The Patriot Report – February 21, 2020

The Playing Field of Grit

This week we explore the final concept of Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. When I came across Duckworth’s presentation of extracurricular activities as “the playing field of grit” I was immediately captivated and found myself agreeing with her explanations. She speaks of the fact that extracurricular activities such as basketball, swimming, playing an instrument, chess clubs, or any other activity, will often challenge students in demanding ways. Coaches will push their players to go beyond their present capabilities and these are all opportunities to develop grit. Learning to play an instrument is filled with initial challenge and many errors but if one persists with determination, success is often reached. In sports, competing against others presents all sorts of opportunities for developing grit. A player may have a bad game and must learn to overcome this in the next competition. A team may suffer a crushing defeat and must come together to improve.

What is fascinating is what the research shows about extracurricular participation. In essence, there are many benefits to participating in clubs, playing sports, or learning to play an instrument. Individuals who commit to an extracurricular activity over the long term (3 years or more) develop a host of skills and resiliency that will allow them to succeed in college and in other areas of life. Individuals who can remain in an extracurricular activity through the hardships and the failures will learn to overcome other such challenges that life will surely deliver. It is for these reasons why our Catholic school offers a range of extracurricular opportunities for children. 

All are welcome to attend our in house Speech Arts Finals.

Tues, Feb 25th  – Individual Speech Arts
10:45am – Primary Poetry, followed by Primary Bible Readings
1:00pm – Intermediate Poetry, followed by Intermediate Bible Readings

Thurs, Feb 27th –  Class Competitions begins at 9:15am

Come see the senior and junior orchestras perform at our 5th annual Winter Orchestra Concert. All are welcome. A reception will follow at 7:45 pm. The show starts at 7:00pm in the school gym.  

Student Led Conferences will be held on Fri, March 13th.  Regular classes are not in session on this day.  Students are to be in uniform when they come to the conference.  Please click here to book your appointment time.  

Burnaby Judo Club is pleased to offer an Intro to Judo Camp during the Spring Break at St. Jude School. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. This intro camp is only offered to students in Grades 1 to 4.   Come check it out.  Early Bird Pricing in effect. 

To register, click here or visit www.trackiereg.com/2020SpringCampStJude

When is the Camp?
Camp Week 1: March 16^th to March 20^th
Camp Week 2: March 23^rd to March 27^th

All camps run Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm in the school gym.

Come join Fr. John McCarthy and the parishioners of St. Jude Parish for three days of spiritual reflection, discussion, and prayer. Dates are March 2, 3, and 4. Begins with 7:00 pm Mass. All are welcome. 

The Gr. 7 Girls Basketball team took down St. Augustine’s Elementary and have now advanced to the Quarterfinals at the Richmond Oval. We are so very proud of their efforts and for representing our school! 

The Gr. 6 Boys Basketball team continued their winning ways and eliminated Blessed Sacrament Elementary from playoffs. The boys will now compete in the Quarterfinals at the Richmond Oval. Well done Boys! We know you will represent us well!

Kindergarten students have passed the 100 days of school mark! In celebration of reaching 100 days the students, along with their parents, complete 100 days projects. The display of student work has captured the attention of many as they walk the hallway. Below are two of the projects on display.