The Patriot Report – October 15

“…find grace to help in a time of need.” (Hebrews 4.16)

One way to access the Sacred Scripture is through a process called Lectio Divina. It is a method of reading scripture multiple times, zeroing in on a word or phrase that catches your attention and then to reflect on that word or phrase and what God might be communicating through it. I sometimes do this for the upcoming Sunday mass and without fail, I tend to find something that connects to my life. 

In Hebrews 4.14-16, the Second Reading for this Sunday’s liturgy, the author addresses the faithful and points to importance of having a merciful and understanding God. The author explains that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because Jesus became fully human. While Jesus was fully human, he experienced the temptations of sin as told in the Gospels. While Jesus overcame temptation, remaining free from sin, he certainly understood the power of temptation. While Jesus experienced temptations, he also experienced many of the same human emotions we have. He cried upon hearing the death of his friend Lazarus. He felt betrayed by those close to him. He felt anger in the temple. He felt empathy for the sick and the poor. Knowing the humanity of Jesus is as important as knowing the divinity of Jesus. 

By understanding the humanity of Jesus and knowing that he was tested, Hebrews 4.16 encourages us to “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive the mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We need to be bold in our faith and bold in our prayers. We need to ask God for help and for mercy. We need not shy away and try to do all of this on our own. For Jesus understands how hard life is and the burdens we carry. This is why he said “come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11.28).  Be bold and ask the Lord for help in times of need. 

On October 21, 2021, we will have our annual Parent Teacher Interviews. This year we will offer in-person and virtual options. If you are attending in person we ask that you take all steps to protect yourself and our staff from Covid19 including: wearing a mask, ensuring you are symptom free, and getting your Covid19 vaccinations. If you prefer a virtual option via Zoom, our teachers will send out a Zoom link to you with the time you signed up for. 

The length of the interview is 10 minutes. The purpose is to give parents a snapshot of how your child has started off the year and to provide one or two suggestions to support learning at home. Parents are also encouraged to ask questions or to bring forward any needs. This is not a space for lengthy discussions. If you feel that 10 minutes is insufficient, we ask that you make arrangements to speak at another time. Furthermore, if you do meet with your child’s teacher between now and October 21, you do not need to sign up for an interview time. 

To sign up for an interview time slot please click here. 

We are excited to welcome kindergarten sibling registration for children born in 2017, turning 5 in 2022. These children will begin kindergarten in September, 2022.  We ask that you complete this form to hold a spot for the sibling.  

A couple of items I would like to bring to your attention:

1. There have been reports of parents rushing in the parking lot and getting frustrated with other parents. I remind you that drop off and pick up takes time and that each parent is to respect other parents. This means that it is not appropriate to try to rush parents along or express your frustrations outwardly.
2. The parking spaces by the Parish Rectory (these are the parking spots that are directly in front of the pastor’s residence and the parish office) are reserved for the parish and are not to be used during morning drop off or after school pick up. The parish needs these parking spaces for their guests, their functions, and their employees. Please do not park there. 
3. The drop off lane is not for parking. Parents using the drop off lane are to be quick and should not be leaving their car. The students should be able to independently get out of the car. On the rare occasion a parent may have to help with a jammed seatbelt or car door, but this should be the exception and not the norm. 
4. The parking lot is not to be used as free parking for Skytrain. It is not permitted that you park your car and then head off on Skytrain or other transit. The parking spaces are needed and sometimes we have funerals where each parking space is needed for the function. 

Thank you for your cooperation. 

The Grade 5 Girls played two exhibition games this week. The team won both their games against Holy Cross and Corpus Christi. Their serves were perfect, the games intense, and the team support of each other was amazing to watch. Thanks to all the parents who helped drive and waited so patiently in the pouring rain! Great job girls! 

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 continue to work 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. Updated as of October 15, 2021.

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