The Patriot Report – November 24, 2023

“Diversity in all its forms is the path of greatness.” – James D Wilson

On Wednesday, I had the privilege to attend the Federation of Independent Schools Association AGM and Board of Directors meeting. As is customary, one of the association representatives gives words of inspiration. In this case, it was the Director of the Society of Christian Schools of British Columbia, Dave Loewen. He spoke of the importance of being connected to diverse groups and how this proximity to others affords him the ability to better appreciate those who are different from him.

When we make an effort to connect to those who are different from us, we gain better perspective and we become more understanding. We move into a space where racism and prejudice cannot be tolerated. When people ridicule a person from a particular minority, and you have friends and connections with that minority group, how can you sit in silence and not speak up about how such comments are wrong?

In a world that seems more divisive and more polarized, perhaps the solution is to get to know others who are different from us. By getting to know those who are different, who hold different ideas and perspectives, we might begin to see that they, like us, are human. They suffer as we suffer. They laugh as we laugh. They want a better future as we do. In seeing our shared humanity, we might just be able to build stronger communities.

Each year the Gr. 7 Class sells chocolates through Purdy’s. One of my favorites is Peanut Butter Fingers so I will be sure to get my order in. Those wanting to give the gift of chocolate will do well to support this fundraiser. See the image below to place your order today. 

Our Christmas Concert: “The Little Drummer Dude” will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

Matinee: 1:30PM Evening Show: 7pm

Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. 

We are now accepting new applications for the 2024-25 school year.  Please get an application form from here or email the school office for one.  

Cold and flu season is upon us and more and more students and teachers are being exposed to the numerous viruses that are traveling around. You can help stop the spread by helping your child follow good hygiene practices at home by washing their hands regularly and also by getting plenty of rest.   We will not be sending home work for sick children, their priority is to recover so that the school can remain a happy and healthy place. Anything your child misses can be made up when they are well enough to do so. If your child is sick please send an absence form into the office as soon as possible. This can be done online through our school website: https://stjude.ca/absentee-note/

Thank you and stay safe and healthy! 

As the days are getting colder, please prepare your child(ren) for outdoor recess by sending them to school with a warm jacket, toque, scarf, mittens, etc. 

Our Gr. 7 Student Ambassadors are available to provide tours of our school to prospective families. If you know of someone who might be interested in attending St. Jude School, I encourage you to tell them to sign up for a tour. Any interested family can email registrar@stjude.ca to schedule a tour.

A reminder to our families that our referral program is operational. Every student that is referred and enrolls in our school for the year results in a reward of $200 for the the referring family. 

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

Advent, the season leading up to Christmas and when we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus, will be soon upon us.  Each Friday, beginning December 1^st, we will have an Advent Assembly in the gym at 11:20am. Parents are welcome to join.

St. Jude’s parish needs students to participate in the St. Jude Christmas Pageant on December 24th!   Your child would be assigned a part (Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, angels, shepherds, 3 kings, etc.) and given a copy of the play so they can learn their lines (1-3 short lines typically).  Costumes will be provided.    Please bring your child at 4pm on the 24th so that they can get into costume and do a practice.  The pageant is approximately 15mins in length, followed  by Mass at 6pm.   Contact Carolyn Sussey at cglsussey@yahoo.com to have your child be part of the play by December 13th.  As well, if you are interested in shadowing her this year to take on this initiative for next year, please let her know. Thank you!

Please note that the After School Club will close early due to two school events in December.

December 20, 2023–closes at 4:30pm

December 22, 2023–closes at 3:00pm

St. Jude Parish Mass Times

Monday – Saturday: 9 am morning Masses
Novena Mass on Wednesdays: 7:30 pm.
Saturday anticipated Mass: 5 pm
Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm