The Patriot Report – April 22, 2022

“The Earth is what we all have in common.”—Wendell Berry

One of my favourite activities is to go for a hike where I can get fantastic views of the land below. I enjoy the walk through the forests and over creeks. While hiking with my kids, I will often point out mosses and fungi to them and in turn, they pick up sticks that they believe make for good walking sticks. They also can get excited when they see a cool looking fungi on a fallen log. And while the journey may have a the familiar refrain of “can I have a snack” or “are we there yet,” I still find the hike incredibly satisfying and uplifting. The same goes for my kids. The complaining stops whenever we reach the viewpoint. Instinctually they grow silent, eat a snack, and are entranced by the view. 

On this particular Earth Day, I find myself wondering what views of the natural world will be available to my children and their children. When I reflect on this, I can sometimes become overwhelmed by the enormity of climate change and how much of it is really beyond my control. I have to consciously stop myself from thinking negatively and instead change the narrative from despair to one of hope. I have often found that being hopeful is far more productive than constantly fretting and worrying. So here are some actions you and your family can take so that you too can be part of the solution:

• consider switching laundry detergent to an environmentally friendly option
  • Carla and I use Tru Earth and I can confirm our clothes get clean and smell fresh: https://www.tru.earth/Laundry
• consider switching toilet paper to a more eco friendly option
  • We made the switch to Who Gives A Crap (I know its a funny name) and it does the job: https://ca.whogivesacrap.org/collections/all
• teach your children to garden – give them a section of your garden or a planter box and have them pick the plants and care for them
• spend time each weekend doing something that is eco-friendly such as hiking, biking, walking, etc.
• consider having tech free hours or screen free hours (read a book, draw, color, build lego, play hide and seek, etc.)

I firmly believe that showing our children that as a family we can make choices that show our care for our Earth is one of the most important tasks we have. I have often quoted the phrase “little things make big things happen” by John Wooden and when it comes to being part of the solution to climate change, I think the little changes we can make in our day to day living can be life saving. 

Happy Earth Day!

The last track meet our CISVA schools participated in was in June of 2019. Yesterday, our Gr. 3, 4, and 5 athletes finally got to participate in a track meet for the first time. And while the weather was cold and wet, the students showed great resilience and competed in the events. There was a positive energy in the air and great memories were created. I am proud of every single St. Jude School student that competed in yesterday’s track meet. Below are some of the images of the day.  

We are well on our way to meeting our Walkathon Goal!

So far, our Kindergarten to Gr. 6 Classes have raised:

$18, 416.70

Grade 7 Walkathon funds goes to their Outdoor Education Program hosted at Loon Lake in June of this Year. 

Over the next few weeks I will highlight the businesses that have sponsored our walkathon shirts for 2022. 

AE Mechanical

At St. Jude School we have partnered with AE Mechanical for our plumbing and heating. They have been reliable and professional at all times. More than that, we have found them to always be reasonable and fair in their pricing. With an older building, it is important that we have a plumbing company that we can rely on. AE Mechanical has been that company for us. We thank them for being a Walkathon Sponsor for 2022!   

You can read more about them at their website: aemechanical.ca

St. Jude School is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Pui Ying Schools (http://www.puiying.org/english/cschool/cschoolmain.html) to offer after school Beginners Mandarin Language instruction to students. Only students who are registered with St. Jude School will be able to register for programming at our school. 

Cost: $300 (tax and course material included) per term

Starts: September (Mondays 3:15 – 5:15) – starting September 12, 2022 – 15 week term

Location: In person at St. Jude School – classroom TBD

Requirements: Minimum of 8 students must register for the program to go forward.

How to register: 

Email: edu@puiying.org

Attention: Ms. Nellie Chan

Send the following information to edu@puiying.org:

Ref.: SJES
Name of Student:
Date of Birth:
Course to register:  Cantonese / Mandarin / Mandarin Conversation
Grade / Level to register:  Kindergarten / Grade 1 / MCon Level 1 (short course Mandarin Conversation)
Name of Parent / Guardian:
Day time Contact number:
Email:

This past year we handed out $1200 in rewards to parents that referred students to our school. Every student that is referred and enrolls in our school for the year results in a reward of $200 for the the referring family. 

We currently have spots available in Kindergarten, Gr. 1, Gr. 2, Gr. 3, Gr. 4, and Gr. 6. 

To learn more about the referral program, please click here. 

It’s Yearbook ordering time again! Like last year, our yearbook ordering will be completely online through our school portrait company, Lifetouch.  
The order deadline is May 2, 2021 so order today!
 
Step 1: open  ybpay.lifetouch.ca   in your browser.
Step 2: type in the Yearbook ID code 14136522
Step 3: type in your child’s name and grade. You may order multiple copies under one name or add an additional order under a different name (additional orders can be added on the next screen).
Step 4: Online payments methods accepted are American Express, Mastercard, Discover, or Visa.
 
Please note the order deadline of May 2, 2022. Late orders will not be able to be fulfilled.

Volunteer Policy

Under the Criminal Records Review Act, anyone who works with children or who has unsupervised access to children must submit to a Criminal Record Check (CRC).  The act helps protect children from individuals whose criminal record indicates they pose a risk of physical or sexual abuse.  

Based on the current programs offered at St. Jude School, this policy is applicable to the following volunteer opportunities and parent participation categories:

• Library
• Parent Supervisors for Field Trips
• Coaching Assistance / Refereeing / Extra-Curricular
• Playground / Parking Lot Supervision
• Hot Lunch helper
• Classroom / Office helper

If you plan to volunteer for the school in the capacities outlined above or your parent participation involves any of the above, you will need to complete a Criminal Record Check as soon as possible.  This check is free and can be completed online. Simply click on the link below and follow the on-screen instructions. You will need to enter the Access Code to be identified as a volunteer at St. Jude School.

Online Link: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck

Access Code: KVLB9GCYEW

If you are not able to complete the form online, please email the school office for an appointment, bring your picture ID and we will assist you at the office.

St. Jude School acknowledges that there will be no disclosure of personal information to unauthorized personnel or third parties who are not directly involved in school management or the care, supervision and instruction of your child(ren) at this school, unless written authorization from a parent or legal guardian is provided to the school.  The school will securely store all electronic and hard copy parent and student personal information.

We currently have no stock available for sale in our Consignment.

If you would like uniform items to be sold in consignment, they must be in good to excellent condition. They need to be the current uniform and not the old one. You will need to set a price and fill out a form. Please contact Mr. van der Pauw if you would like an item to be sold. From time to time we will post what is available for sale in consignment. 

Reminder of Uniform Schedule:

Monday to Thursday – Uniform

Fridays – Patriot Spirit Wear