The Patriot Report – September 30, 2022

There are many possible topics to reflect upon this week as there have been numerous highlights. Grades 3 to 7 students experienced the Kairos Blanket exercise, led by Tsleil-Waututh Elder Sam George as part of our school’s commitment to Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation. In addition, these past three days, the grade 7s have been on their outdoor education experience at Camp Elphinstone on the Sunshine Coast. The lessons of outdoor education are indeed many as are the highlights. This year was made all the more special due to many of the students being able to see orcas swim past the camp. However, it is a particular image of trees growing out of a fallen tree in the forest that I find myself continually reflecting on.

In the image, shared below, you can make out an old growth tree that fell to the ground a long time ago. Shooting up from that fallen tree are younger trees and other plants. The old tree has quite literally become the foundation for the newer trees. As its body decays, the new trees are given nutrients so that they can thrive. Is this not what happens within our own families?

The elders in our families provide the foundation for the younger generation. The younger generation thrives when they establish their roots in the traditions and teachings of the family. And this speaks to why the mission of Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation is so important. What Residential Schools did was uproot the young from their families. They severed the connections and the roots of the family unit. This caused generational scarring and trauma.

The path to healing is found in the strengthening of family and in creating societies that value the wisdom and teachings of its elders. We need to be like the young trees of the forest and establish our roots in the fertile soil of family.

Register here: https://vancouverelitebasketball.com/

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

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!

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.