ ​either​ ​to​ ​the​ ​reporter​ ​or Communication​ ​department​ ​individual.​ ​Interview​ ​requests​ ​will​ ​be​ ​facilitated​ ​by​ ​a​ ​member of​ ​the​ ​Communications​ ​department​ ​at​ ​the​ ​event.

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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APPENDIX​ ​1

Standard​ ​Program​ ​Format​ ​for​ ​School​ ​Blessing​ ​and Dedication​ ​Celebrations 1. Musical​ ​Interlude 2. Welcome 3. O​ ​Canada 4. Processional​ ​Hymn 5. Opening​ ​Prayer 6. First​ ​Reading 7. Responsorial​ ​Psalm 8. Gospel​ ​Reading 9. Reflection​ ​by​ ​Parish​ ​Priest 10. School​ ​Blessing​ ​(Blessing​ ​of​ ​crucifixes​ ​or​ ​of​ ​audience) 11. Prayers​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Faithful 12. Closing​ ​Prayer 13. Greetings​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Chief​ ​Superintendent​ ​(Presentation​ ​of​ ​Mission​ ​Statement) 14. Greetings​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Ward​ ​Trustee​ ​(Presentation​ ​of​ ​Calligraphy) 15. Student​ ​Performance 16. Greetings​ ​from​ ​the​ ​ATA​ ​(Presentation​ ​of​ ​Bronze​ ​plaque) 17. Student​ ​Performance 18. Greetings​ ​from​ ​the​ ​municipal​ ​representative​ ​(Presentation​ ​of​ ​Coat​ ​of​ ​Arms) 19. Greetings from the provincial representative ​(Presentation of Bronze plaque and Alberta​ ​flag) 20. Student​ ​Performance 21. Closing​ ​Remarks 22. Closing​ ​Song​ ​/​ ​School​ ​Song 23. Recessional Considerations: • •

• •

An altar is not needed for this ceremony. However, discuss with your priest how he would​ ​like​ ​things​ ​set​ ​up​ ​on​ ​stage​ ​during​ ​the​ ​religious​ ​portion. If the school wishes, the opening procession can include a cross bearer, candle bearers, the lectionary and the priest. The procession can also include a student, a teacher and, if desired, parent representatives carrying class crucifixes, water bowls,​ ​flowers,​ ​etc. The Processional Hymn should be well known by all to encourage community singing​ ​while​ ​the​ ​procession​ ​enters. The Diocese of Calgary presents the school with a cross. This also may be carried in the procession but must be placed on the stage in time for the commencement of the​ ​ceremony.

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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It may be feasible to choose a theme: e.g., the particular qualities of the patron of the school, which are desirable to emulate, and choose readings pertinent to that theme. **NOTE: It is important that the parish priest be consulted concerning the liturgy​. There are several different ways in which to conduct the school blessing component of the ceremony. Some may prefer to have all the classroom crucifixes in one place on a table, bless them, and return them to the individual classrooms. Others may prefer for the priest to visit each classroom (after the ceremony) where a crucifix is placed on a special table/altar and blessed individually. If the priest and the school prefer the latter, this will need to be mentioned and printed as a note at the end of the​ ​ceremony​ ​program. Please​ ​contact​ ​the​ ​Religious​ ​Education​ ​team​ ​for​ ​assistance​ ​with​ ​any​ ​questions concerning​ ​the​ ​liturgical​ ​portion​ ​of​ ​the​ ​School​ ​Blessing​ ​and​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony.

School​ ​Dedication​ ​Ceremony​ ​-​ ​Guidelines

Updated:​ ​October​ ​2016

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