The Patriot Report – June 14th, 2019

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Notre Dame Grad Mass as the representative of St. Jude School. I saw some familiar faces in the grads who have been at our school volunteering and I certainly wish to extend my congratulations to them. What struck me about the mass, was Fr. Richard’s homily. He challenged the grads and everyone listening, that “we must not let the world transform us but rather we transform the world.” He spoke about how we can go about transforming the world and he emphasized the importance of love for others, of care and respect for all of God’s creation, and through living the Christian values instead of just talking about them. It was an inspiring homily. At St. Jude School may we work to transform the world we live in by always extending charity, respect, and kindness to each individual we encounter. 

One of our parents in our community generously donated money needed to purchase and install a modern water refill station. This kind donation has improved our school environment and our students were certainly excited to see the upgrade. On behalf of St. Jude School and all its thirsty staff and students I extend my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to our generous family. 

Please note the following: 
Cambridge Uniforms is NOT coming on site for the Focus Week. They are requesting that parents book online for fittings during that week. Any purchases made online or in-store will save the GST. 

To make an in store fitting appointment: CLICK HERE
To see the Cambridge flyer: CLICK HERE
To see the price list: CLICK HERE
Our Online Code: TPA859

Yesterday a note and order form went home for the yearbook. This year we moved away from using our photocopier in order to produce a much higher quality product. By selecting an online publishing company we are able to offer you a product that will capture the 2018-19 school year. With an increase in quality came an increase in cost. If you did not receive an order form please CLICK HERE. 

We are moving our Learning Resources department upstairs and consequently our computer lab and library will be moving downstairs. This is a big undertaking but a worthwhile one. We need your help! If you can bring boxes to our library we would appreciate it. If you are available to assist with moving in the last week of school please reach out to us. 

Yesterday a note went home to students asking for their assistance with singing at the Gr. 7 Farewell Mass. The mass starts at 3:30 pm and students can be picked up at 4:20 pm. Your support is appreciated.  

The Grade 7 Promotion Ceremony takes place on Thursday, June 20th starting at 3:30pm with Mass. This is a half day for Gr. 7 ONLY. It is a Care Day and as such non-uniform. For grades K to 6 the day will be a 8:45 am – 3:00 pm school day. 

Step Up Day is on June 24 in the afternoon. It will start at 1:00 pm and will go to 2:30 pm, after which students will return to their classes. Students who are not returning to our school for 2019-2020 can either be picked up at 1:00 pm or they can attend the Step Up Day activities. The purpose of Step Up Day is to allow for students to meet their teacher for the next school year. Miss Handy, who is still in Ontario, will not be able to make it for Step Up Day. 

On Tuesday, June 25, at 9:00 am, we will be having our Recognition Assembly. The purpose of the assembly is to recognize the students for their achievements throughout the year. 

On Wednesday, June 26, the students will be cleaning their desks and classroom. Some classes may have already begun this process. All supplies and personal belongings will go home with the student that day. Please ensure your child comes to school with a mostly empty backpack and send along a large reusable shopping bag so that they can bring home their belongings. 

If your child no longer needs or wants their used stationary items (pencils, pens, rulers, scissors, etc…), please consider bagging them in a ziploc bag and have your child drop the donation off in the Gr. 2 classroom.  These will be sent to students in need in third world countries. Please do not send in broken items.

We are nearing the end of the school year for participation hours. Emails are currently being sent out to families. If hours have not been met, participation cheques will be cashed on June 30, 2019. For more information please contact Ann Tang, the Parent Participation Coordinator ateparticipation@stjude.ca 

Please ensure you contact Ann Tang about your hours. It is the responsibility of parents who have opted into the Parent Participation program to ensure they complete their hours. If you do not complete your hours then cheques will be cashed. Ann Tang has reached out to parents via email so please look for the email in your inbox. If your email address has changed it is your responsibility to let Ann Tang know this by emailing her. 

Our PEC members have been voted in by acclamation for the 2019-2020 school year. Our PEC for 2019-2020 is:
Richelle Akol 
Anita Hua
Leah Wong
Ann Tang
Desiree Suganob
Maria Paredes

A special thank-you to Ruby Villamin for her hard work on the PEC for the last few years.

 St. Jude School Drama students performed Wonder Comics on Wednesday June 13. The students did a wonderful job. Many laughs were shared and the students enjoyed the performance. A lot of hard work and time is spent in making a drama production a reality. On behalf of the school I would like to congratulate the performers on a job well done. I would also like to thank the parents and the teachers that helped with the play. Most especially, I would like to thank Mrs. Collins and Miss Smillie who directed the play.

Students from Gr. 2 and Gr.3 participated in a hands on field trip to the Fraser River Discovery Center in New Westminster. The students learned about habitats, fish, and participated in numerous activities that sparked learning. 

By all accounts Sports Day was a fun and joyous day. Students were seen smiling and laughing throughout. Staff were also getting into the spirit of the day as evidenced by Miss Sheehan! I wish to thank the Gr. 7 students, the teachers, and Mr. Campanile for organizing this day. Also a big thanks to all the parents who came out in support of the day.