The Patriot Report – February 16, 2024

“Imagine how less lonely the world would be if we knew and believed that we didn’t have to figure everything out by ourselves.”

– Monique Gray Smith

As Catholic Educators from across British Columbia attend the 44th Annual Catholic Educators Conference, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop led by the author Monique Gray Smith. At each conference I try to listen for a golden nugget of wisdom that I can take away with me. The above quote is one such golden nugget. 

Her quote speaks to the need for us to realize that we don’t have to have all the answers all the time. For me, I really began to reflect on how often I have fallen into that false belief that I have to have all the answers. Whether it is in my role as a principal or as a father or as a teacher, it can become very lonely when you think you have to have every answer, solve every problem, and somehow do it all by ourselves. I sometimes think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Or if I admit I don’t know, it will reflect poorly on me. 

Monique Gray Smith’s line reminds me that it is okay to not have all the answers and when I remind myself of that, I can breath more easily. If I am able to breath more easily, think of how much more important it is that our children need to know that they don’t have to figure it all out by themselves. 

I am absolutely thrilled that Ms. Smillie will be taking on the role of Principal of St. Jude School effective next school year. So many of the wonderful things that St. Jude School has been able to achieve during my time is due to the incredible people we have teaching and supporting students. Ms. Smillie has been instrumental to many of our positive changes and initiatives and I have every confidence that she will continue to make St. Jude School an amazing and faith-filled learning environment for your children. 

I hope you each can join me in congratulating Ms. Smillie on her new role at St. Jude School!

Thursday and Friday marked the annual CISVA Catholic Educators Conference. Your hard-working teachers have joined with teachers all over our fine system to collaborate with colleagues, listen to top-notch speakers, and learn more about their teaching vocation. This conference continues to be a highlight of our teachers’ year and they look forward to returning to school rejuvenated and ready to apply the lessons they have learned. 

This our school was blessed to celebrate two teachers who were awarded for their 25 years of service at this year’s Catholic Educators Conference, Mrs. Sonia DiFonzo and Mrs. Sue Ann Wong. Congratulations on your years of faithful service in Catholic Education–you have made our community very proud!

Sushi Moon (formerly Sushi Royal House) is now back as our hot lunch vendor.  They have completed their renovations, and menu and pricing will remain the same.  The next available date you can order for is March 5th, and orders need to be placed by 7am on Wednesday the week before. Please note that if your order had been cancelled due to their renovations earlier this year, you will need to re-order it for your child.   The upcoming Sushi Moon hot lunch  dates are March 5, April 2, 16, 30, May 14, 28, Jun 11 and 25.

To begin your order, please click here: https://munchalunch.com/login

In honor of Catholic Schools Week and the upcoming Catholic Educators Conference, Cambridge Uniforms is offering a 5% discount on uniforms starting Saturday, February 10, and ending on Sunday, February 18, 2024. 

The Grade 7 class is holding a hot lunch fundraiser on Monday, March 4.  Please support the grade 7 students and order a Happy Meal or large sandwich from McDonald’s.  

Happy Meals come with fries and a drink – choose from the following:

• Hamburger Happy Meal – $6
• Cheeseburger Happy Meal – $6.50
• 4 piece nugget Happy Meal – $6.75

Large sandwiches (no fries or drink) – choose from the following: 

• McChicken – $7
• Big Mac – $7.50
• 6 piece nuggets – $7.50
• Quarter pounder – $8.50
• Small fries – $4

Payment can be made via e-transfer to stjudegrad2024@gmail.com. Please indicate the student’s name and grade in the e-transfer.  Order deadline is Wednesday, February 28.

Please click on the link below to order.

https://forms.gle/y6QBz6UKn7yhbTqr8

Thank you for your support!

I am happy to report that work has begun to address the art supply room that was damaged by a pipe leak. The restoration and repairs needed are extensive and so it might be some time before the work is completed. We know that this work has caused changes in our operational procedures. Most notably, After School Club is now hosted in the cafeteria. Parents are reminded to pick their children up from the exterior door that faces the parking lot and is close to the retaining wall and the gas meter. Thank you for your cooperation. 

St. Jude Parish Mass Times
Monday – Saturday: 9 am morning Masses
Novena Mass on Wednesdays: 7:30 pm
Stations of the Cross on Fridays (followed by Mass): 7pm
Saturday anticipated Mass: 5 pm
Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm