The Patriot Report – December 15, 2023

“We equip. We don’t rescue.” – Ciara Corcoran, Principal WPGA Elementary

In a recent conversation I had with Ciara Corcoran, Principal at West Point Grey Academy Elementary, she expressed that they work to equip students with skills and attitudes that will allow them to succeed instead of trying to rescue them. At St. Jude School, we work to do likewise. We want students to grow into resilient learners so it is important that they are equipped with the skills needed to overcome challenges. 

As parents, we also need to make sure we equip our children with habits of mind and character that will allow for much success. To achieve this, we need to reflect on whether or not we are rescuing our children from challenging situations. It is tough because as a parent we don’t want to see our children struggle or suffer. It is a fine balance that we need to ensure that our children are well equipped. Perhaps a helpful image is that of a parent watching their young toddler climb up a playground ladder for the first time. The parent is there and they keep their hands close, ready to catch if the toddler falls. The parent lets them struggle in the climb. They might even let them slip just a bit. But in taking this approach, the toddler is being equipped with the climbing skills to be successful. 

Let’s work together to make sure our children are equipped with virtues of body, mind, and spirit so that they can be successful. 

As a Catholic school, founded on Gospel values, we are asking for your assistance in bringing warmth to the poor this Christmas. We are collecting new Mens and Womens winter socks and gloves that we can give to shelters in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. If you are able to donate a new pair of gloves or socks (or both) we would be very appreciative. Your child can bring the items to their classroom. During the last week of school we will deliver the items. 

Many thanks for your contribution!

And like that another Christmas Concert has come and gone. Thank you to our staff and students for making this concert a success.

In a special way, I wish to extend our thanks to:

Ms. Corea for her work on the sets and art displays;

Miss Smillie for directing the students and the time she gave;

Miss Ryan for her work in leading the students in the songs for the concert. 

Please note that the After School Club will close early due to two school events this week:

December 20, 2023–closes at 4:30pm

December 22, 2023–closes at 3:00pm

Monday: Non uniform day
Theme: Christmas Sweater Day
Tuesday: Non uniform day
Theme: Christmas hair or hat day
Wednesday: Uniform Day
Theme: Christmas Socks
**Winter Wonderland–Please bring in your candy and icing this day ONLY**
Thursday: Non uniform day
Theme: Red/Green or a favorite Christmas character
Friday: Non uniform day
Theme: Comfy Clothes Day

St. Jude’s parish needs students to participate in the St. Jude Christmas Pageant on December 24th!   Your child would be assigned a part (Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, angels, shepherds, 3 kings, etc.) and given a copy of the play so they can learn their lines (1-3 short lines typically).  Costumes will be provided.    Please bring your child at 4pm on the 24th so that they can get into costume and do a practice.  The pageant is approximately 15mins in length, followed  by Mass at 6pm.   Contact Carolyn Sussey at cglsussey@yahoo.com to have your child be part of the play.  As well, if you are interested in shadowing her this year to take on this initiative for next year, please let her know. Thank you!

Today we had our third Advent Assembly as we continue our journey to Christmas. Our Primary students once again taught us about some new important members of Jesus’ family. Great job, Primary students and teachers! Our Advent Assemblies are every Friday in December, beginning at 11:20am. Parents are welcome to join.

We are now accepting new applications for the 2024-25 school year.  Please get an application form from here or email the school office for one.  

Our Gr. 7 Student Ambassadors are available to provide tours of our school to prospective families. If you know of someone who might be interested in attending St. Jude School, I encourage you to tell them to sign up for a tour. Any interested family can email registrar@stjude.ca to schedule a tour.

A reminder to our families that our referral program is operational. Every student that is referred and enrolls in our school for the year results in a reward of $200 for the the referring family. 

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

St. Jude Parish Mass Times

Monday – Saturday: 9 am morning Masses
Novena Mass on Wednesdays: 7:30 pm.
Saturday anticipated Mass: 5 pm
Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm