The Patriot Report – May 20, 2022

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14.26

The Grade 7 students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday, May 24 and so I think it is fitting to reflect on how the Holy Spirit has worked in my own life. Perhaps, you might be able to reflect on how the Holy Spirit has worked in your own life as well. 

I selected the above quote from the Gospel of John because of the final part that explains that part of the role of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of Jesus has taught us. Perhaps one of the stories that illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in my life is how I came to work at St. Jude School. 

Prior to coming to St. Jude School I was working at St. James and St. Ann’s School in Abbotsford. I enjoyed working in the Fraser Valley and saw myself working in that area for a long time. In 2017-18, I was unexpectedly made Acting Principal and suddenly found myself in a role that I didn’t really want to have. I had always imagined being a principal much later in my career. But we are called into new challenges often when we are not ready. But through the grace of God, we are given the graces to be able to the work. As I navigated that first year as Acting Principal, I came to realize that I enjoyed the job of administration and wanted to stay as principal at St. James and St. Ann’s. However, that was not to be the case as the previous principal was returning from her leave. I did not know what my future held and then I was asked if I would want to apply for a principalship at St. Jude School. 

Truth be told, I did not know where St. Jude School was. I had to do some googling and phone other principals to learn about this school. Finding out it was in Vancouver came as a bit of a shock as I live in Maple Ridge. But again I felt the call of the Lord and decided to apply and interview. We all know how that worked out. I share this because I did not imagine that I would be principal of a Vancouver based Catholic school. I did not know how much I would come to enjoy working at St. Jude School. And this leads me to the central message of the Holy Spirit as presented to us in scripture. 

In Jeremiah 29:11 we are told, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” My own personal journey to St. Jude School reminds me that God has a plan and I just have to learn to listen through prayer so that I can let God’s plan unfold in my life. My favourite prayer is often quite short and it is, “Lord use me as you see fit. Help me be who you need me to be.” To believe in the Holy Spirit, is to trust that God has a plan for us. The Holy Spirit reminded me to trust in God’s plan.

My hope and prayer for our Gr. 7 students is that they too will trust in the plan that God has for them. May they learn to discern and reflect on what God is calling them to do. May the Holy Spirit be their guide along their journey. 

Mrs. Dolores Collins will be leaving St. Jude School at the end of this school year as she looks to embark on a new adventure at St. Mary’s School. Mrs. Collins will be greatly missed. She has been instrumental in shaping our reading instruction program and in leading our school in music. Over the years, I have come to really value Mrs. Collins’ dedication and commitment to our students. She truly cares about each child she works with and I know that St. Mary’s School is excited to welcome her into their community. We wish Mrs. Collins every success and blessing. She will be missed!

St. Jude School has hired Mrs. Marissa de Sousa as our Music teacher. Mrs. de Sousa will teach music Monday to Wednesday at St. Jude School. She comes to us from St. Kateri School in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and has over 10 years experience of teaching elementary school music. We are excited to welcome Mrs. de Sousa into our school community and I know we will benefit from all her experience. 

We need all students to return their pledge sheets and all money to be handed in so that we can have an official count. All pledges and pledge sheets are due by May 25, 2022. We need time to count and double count all pledges before our year end financial audit. On behalf of the school I thank you for your support!

Students in Kindergarten through to Grade 7 have learned about different Artists and have created works in the style of those artists. Walking through our hallway is like walking through an Art Gallery right now. If you would like to see the works of art, feel free to come on by and take a look after school one day this week. Just be sure to notify us first before wandering the hallway. I am most impressed by the artistic skills of some of our students. Absolutely incredible!

Cambridge Uniforms is offering a 5% discount on online sales from May 01 – May 21.  If you wait until June or later to order your uniform, you will not get it in time for September. 

Please click here to be directed to their website.  

Please note the following change for 2022-23:

St. Jude School has partnered with Cambridge Uniforms to offer a Girls Pant option as part of our regular student uniform. Boys and Girls Pants must come from Cambridge Uniforms (no substitutes allowed – i.e. Old Navy, WalMart, etc). Wearing a uniform is a symbol of school community and school pride. If you are in need of financial support due to the cost of the uniform please reach out to Mr. van der Pauw at cvanderpauw@stjude.ca

St. Jude School is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Pui Ying Schools (http://www.puiyingcentre.org) to offer after school Beginners Mandarin Language instruction to students. Only students who are registered with St. Jude School will be able to register for programming at our school. 

Cost: $300 (tax and course material included) per term

Starts: September (Mondays 3:15 – 5:15) – starting September 12, 2022 – 15 week term

Location: In person at St. Jude School – classroom TBD

Requirements:  This is open to all St. Jude School students regardless of age. We have more than 8 students signed up so these classes will start come September.

How to register: 

Email: edu@puiying.org

Attention: Ms. Nellie Chan

Send the following information to edu@puiying.org:

Ref.: SJES
Name of Student:
Date of Birth:
Course to register: Cantonese / Mandarin
Level to register: Beginners Level 1
Name of Parent / Guardian:
Day time Contact number:
Email:

This past year we handed out $1200 in rewards to parents that referred students to our school. Every student that is referred and enrolls in our school for the year results in a reward of $200 for the the referring family. 

We currently have spots available in Kindergarten, Gr. 1, Gr. 2, Gr. 3, Gr. 4, and Gr. 6. 

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

Volunteer Policy

Under the Criminal Records Review Act, anyone who works with children or who has unsupervised access to children must submit to a Criminal Record Check (CRC).  The act helps protect children from individuals whose criminal record indicates they pose a risk of physical or sexual abuse.  

Based on the current programs offered at St. Jude School, this policy is applicable to the following volunteer opportunities and parent participation categories:

• Library
• Parent Supervisors for Field Trips
• Coaching Assistance / Refereeing / Extra-Curricular
• Playground / Parking Lot Supervision
• Hot Lunch helper
• Classroom / Office helper

If you plan to volunteer for the school in the capacities outlined above or your parent participation involves any of the above, you will need to complete a Criminal Record Check as soon as possible.  This check is free and can be completed online. Simply click on the link below and follow the on-screen instructions. You will need to enter the Access Code to be identified as a volunteer at St. Jude School.

Online Link: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck

Access Code: KVLB9GCYEW

If you are not able to complete the form online, please email the school office for an appointment, bring your picture ID and we will assist you at the office.

St. Jude School acknowledges that there will be no disclosure of personal information to unauthorized personnel or third parties who are not directly involved in school management or the care, supervision and instruction of your child(ren) at this school, unless written authorization from a parent or legal guardian is provided to the school.  The school will securely store all electronic and hard copy parent and student personal information.

We currently have several items available for sale in our Consignment (please email if you would like to purchase – first to respond will be given the option to buy):

School Kilt – Size 8 – $20

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 or Ms. Goh at the Office if you would like an item to be sold or to purchase an item. 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