The Patriot Report – March 4, 2022

“There are many emotions when you come up short of your goal. And they are all part of learning and growing in this journey of life. Learning turns everything into a positive. And the number one feeling I have had… is gratitude.” – Tom Brady

What Tom Brady said after losing the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles rings true. Our Gr. 7 Boys Basketball team came up short of its goal. I do not believe many of us got much sleep as we replayed the game in our heads and having a hard time accepting the outcome. There are many emotions that swirl about and indeed there are powerful lessons to be learned. 

The message of gratitude in the face of defeat is so important. In reflecting on this, I am grateful for:

• having a group of boys that supported each other
• coaching a team that was always willing to work hard
• for parents that supported what we were trying to achieve
• for the shared moments of joy the season brought
• for the many plays that exemplified hard work and sacrifice
• for the help I received from Ms. Goh in organizing permissions
• for the help from Mr. Mow and Mr. Campanile in refereeing 
• for the help from Mrs. McKenzie in supervising the team when I was unable to
• for the coaching of Mr. Velasquez, without whom, our teams would not be the same
• for the boys who have spent hours and hours working to always improve
• for the opportunity to share in the journey with the team
• for the bonds that sports brings

The lesson of gratitude is an important one and it is applicable to more than just sports. The other day, after Rugby, my 8 year old son asked me about the Ukraine and why war was happening and if war could come to Canada. The fact that an 8 year old is having such thoughts saddens me and struck me to the core. Being in the car, there was no escape from such a tough and difficult question. So what did I say?

I told him that it is hard to understand why humans fight and why countries go to war. I told him that evil is hard to understand. I then told him that what we need to do is pray for the people and to give thanks to the Lord. We pray for the people of Ukraine and we pray for the many Russians that are equally opposed to this war. We pray for a peaceful resolution. And we give thanks that we live such a blessed life. Prayer and thanksgiving is our roadmap in such times. My son seemed to understand that and as we drove in silence the rest of the way home, I said a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God for all that I have been blessed with. 

Our Gr. 7 Boys Basketball Team were CISVA finalists for Boys Basketball. The team is to be congratulated on an excellent season and I am so very proud of them. They represented our school so well and battled hard to the last moments. Congratulations!

Kindergarten students celebrated 100 days at St. Jude School on March 3, 2022. Students celebrated the day and completed creative projects showing 100 items. Congrats to our Kindergarteners!

The Ministry of Health is providing a box of 5 rapid tests for every student.  This was sent home with each student today.  This tests should only be used when students are feeling unwell and are unsure about their Covid-19 status.  You do not need to report the results to the school.  

We currently have no stock available for sale in our Consignment.

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 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