The Patrioteer – October 18, 2024

Today is the feast day of St. Luke, a gospel writer and patron saint of artists and physicians. St. Luke is often portrayed with an ox due to the fact that this animal was used in sacrifice, a prominent theme in the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of Luke is a beautifully written account of the life of Jesus that provides many singular miracles and parables not found in other accounts. For example, the Gospel of Luke is where we receive the poetically written Canticle of Mary. Just look at this excerpt:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed…” (Luke 1:46-48)

Reading Luke’s Gospel gives us a special insight into the life of Jesus and into the nature of God. It is a good reminder that the Bible can teach us much about Jesus as an historical narrative, but also the words have endured the testament of time because the lessons contained within have eternal meanings and can be a source of beauty. We can learn much from St. Luke’s life and from his skill as a writer, for example, the importance of showing truth, beauty, and goodness through our writing, so as to point to the eternal Creator. 

St. Luke and St. Jude, pray for us! 

Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up on Thursday, October 24th. The purpose of Parent Teacher Interviews is for the teacher and the parent/guardian(s) to discuss the child’s behaviour, habits, attitude, and performance. The conversations are to focus on goals for the child and the strategies to implement at home and at school so that greater learning can happen. It is also an opportunity to raise and address concerns. It is not an opportunity to discuss other children or other teachers.

There will be no school on this day, and we do not recommend that children attend the interview.

To book your time slot, please visit this link: https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/bmrrc

Alternatively, you can go to: www.schoolinterviews.ca
Event code: bmrrc

If none of the posted times work, please email your child’s teacher to set up an alternate time to meet.

We are excited to welcome kindergarten sibling registration for children born in 2020, turning 5 in 2025. These children will begin kindergarten in September 2025.  Please pre-register by completing a google form found here:  https://forms.gle/6JxxNYkuWZV2pZGJ9

Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!Battery Blitz School Mission Contest

On October 22 at 10:30am, the school welcomes the Earth Rangers into our school for an exciting presentation! 

Excerpt from the Earth Rangers Website: 

The Earth Rangers School Assembly is an inspiring, interactive presentation featuring live animals, games and trivia, captivating video content, and two enthusiastic educators who not only teach kids about the environmental issues our planet is facing, but empower them to take action. Our assembly is reinvented every year so it is always fresh, with the most up-to-date science and real-life work conservationists are doing in the field.

This week our Grade Five Girls Volleyball team had a game against St. Mary’s in our gym. The girl’s showed great sportsmanship and skill. They won their match and are looking to represent St. Jude in playoffs coming up soon! 

Thank you to Mr. Campanile and Mr. English for coaching!

This week our students got a lesson in civic duty! Grade 6 helped lead our school in holding a mock vote to learn about how our Canadian government leaders are chosen. The students were able to participate in this fun exercise through “Student Vote” an initiative supported by Elections BC. 

Thank you to Ms. Corea for leading this important initiative at our school! 

With Halloween fast approaching, St. Jude School will allow students to dress in costumes on Thursday, October 31, 2023.

Please ensure that your child’s costume is appropriate and suitable for our Catholic school community. Those who dress as Saints or Biblical Characters will receive special prizes!

Students are not permitted to wear the following:
● Any costume that covers the face. Staff members must be able to identify
students.
● Costumes that are provocative, revealing, sexual in nature, or employ questionable props, including fake weapons.
● Costumes that depict violence, alcohol, or drugs.
● Costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype of someone’s culture, gender, heritage, age, sexual orientation or religion.
● Costumes that mimic or imitate another person or group of people in our community.

Students who choose to not be in costume are to be in their school uniform.

There will be a parish mission and mass during the 9 days leading up to October 28th, St. Jude feast day.  Weekday evening mass will be held at 7pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and at 7:30pm on Wednesday. On Monday, Oct 28th, mass will be at 7pm followed by a procession and light refreshments at the entrance of the church.  

St. Jude’s Parish is having a Christmas Gala Dinner and Dance Fundraiser on Thursday, November 28th at the Italian Cultural Centre.  Come and enjoy a night of good food and community.  Tickets are $100 each and will be sold after all the weekend masses at the back of the church.   

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