The Patriot Report – October 1

“I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.” – Chief Bob Joseph

Yesterday was the first National day for Truth and Reconciliation. My wife and I felt that it was really important to bring ourselves and our children, rain or shine, to listen to First Nations Elders and in particular Phyllis Webstad for this important day. We felt that we needed to teach our children that this day is not a holiday like summer vacation, but rather is a day to learn about First Nations and listen to them. 

As a parent, I could not have been more proud of my children who listened to the speakers. We were there for almost 3 hours and it rained off and on the entire time. At times, I wondered if they were actually listening. After the event we went out to eat something but on the way we each shared what we thought and what we felt. We all appreciated the drums and there is something special about feeling the power of the drums. My eldest son talked about how one of the Chiefs spoke about how this day is not a holiday and that he thought that was important. My daughter said she liked the drums but that they were too loud. I am not so sure how much of the talks she was able to understand. My middle child said he thought it was sad that Phyllis had her orange shirt taken from her. 

For myself, there was much to learn. It was a day that I will always remember. I was moved by the stories of the elders and I could not imagine the hardships they must have endured as a result of the Indian Act and the Indian Residential School system. But I was also struck by the joy as well. Each speaker made people laugh too. Each speaker spoke of gratitude and praised us for attending. Each speaker spoke of moving forward together. I was impressed by one speaker who used the rain as a metaphor for cleansing and felt it was perfect weather for the event. 

As Chief Bob Joseph reminds we cannot just talk about the past, about the injustices, about the importance of truth, about the importance of reconciliation. We need to allow our hearts and minds to be transformed. We need to listen to the First Nations Elders. We need to teach ourselves and our children about this history. We need to model for our children that respect for others must always be at the forefront. That is what is most important; we must live the Gospel values of love, kindness, care, respect, and forgiveness. If we do not then nothing will come of all this talk. 

The PHO and the Ministry of Education announced today, October 1st, that all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will be expected to wear masks at school while indoors. This order comes into effect for Monday October 4th, 2021. 

Please ensure your child knows how to put on their own mask and review with them how to take it off. Teachers are not expected to put masks on students. Students must be independent. If your child has difficulty with masks or cannot wear a mask for health or behavioral reasons please contact your child’s teacher. Students will not be expected to wear masks while in PE or while eating or drinking. 

I thank everyone in our school community for cooperating with our Covid 19 protocols. 

The PSG is looking for new members!  To know more about what we do, please visit our web page here: https://stjude.ca/parent-support-group/. 

Contact info:  Anthonette Imperial,  psg@stjude.ca.

The following items are part of the Patriots Spirit Wear:

• current PE strip (shirt and shorts)
• Patriots hoodie
• Patriots sweatshirt  
• Patriots sweatpants
• Patriots long sleeve warm up shirt
• 2021 Walkathon Shirt

Update – we are working with Cambridge Uniforms however there are items that are currently hard to find due to supply line challenges caused by the Covid19 Pandemic. I appreciate your patience and we will let you know when ordering will happen. Stay tuned. 

The gray Patriot’s Gear is available for order.  Please click here to order.  

A valid Criminal Record Check (CRC) must be on file for parents who will be volunteering in our school in any of these parent participation categories:  

• Library
• Coaching Assistance / Refereeing / Extra-Curricular
• Playground / Parking Lot Supervision
• Hot Lunch helper
• Classroom / Office helper

For existing families:  the office will email you if your CRC is expiring or expired.  

New families:  If 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

We currently have the following items available for sale in our Consignment:

3 – Girls Tunic – size 5 – $10 each

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