The Patriot Report – September 23, 2022

“It has become an accepted tenet that kids will rarely listen to their parents but seldom fail to imitate them. Communicating the message has never been a good substitute for ‘showing up’ and embodying the message.” – Fr. Greg Boyle

Fr. Greg Boyle, Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, is one of my personal heroes. Select any one of his books or watch one of his talks on YouTube and I think you will find him as insightful as I do. I have had the distinct pleasure of listening to him in person at multiple religious education conferences that I have attended over the years and each time I always feel motivated to try to do better. 

As parents, we are always wanting what is better for our children. However, I find myself reflecting on what kind of better am I wanting for my children. Better home? Better salary? Better grades? Better lifestyle? I acknowledge wholeheartedly that I want those things for my children. I do want them to be able to live well and not have to live in poverty. But, the type of better that matters most to me is that they have a better way of seeing the world than I do. 

To achieve that, I need to listen to Fr. Greg Boyle and model the way for them. If I want my children to grow up seeing the world as a place to be protected and cared for then it starts with my wife and I modelling practices that show we care about the environment. If I want my children to see that there is beauty and strength in diversity then they must see in my actions that I value and respect everyone I encounter. If I want my children to know that hard work is central to any kind of success then I should be a model of hard work. If I want my children to know that love of others, to truly want what is best for another, is the central message of the Gospels then I best be practicing this regularly. 

And this is why parenting is hard work. We are constantly “on” and in each moment we are modelling for our children the type of person we want them to become. As daunting as this may sound, it is also pretty incredible. Within each of our spheres of influence we have the power to shape the future generation. So let us ask for the grace to always model for our children the way to a better life. 

On Friday, September 30, 2022, all CISVA schools and public schools will be closed for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On Monday, September 26, we will start our week with an Assembly speaking to the theme of Seeking Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation. We have also invited Sam George and Samson George of the Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation to come and lead sessions with our Grade 3 to 7 students in which they will explore in a child friendly manner, the history of this land and of residential schools. On Friday September 30, I encourage parents to seek out some of the events that are happening in the Lower Mainland to honor this day. You can check out some of the links below for events:

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/national-truth-reconciliation-day-events-metro-vancouver

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center

https://www.frisociety.ca/orange-shirt-day

Healing Walk

Thank you to all the parents that came out yesterday for our Meet the Teacher evening. It was great to see so many parents out yesterday and to gather as a community. Special thank you to Uli and Jocelyn Laue, and Tristan and Yvette Sze for their work in setting up the coffee, tea, and desserts. 

Vancouver Elite Basketball is led and coached by Miss Handy, our own Gr. 2 Teacher. Miss Handy is a former NCAA Division 1 player. She will be joined by retired Professional Basketball Player, Canadian National Team Member and former NCAA Division 1 player Drew Urquhart. 

The purpose of Vancouver Elite Basketball is to train and develop players so that they can excel in the sport of basketball. St. Jude School students will have early access to sign up for Vancouver Elite Basketball. On September 30, 2022 be sure to register before registration opens to athletes outside of St. Jude School. 

Training is for boys and girls and ranges from grades 2 to 12. Athletes will be separated in groups of Gr. 2-4 (co-ed), 5-7, 8-9, 10-12.
Times are between the hours of 5:30-7:30PM Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or 10:00AM-12:00PM on Saturday.

All practice sessions take place at St. Jude School. 

For more information please email drew@vancouverelitebasketball.com

If you are using the drop off lane in the morning I ask that you make sure your children all exit the vehicle from the passenger side. When children exit from the drivers side it presents a real danger to their safety as cars may be driving past them in close proximity. This means that in cars, SUVs, and trucks, your children will have to all exit from the same passenger side door. While it may take slightly longer, safety of our children is our number one priority. Thank you for your cooperation. Please remember that parking in the drop off lane is not permitted as it disrupts the flow of traffic.

Last year we collected close to $3000 for charity. We sent $2500 to the Archbishop’s Charities in RCAV and the rest went to Covenant House.  This year we kindly ask that you once again support our Charity initiatives as we will be supporting the Archbishop’s Charities and Covenant House. On October 17, 2022, we will do an EFT withdrawal for $20 per family for all of our Care Days throughout the school year. If you wish to opt out of the donation, please email Kim Pham at bookkeeper@stjude.ca

Thank you for once again supporting local and important charities!

The Grade 7 Class will be embarking on their Outdoor Education experience starting Wednesday, September 28 and returning to the school on Friday, September 30. This year we are happy to be returning to Camp Elphinstone located just outside of Gibsons, BC. We will be sure to take lots of pictures and we will share them in future newsletters as students always look forward to this trip. Accompanying the Gr. 7 class will be Mr. Mow, Miss Smillie, Miss Handy, Mr. van der Pauw, and Fr. Jun. 

We have some extra cardboard moving boxes from U-Haul in sizes large, medium, and small in the downstairs space of the school. If you are in need of some boxes feel free to approach the teacher on duty before school starts or immediately after school has ended. Boxes are free and first come, first serve. 

Thank you! 

1. Please update the office on any changes to address or telephone by email office@stjude.ca
2. Please use the drop off lane in the parking lot, instead of dropping off on 15th ave
3. Please inform the office of sickness, early pick ups or planned absences, email is the preferred method 
4. Please do not linger in the foyer, we need to keep the area clear as it is a fire exit

Parents are reminded to sign up for the After School Club through our website: https://stjude.ca/after-school-club/ 

Please note that there has been a very small price increase. You can read more below. 

Description of Club: Will run daily Monday-Friday 3:00-6:00 p.m. It will also be in operation from 12 noon to 6 PM on Curriculum Planning (early dismissal) days. It will not operate on professional or conference days or holidays. Students will engage in games, arts and crafts, reading/homework, and outdoor play.

Cost per child is $13.00/day or $55.00/week on regular school days. If the child is picked up before 4:00 pm it will be $6.50. On early dismissal (12 Noon) days the cost will be $25 to 6:00 pm or $13 if the child is picked up before 3 pm. (Those who are attending the whole week and paying $55 a week will not be charged extra for early dismissal days).

I would like to remind families of the following uniform rules:

1. Our uniform policy is found online in the parent handbook.
2. Summer Uniform can be worn from now until Thanksgiving.
3. Polo Shirts are to be St. Jude School polo shirts purchased through Cambridge Uniforms.
4. Cambridge is offering a pants option for girls and this must be purchased through Cambridge Uniforms.
5. All sweaters must be up to date (St. Jude Crest on the sweater). Sweater vests or cardigans are a part of our school mass attire.
6. Black shoes are required for indoor shoes – if you would like clarification on shoes please see your classroom teacher or the principal.
7. Every Friday is Patriots Spirit Wear: (students are not allowed to wear items that are not school issued).
   • PE strip is a part of Patriots Spirit Wear.
   • Patriots hoodies, sweatpants, and long sleeve warm ups.
   • Walkathon shirts.

Please subscribe to our school calendar for a list of important dates. 

To subscribe to our calendar feed copy the link below and paste it into your calendar app:
https://stjude.ca/events/?ical=1&tribe_display=month

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, and Gr. 2. 

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