The Patriot Report – May 27, 2022

“Each time a decision is made, even the smallest decision, my responsibility is to stand up and ask, How will it impact the land? How is it going to impact our food? How is it going to impact our water? How is it going to impact my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren: what’s the land going to look like in their time?” – Jeannette Armstrong, Syilx Okanagan author

There were many highlights this week: we had our Grade 7 Confirmation, Miss Smillie and I attended a workshop on Seeking Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation and on Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining Kindergarten on a field trip to Stanley Park. While on the field trip with Kindergarten, I was impressed by the First Nations Knowledge Keeper who lead the students through a guided walk of Stanley Park and shared her knowledge in a child-friendly way. She was so patient and so kind to our students. Her gentle approach spoke volumes to me about how we need to also take a gentle approach to the world around us. 

The overarching message I received that day was one of gratitude. We were given examples of how to be grateful for the gifts of the land and grateful for each other. She constantly gave thanks. By practicing gratitude, she was able to communicate to us that gratitude leads to respect and care for each other and all living creatures. Being grateful means taking what it is needed but also giving back. 

I am so glad I was able to join Kindergarten on this field trip. 

I am so thrilled to invite you to an afternoon of music performed by our students. For the past few weeks, students have been learning songs that fit with the theme of “Color the World with Song.” The kids are sounding better and better with each week. Due to limited space, we need parents to register for the concert by clicking here so that we are not over capacity. Admission is by donation and all funds will go towards the music department (instrument purchases). Admission will be based on the online registration and we are limiting capacity to 175 seats. 

Date and Time of Performance: June 9 at 1:30pm

Location: St. Jude School Gym

Cost: By donation (all proceeds will go to the music department)

Students will wear their “costumes” for both the dress rehearsal and the performance. The dress rehearsal is on Wednesday, June 8th. 

• • • • Kindergarten: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a COLOURFUL top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)
      • Grade 1: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a PURPLE OR PINK top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)
      • Grade 2: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a YELLOW OR ORANGE top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)
      • Grade 3: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a GREEN top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)
      • Grade 4: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a BLUE top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)
      • Grade 5: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a COLOURFUL top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)
      • Grade 6: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a RED top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)
      • Grade 7: denim (jean) or black pants or skirts AND a WHITE OR BLACK top with NO print and NO images (solid colours)

Mrs. McKenzie has found a CISVA school that will allow for a shorter commute time and so we say goodbye. Mrs. McKenzie has brought expertise and passion to our learning support these past two years. Mrs. McKenzie will be missed! We are grateful for all of her contributions and we wish her every future success.

Miss Mattarollo has been accepted into the Professional Development Program for Teachers at Simon Fraser University. I have every confidence that Miss Mattarollo will make an excellent teacher. She has been a wonderful addition to our school this past year and while we are sad to see her go we are thrilled that she is pursuing a career in education.

Miss Munro had joined us on a short term contract and she has worked hard supporting our students. She has also been a regular fixture at our After School Club, helping out there until 4:30pm each day. We thank Miss Munro for her time and we wish her every success. 

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 No items 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 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