The Patriot Report – April 29, 2022

“Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'” – Jn 20.21

This Sunday Fr. Jun, pastor at St. Jude Parish, celebrates his 25th anniversary of being anointed to the priesthood. It is worthy of recognition and I would like to take a moment to share with you some of my memories of Fr. Jun. 

The first time I met Fr. Jun was when he was an assistant to Fr. James Hughes while out at St. Ann’s in Abbotsford. Fr. Hughes was the Archbishop’s Representative for St. James and St. Ann’s Elementary and so from time to time Fr. Hughes would bring Fr. Jun along to some of the events. However, besides the polite hello here or there, we did not have much interaction. As a teacher, I had no idea that one day I would be working alongside Fr. Jun. We often do not know the plans that God has for us. 

After my first year or two at St. James and St. Ann’s Fr. Hughes and Fr. Jun moved on to different parish assignments. I eventually became Acting Principal in 2017-18 and was asked by CISVA if I wanted to interview for St. Jude School. I can recall with crystal clarity some of the moments from that interview in the Church basement. However, one particular moment stands out to me. Being already a tad nervous, Fr. Jun at one point asks me with all seriousness, if I can walk on water. I look back now and chuckle, but in the moment, my mind was searching for an answer and my heart was beating so hard I was worried they could hear it. So I told him I couldn’t walk on water but I could waterski. I am not sure if that sealed the deal, but here I am four years later working alongside Fr. Jun.  

I now look back at that moment with a smile because I have come to know Fr. Jun over the years. I can say with full confidence that Fr. Jun cares about the school. He wants St. Jude School to do well and this comes through his weekly homilies at our school mass and his willingness to always join the Grade 7 class on their Outdoor Education. This year, as in years past, he made a special effort to come and show support for the basketball teams competing for the championships at the Richmond Oval. Having said this, there is one special area that Fr. Jun and I have connected on: Golf. 

Having the opportunity to play Golf with Fr. Jun has been a true pleasure. His Jim-Furyk-like golf swing is something to witness and at first rather shocks the observer (youtube Jim Furyk swing and you will know what I mean). We both have had our fair share of good shots and shots we would rather forget. However, the round will be filled with many a chuckle and good conversation. 

I would like to congratulate Fr. Jun on his 25 years in the priesthood. We are grateful here at St. Jude School to have Fr. Jun and I am most grateful to work alongside Fr. Jun! 

We are still short on crossing guards for the Walkathon. We need your help so that our children will be safe while completing their walkathon. Please contact Andrea Hannos for more information: andreahannos@yahoo.com

All volunteers will be credited with parent participation hours. 

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

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

$22 763

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

Cambridge Uniform is offering a 5% discount on online sales from May 01 – May 21.  

Please click here to be directed to their website.  

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:

Interim Reports for your child went home today. The Interim Report is a snapshot of how your child is doing in Reading, Writing, and Math. If you have questions about your child’s progress or you would like to know more about how to best support your child’s learning, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.

Please avoid contacting teachers via email over the weekend and allow 24 to 48 hours for a response. Emails should be kept brief and should be used to set up meetings and not discuss lengthy topics or concerns. In person meetings are always best. 

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

Speech Meta

At St. Jude School we have had a working relationship with Speech Meta for a number of years. Speech Meta works to support those students need Speech and Language support from a professional Speech and Language Pathologist. They are caring professionals that are responsive to student needs. We are very grateful to have such professional and knowledgeable individuals work with our students. For those who need SLP services for their children, I fully recommend Speech Meta.  

You can read more about them at their website: speechmeta.com

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 one item available for sale in our Consignment:

Green Patriots Hoodie – Youth Small – $20

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 or Ms. Goh at the Office 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